Easy 30-Min Air Fryer Beef Ribs Recipe You’ll Crave
These air fryer beef ribs are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious—ready in just 30 minutes! No grill or smoker needed, just bold BBQ flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for quick dinners or weekend cravings.
Equipment
- airfryer
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Pastry brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds of beef ribs—short ribs back ribs, or boneless all work great!
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard for coating
- 2 tbsp barbecue spice rub store-bought or homemade
- For the BBQ Rub if making at home:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional for glazing:
- ½ cup of barbecue sauce—use your favorite store-bought brand or go homemade for extra flavor!
Instructions
- Prep the Ribs: Peel off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure they cook up tender and flavorful.Pat ribs dry with a paper towel.
- Season the Ribs: Apply a thin layer of yellow mustard to the ribs to help the seasoning stick more effectively. Generously coat all sides with barbecue rub and massage into the meat.
- Cut to Fit: Cut the ribs into smaller sections if needed to fit them comfortably in your air fryer basket.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook the Ribs: Place ribs bone-side up in the basket (in a single layer). Cook at 380°F for 20 minutes.
- Add BBQ Sauce (Optional): Remove ribs, brush with barbecue sauce, increase temp to 390°F, and cook for another 5 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach 190°F internally for that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in all the juices. Serve with extra sauce if desired.
Notes
💡 Tips & Variations
- Let ribs sit at room temp for 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
- For boneless beef ribs, reduce cook time by 5 minutes.
- Try a second glaze layer for extra sticky ribs.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches to ensure even crisping and perfect results.
- With creamy coleslaw and cornbread
- Alongside baked beans or mac and cheese
- With roasted Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes or Breaded Broccoli
- On a BBQ platter with Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for variety
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag — keeps for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 325°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back juicy texture