✦ Pro Tip: Pork country-style ribs, despite the name, aren’t sourced from ribs at all. Surprisingly, they’re carved from the shoulder, offering delectable flavors and tender texture. While some variations might include bones, these are far from traditional rib bones. Needless to say, they’re still flavorful!
P.S. This recipe can also be called air fryer boneless pork ribs.
Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer country style ribs recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Here are all you need to make air fried country style ribs.
- Country-style pork ribs
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Liquid smoke
- Avocado oil
- Barbecue sauce
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Substitutes
If you’re not a fan of smokiness, you can skip the liquid smoke and still enjoy scrumptious ribs. However, opt for smoked paprika instead of the regular kind to give it a hint of authentic barbecue flavor.
Just a heads up: feel free to go with any barbecue sauce you prefer—brand or type. Your personal favorite will work like a charm in this recipe. If you’re up for it, give our homemade barbecue sauce a shot, as featured in our air fryer BBQ chicken wings recipe.
Better yet?
For added convenience, consider using a pre-made pork dry rub. Whether it’s your unique blend or store-bought, this shortcut eliminates a step from the recipe—making it a win-win for all!
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Country Style Ribs in an Air Fryer?
Cooking up these finger-licking ribs is simpler than you think, even if you’re a beginner.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 370ºF (188ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare ingredients.
Let’s start with the seasonings to use:
Mix liquid smoke and avocado oil in a small bowl until they’re well combined. In another bowl, stir paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for the ultimate flavor infusion.
These steps will help reduce the need for frequent hand washing, making the process more efficient, don’t you think?
Now:
Massage the smoky mixture generously onto your country style or boneless ribs—it’s like a comforting flavor embrace! Then, sprinkle the seasoning over the pork and toss the ribs using your hands to ensure an even coating.
Step 3: Air fry country style ribs for 25 – 32 minutes at 370ºF (187ºC).
Transfer the boneless ribs to your air fryer. Then, set the temperature to 370ºF (187ºC) and cook for 20 – 25 minutes. Flip halfway.
✦ A quick spritz of cooking spray is your ally for air fryer baskets without a non-stick surface. This ensures the meat won’t cling, making flipping and removal hassle-free later on.
Once the initial cooking is finished, generously brush the ribs with your BBQ sauce. Flip and brush the other side as well. Then, cook for 5 – 7 more minutes at 400ºF (204ºC).
The goal for the internal temperature is 195ºF (90ºC) or 205ºF (96ºC).
💡 Pro Tip: While the technical safe temperature for pork is 145ºF (63ºC), our aim with this recipe is melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. If the internal temperature isn’t quite the goal yet, don’t hesitate to extend the cooking time for an unbelievably tender result.
Here’s more:
A meat thermometer will ensure that your country-style ribs will be perfect! For instance, in my tests, 20 – 25 minutes was enough to reach 195ºF (90ºC). Remember that your cooking time may differ based on the meat’s thickness, air fryer model, size, and more.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, let the air-fried country style pork ribs rest at room temperature for 5 – 10 minutes before serving.
After resting, pair these succulent ribs with your favorite sides, and you’re ready to dive into a meal that’ll have you coming back for more. Trust me, these ribs are the real deal!
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: Got leftovers? Freeze ’em! Just ensure they’re tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. When ready for round two, reheat them in the air fryer at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 7 – 10 minutes until heated through.
Fridge: If you’re storing your delicious ribs in the fridge, they’ll stay good for about 3 – 4 days. For the second round of indulgence, reheat them in the air fryer at 350ºF (177ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking country style ribs in an air fryer takes around 25 – 30 minutes at 370ºF (187ºC). Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 195ºF – 205ºF (90ºC – 96ºC) using a meat thermometer. The result? Tender, succulent ribs!
Yes, you can air fry country style ribs. It’s a fantastic way to achieve tender, juicy perfection. Rub with smoky oil, season, and air fry for 20-25 minutes at 370ºF (187ºC). Then glaze with BBQ sauce, air fry again at 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes, and indulge in flavorful goodness.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 1 lb country style pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370ºF (187ºC) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the smoky rub. In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil and liquid smoke. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in another bowl.
- Season the ribs. Rub the smoky oil mixture evenly over the country style ribs, ensuring they're well-coated. Then, sprinkle and massage the dry seasoning mixture over the ribs, ensuring they’re evenly seasoned.
- Air fry country style ribs. Place the boneless ribs in the air fryer, arranged in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the ribs in batches. Air fry the ribs at 370ºF (187ºC) for 20 – 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- After 20 – 25 minutes, glaze with barbecue sauce. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce onto both sides of the ribs. Make sure to coat them evenly.
- Continue air frying. Air fry for another 5 – 7 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). This will caramelize the sauce and create a deliciously sticky glaze.
- Check for optimal tenderness. Ensure the internal temperature of the boneless ribs reaches between 195ºF and 205ºF (90ºC – 96ºC) using a meat thermometer. This will guarantee the most tender and flavorful country style ribs.
- Serve and enjoy. Once done, remove the ribs from the air fryer and rest for 5 – 10 minutes. Then, serve your succulent air fried country style ribs with your favorite sides and savor the amazing flavors!
Notes
- Considering that cooking time varies depending on the meat’s thickness (and your air fryer’s specs), always check with a meat thermometer if your pork is cooked thoroughly. The pork’s safe internal temperature is a minimum of 145ºF (63ºC), although the goal for this recipe is 195ºF – 205ºF (90ºC – 96ºC).
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.Â
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the country style ribs.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the boneless pork ribs. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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