Air Fryer Country Style Ribs are mouthwateringly delicious! With the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve tender, juicy, and crisp ribs – all without spending hours cooking over a grill or in the oven.
Plus, they are super easy to make. All you need is some simple ingredients, including your favorite BBQ sauce. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating or your grill is buried under a mountain of snow, you can still enjoy delicious, smoky ribs thanks to the air fryer.
And on top of all that, country style ribs are very affordable, which is a major bonus in these times of rising food prices. Take advantage of this tasty and budget-friendly family dinner – learn how to make it in the air fryer today!
Want more delicious air fryer pork recipes? Check out my air fryer pork carnitas, air fryer pork loin, or air fryer breaded pork chops.
🍖What are Country Style Ribs?
Country style ribs are called “ribs” but aren’t actually rib meat. Instead the meat is cut from the shoulder of the pig.
They are popular because they are meatier than other types, like baby back ribs. They can be bought as either boneless or bone-in and are the least expensive type of pork ribs.
Air frying is a great way to cook them because they stay nice and tender, and the crispy exterior seals in the flavor. For baby back or spare ribs, see my air fryer ribs recipe.
🥩Key Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Country style pork ribs – boneless or bone-in
- Pork rub – Use a store-bought pork rub or make a simple homemade pork rub.
- BBQ sauce – Pick a smoky barbecue sauce for fantastic flavor..
🔪How to Make Country Style Ribs in Air Fryer
- Season – Pat the country style ribs dry and season them on both sides with the pork seasoning.
- Air Fry – Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry them at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Check Temperature – Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. While pork is safe to eat at 145 degrees F, the ribs will be more tender at a higher temperature. So cook them to 185 F – 190 F.
- Add Sauce – Once they are done, brush barbecue sauce on top of the ribs. Then air fry for 3 extra minutes at 380 degrees F. This will caramelize the sauce on the ribs.
🍴Serving Ideas
These tender and juicy air fryer country style ribs are perfect for serving with all kinds of barbecue sides! My family’s favorite side dishes are mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. Make sure to serve them with extra barbecue sauce for extra flavor!
💭How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover country style ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat leftovers by putting them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. Brush them with additional barbecue sauce when you reheat to help keep the pork juicy.
⭐Tips for the Best Country Style Ribs
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Pat the meat dry before seasoning so they don’t steam in the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd the ribs.
- Don’t add the barbecue sauce until they are almost done. Adding it earlier could cause it to burn in the high heat of the air fryer.
- My butcher cuts these ribs at about 1 inch thick. If yours are thinner, they will need less cooking time. Always use a thermometer to check the temperature.
📝FAQ
Country style pork ribs are most tender when cooked to around 190 F – 200 F. So, while they are safe to eat once they reach 145 F, I recommend cooking to a higher internal temperature.
Yes, the ribs are a little crispy on the outside but tender and juicy inside.
Either bone-in or boneless works well in this recipe. Boneless country style ribs will cook a few minutes faster than bone-in.
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Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds country style ribs boneless or bone-in
- 2 teaspoons pork rub *see notes
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.1 1/2 pounds country style ribs
- Sprinkle both the top and bottom with the pork rub.2 teaspoons pork rub
- Put them in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 400 degrees F. Cook for 17 minutes for boneless ribs and 20 minutes for bone in. Flip them over after 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For the most tender pork, cook until they reach 185 degrees F – 195 degrees F.
- Brush the tops of the country style ribs with barbecue sauce.2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- Cook at 380 degrees F for 3 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and helps it coat the ribs.
Notes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
