Name: Air Fryer Baby Back Pork Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3.4 lbs of Baby Back Pork Ribs; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2/3 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili; 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning; 1 teaspoon Knorr chicken bouillon powder; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 lemon 1/2 for washing, 1/2 for marinating

I love a good rib recipe—but even more when it’s easy, crispy, and doesn’t rely on heavy barbecue sauce.

These Air Fryer Baby Back Pork Ribs are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside, all without the mess of BBQ sauce.

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed main dish that’s fast, crispy, and low-maintenance, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No barbecue sauce needed – The spice rub delivers all the flavor you need

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – Thanks to air frying and baking powder

Ready in about 30 minutes – A shortcut for busy weeknights

Perfectly portioned – Easy to serve and eat, no slicing needed

Great for parties or meal prep – Scales up beautifully

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Here’s what makes these ribs shine:

Baby back pork ribs – Tender, meaty, and ideal for air frying

Creole seasoning + chili + paprika – Layers of bold spice

Onion and garlic powder – For aromatic depth

Knorr chicken bouillon – A flavor boost you can’t skip

White vinegar and lemon – To clean and tenderize the meat

Baking powder – Secret to extra-crispy skin in the air fryer

Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning

Pro Tips Before You Start

Wash the ribs well – Use lemon to remove any gamey taste

Pat them dry – Dry ribs crisp up better in the air fryer

Use gloves to mix – Keeps your hands clean and spreads seasoning evenly

Don’t crowd the basket – Overlapping ribs won’t get crispy

Air fry in batches if needed – Especially if your basket is small

How to Make Air Fryer Baby Back Pork Ribs

Step 1 – Prep the Ribs
Gather all ingredients. Wash ribs with lemon, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Step 2 – Cut into Portions
Slice the ribs into individual bone-in pieces. You should get about 14 ribs total.

Place them in a large bowl.

Step 3 – Season Generously
Add all spices, vinegar, and olive oil to the bowl.

Use hands or gloves to rub the seasoning into every piece until fully coated.

Step 4 – Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place ribs in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for 20 minutes total.

Step 5 – Flip and Adjust
At the 10-minute mark, flip the ribs.

If they aren’t fully cooked after 20 minutes, add time or increase the temp slightly.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Once crisp and fully cooked, sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

What to Serve It With

These bold-flavored ribs pair well with:

Coconut rice or jollof rice

Garlic mashed potatoes

Roasted veggies or sweet plantains

Coleslaw or fresh cucumber salad

Air fryer fries or baked sweet potatoes

Variations & Substitutions

Use spare ribs or beef ribs – Adjust cook time as needed

Add cayenne or hot sauce – For more heat

Try lemon pepper seasoning – For a citrusy twist

Skip baking powder – If you don’t need extra crispiness

Make it paleo or Whole30 – Omit bouillon and use natural sea salt

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store cooled ribs in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days

Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight

Reheat: Use the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or microwave until heated through

Meal prep tip: Cook ahead and reheat in small batches throughout the week

FAQs

Do I need to marinate the ribs?
Not necessary—this recipe relies on a dry rub, and air frying seals in the flavor quickly.

Can I use foil in the air fryer?
Yes, but leave space for air to circulate or the ribs won’t crisp properly.

Are these spicy?
Mild to medium.

Adjust chili powder to your heat preference.

Can I add sauce at the end?
Sure! Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes if desired.

What if my ribs are thicker?
Increase the cook time to 25–30 minutes and check for doneness (internal temp of 145°F or more).

Is it necessary to wash ribs with lemon?
It’s optional, but it helps clean the meat and tenderize it—especially for pork.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Cook and cool, then reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Baby Back Pork Ribs are packed with flavor, incredibly crispy, and super easy to make without any sauce.

The spice rub does all the heavy lifting, and the air fryer brings everything together in record time.

Serve them hot with your favorite sides and watch them disappear.

No grill, no smoker—just great ribs, fast.