Air Fryer Ribs

If there’s one thing I love, it’s being able to enjoy delicious barbecue without breaking a sweat in the summer heat. When the temperatures are soaring like they are in Pawhuska right now, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or fire up the grill. It's the air fryer to the rescue! These air fryer ribs are a total game-changer—they’re wonderfully tender, full of smoky flavor, and slathered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

Now, I’ll be honest—when I first heard you could make ribs in the air fryer, I was a little skeptical. But let me tell you, it works like a charm! The spice rub creates a gorgeous bark, and the high heat of the air fryer gives the ribs just the right amount of crispiness while locking in moisture. They cook up in just over 40 minutes, which means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time relaxing!

Do you need to wrap ribs in foil to cook them in an air fryer?

Nope, you don’t need to wrap the ribs in foil for this method. The air fryer does a great job keeping the ribs juicy all on its own. Its high heat and fast circulation cook the ribs evenly and help create that perfect outer texture without drying them out.

How long does it take to cook ribs in an air fryer?

If you're short on time but still craving that deep, smoky flavor, air fryer ribs are a great solution. From start to finish, they take only about an hour! Just season the ribs, air fry until tender, then slather on your favorite barbecue sauce and cook until perfectly caramelized. You end up with tender, flavorful ribs—no grill, oven, or smoker required.