Who is crazy enough to cook beef back ribs in the air fryer? I am, and maybe you are, too! You can turn an ordinary rack of beef back ribs into an awesome flavor-bomb of BBQ rib goodness. The air fryer actually does a killer job at cooking ribs. These turned out tender, with just enough bite to them that they won’t fall apart in your hands. No need to heat up the oven or set up the smoker; you can get your BBQ fix quickly using your air fryer!

What are beef back ribs?

Beef back ribs are attached to the prime rib roast on the cow. When the butcher removes the prime rib, you are left with back ribs. The prime rib fetches top dollar so this can often mean that there is not a whole lot of meat left on the ribs, however, the meat between the bones is some very good eatin’ barbecue. You can often find a steal on back ribs since they are often very cheap.

How to choose the best beef back ribs

You probably will not have very much success purchasing your beef back ribs at any of the big chain grocery stores. These large grocery stores will invariably skimp you on the meat on back ribs, and there will often be divots cut out between each bone so they can maximize profits on the prime rib. For ultimate success in selecting your back ribs, go to your local butcher and ask them for some “heavy” beef back ribs. They will be much happier to help you find the meatiest back ribs that they have!

Tip: buy your beef back ribs from your local butcher. They can help you to select the ribs with the most meat.

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Ingredients for these air fryer ribs

We really do not need too many ingredients for some killer air fryer beef back ribs. I like to put a nice, heavy rub onto my ribs so that they develop a thick crust while cooking up. Then I slather on a thick coating of BBQ sauce, which is briefly cooked on the ribs until it forms a perfectly caramelized layer of barbecue goodness.

• Beef back ribs
• Kansas City style BBQ sauce
• Kosher salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

How to air fry beef back ribs

Step 1: mix the dry rub

Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Save this for later, we have to prepare the ribs before rubbing them down.

Step 2: prepare the ribs

Place the ribs bone side up on your cutting board. If your butcher didn’t remove the membrane, you will want to get rid of this tissue. If it isn’t removed, the ribs will be chewy. Use a paper towel to grab the membrane on one corner and slowly peel it away from the bones. It may come off in small pieces, but be sure it all comes off.

Step 3: rub the ribs

Sprinkle the dry rub over the ribs on all sides. Be sure it thoroughly coats the ribs. This will help the ribs to build up the crispy bark like you would expect to get if you were to cook these ribs on the smoker or grill.

Step 4: air fryer time

Place the ribs in the air fryer bone side down. Be sure there is plenty of space in your air fryer to fit the ribs. If your rack of ribs is too big for the air fryer, slice them up into smaller chunks. Otherwise, if you have enough space in your air fryer you can keep them in larger chunks, but try to keep at least two bones per rack of ribs. If you must, you can cut the ribs into single bones, which may help you arrange more of the ribs into your air fryer. Cook them at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches about 190°F – 195°F.

Step 5: brush with BBQ sauce

Brush the ribs with the Kansas City style BBQ sauce. Be sure to coat all sides of the ribs. Cook the ribs one more time at 400°F for 5 minutes or until the ribs’ internal temperature is around 203°F.

Step 6: slice and enjoy!

Slice the ribs between each bone into single pieces and dig in!

Tight on space in the air fryer?

Ribs often come in large slabs, and fitting them in the air fryer may be tough. One of my favorite accessories for the air fryer is this tall, stackable air fryer rack which you can use to layer your food in the air fryer. The rack can be spaced apart so that you can ensure that there is plenty of space for airflow in your air fryer. This will help you to cook more beef back ribs in your air fryer without overcrowding them.

How to use your air fryer

Are you new to air frying? Check out this post about air fryer tips and tricks that I put together to help you learn how to use your brand new air fryer.

Convert from oven to air fryer

If you have some favorite recipes but don’t know how to cook them in the air fryer, use this air fryer converter. This will help you to quickly and easily find the proper air fryer time and temperature for your recipes based on the original convection oven instructions.

What else should you be cooking?

One of my favorite things in the world is fish and chips. This recipe for air fryer tilapia is very popular and incredibly delicious! Pair it along with my air fryer jojo potato wedges or these cheese crusted air fryer potato wedges for an easy air fryer fish and chips meal.

For a fun twist during the fall season, try out this pumpkin spice BBQ sauce. It is almost as good as a pumpkin spice latte, but maybe don’t drink it.

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