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Crispy Air Fryer Ribs Recipe with Brown Sugar BBQ Rub

Crispy Air Fryer Ribs

Baby-back pork ribs are coated with a smoky brown-sugar rub, air-fried until browned and tender, then brushed with BBQ sauce for a sticky, crisp finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 rack, about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds Baby-back pork ribs
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil or olive oil
Brown Sugar BBQ Rub
  • 2 tablespoons Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon, optional Chili powder or cayenne
Finishing Sauce
  • 1/2 cup, plus more for serving BBQ sauce

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs, then pat the rack dry with paper towels. Cut the rack into 2 or 3 sections so each piece fits comfortably in the air-fryer basket.
  2. Lightly coat both sides of the rib sections with oil. Stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional chili powder or cayenne, then press the mixture over every surface.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F or 380°F if the manufacturer recommends preheating. Arrange the ribs without stacking or overcrowding, using meat-side down or bone-side down according to the shape of the basket.
  4. Air-fry the ribs for about 15 minutes, then turn them over. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, starting to check around the 25-minute mark because rib thickness and air-fryer models vary.
  5. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Increase the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
  6. Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. Cut between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better seasoning penetration and a more pleasant texture. Apply sauce near the end so its sugar does not burn. Air-fryer models vary, so thicker ribs may need additional cooking time and smaller racks may finish sooner.