You know those nights when you need dinner on the table fast, but you refuse to sacrifice flavor? That’s why I’ve been obsessed with my air fryer for years—it turns basic ingredients into magic with almost no effort. My boneless pork ribs air fryer recipe is the perfect example: juicy, tender ribs with a crispy edge in just 20 minutes. I’ve made this at least twice a month since discovering how perfectly the air fryer renders fat while keeping the meat moist. Trust me, once you try these ribs with their simple spice crust (garlic powder and paprika FTW!), you’ll wonder why you ever bothered firing up the grill on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Boneless Pork Ribs Air Fryer Recipe
This recipe is my go-to for so many reasons:
- Crazy fast: Done in 20 minutes flat—faster than ordering takeout!
- No fuss: Just toss with spices and let the air fryer work its magic
- Juicy every time: The air fryer keeps the ribs tender inside while crisping the edges
- Easy cleanup: One bowl and the air fryer basket—that’s it!
- Weeknight hero: My kids beg for these, and I love how stress-free they are
Seriously, these ribs taste like you spent hours cooking, but only you’ll know the secret!
Ingredients for Boneless Pork Ribs Air Fryer Recipe
Here’s the short list of simple ingredients that make these ribs shine. I always use exactly these amounts—no guesswork needed!
- 1 pound boneless pork ribs (pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the spices stick and creates a better crust)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff helps carry all those delicious spice flavors)
- 1 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher salt for even distribution)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground makes all the difference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt—we’ve already got salt in there!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds amazing depth if you have it)
That’s it! No complicated marinades or hard-to-find ingredients. Just pantry staples that transform into something magical.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few kitchen essentials for perfect pork ribs:
- Air fryer (of course!)
- Mixing bowl for tossing the ribs with spices
- Tongs to flip those beauties halfway through
- Meat thermometer—don’t guess when they’re done!
That’s seriously all it takes to make magic happen.
How to Make Boneless Pork Ribs in the Air Fryer
This is where the magic happens! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect pork ribs every single time. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these techniques never fail me.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! I preheat mine to 380°F (190°C) while I prep the ribs. Meanwhile, pat the pork ribs completely dry with paper towels – this helps the spice rub stick better and gives you that beautiful crust we all love.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
In a bowl, mix together all your spices with the olive oil to make a paste. Then toss the dried ribs in this mixture until they’re evenly coated on all sides. Don’t be shy – really rub those spices in!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Now the fun part! Arrange the ribs in your air fryer basket in a single layer – no overlapping! Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact time depends on your air fryer and how thick your ribs are. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C) internal temp – this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked ribs every time. Let them rest for 5 minutes before devouring!
Tips for the Best Boneless Pork Ribs Air Fryer Recipe
After making these ribs countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make them absolutely perfect every single time:
- Never skip the rest time! Those 5 minutes after cooking let the juices redistribute—I promise they won’t get cold.
- Thicker ribs? Add a couple minutes. My 12-15 minute guideline is for average thickness—just keep checking with your thermometer.
- Parchment liner for easy cleanup: Cut a circle to fit your basket—still lets air circulate but catches all those delicious drippings.
- Room temp ribs cook more evenly: I take mine out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking if I remember.
These small touches make all the difference between good ribs and “oh my goodness” ribs!
Serving Suggestions
These juicy pork ribs pair perfectly with all my favorite quick sides—crunchy coleslaw (my go-to!), roasted Brussels sprouts, or creamy mashed potatoes. For summer nights, I love them with corn on the cob and a crisp green salad. The best part? Everything cooks while the air fryer works its magic on the ribs!
Storing and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh. Store cooled ribs in an airtight container—they’ll stay good for 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them rubbery). Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out crispy outside and tender inside, almost like they’re fresh-cooked. Pro tip: Add a tiny splash of water to the basket to prevent drying out!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1/2 pound of ribs). Remember, nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands, but these are solid estimates:
- 350 calories – perfect for a satisfying meal
- 22g fat (7g saturated) – that’s where all the flavor lives!
- 35g protein – keeps you full for hours
- 0g sugar – just pure, meaty goodness
I always say these ribs are indulgent-tasting but actually pretty balanced nutrition-wise. The air fryer helps render out excess fat while keeping all that juicy tenderness we love!
FAQ About Boneless Pork Ribs in the Air Fryer
I get questions about this recipe all the time—here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!
Can I use bone-in pork ribs instead? I don’t recommend it—they take longer to cook and might dry out before the meat near the bone is done. Stick with boneless for this quick method.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just cook in batches—overcrowding leads to steamed ribs instead of crispy ones. I usually do two batches back-to-back when feeding a crowd.
How do I prevent dryness? Two words: thermometer and rest time. Pull them at 145°F and let those juices settle—the ribs will stay moist every time.
Why aren’t my ribs crispy? Make sure you pat them dry before seasoning, and don’t skip the oil—it helps create that perfect crust we all crave! For more general techniques for cooking pork ribs, check out this guide.
Print
Juicy Boneless Pork Ribs Air Fryer Recipe in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple recipe for making tender and juicy boneless pork ribs in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Pat the pork ribs dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the pork ribs evenly with the spice mixture.
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pound
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: boneless pork ribs, air fryer, easy recipe, quick dinner