The beauty of these air-fried barbequed beef ribs lies in the perfect balance of a smoky, spicy rub that complements the rich, beefy flavor of the ribs. The air fryer crisps the exterior, giving it a delightful char, while the inside remains tender and succulent. The final brush of barbeque sauce elevates the dish, providing a sticky, tangy glaze that clings to every bite, making these ribs a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a quick barbeque fix, these ribs deliver all the flavors of a traditional grill with the convenience of an air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 1 cup barbeque sauce (your favorite)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by rinsing the beef ribs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres better to the ribs.
- Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, chili powder, brown sugar, and mustard powder. Rub the olive oil all over the ribs, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the ribs overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the ribs cook evenly once they are placed in the basket.
- First Cook: Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the ribs for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Apply Barbeque Sauce: After 25 minutes, remove the ribs from the air fryer and generously brush them with your favorite barbeque sauce on both sides. The sauce will caramelize in the next cooking phase, giving the ribs a deliciously sticky glaze.
- Final Cook: Return the sauced ribs to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent the sauce from burning. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) and the meat is tender, with a slight char on the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
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Tips:
- For extra tenderness, you can steam the ribs in the air fryer using a bit of water or broth in the bottom of the basket during the first cooking phase.
- If you like a spicier kick, add a bit more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Serve these ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
