how to cook short ribs air fryer

3 min read 16-01-2025

Short ribs, renowned for their rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, traditionally require hours of slow cooking. But what if you could achieve that same incredible tenderness in a fraction of the time? Enter the air fryer! This guide will walk you through how to cook unbelievably delicious short ribs in your air fryer, transforming a time-consuming culinary project into a surprisingly quick and easy meal.

Why Air Fryer Short Ribs?

Air fryers provide a unique cooking method that delivers crispy exteriors and incredibly tender interiors. Unlike traditional methods, the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures even cooking, leading to perfectly rendered fat and juicy, flavorful meat. This method significantly reduces cooking time compared to oven roasting or braising, while still achieving that sought-after fall-off-the-bone texture.

Choosing Your Short Ribs

Selecting the right short ribs is crucial for success. Look for short ribs with abundant marbling – the intramuscular fat is key to their tenderness. Bone-in short ribs offer the most flavor, but boneless options are readily available and easier to handle. Ensure the meat is fresh and vibrant in color.

Ingredients and Equipment

3-4 bone-in short ribs (approximately 2 lbs) – Adjust the amount based on your air fryer’s capacity. Boneless short ribs can also be used.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
Your favorite BBQ rub (optional, but highly recommended)

Equipment:

Air fryer
Small bowl
Whisk or fork

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Short Ribs

Step 1: Preparing the Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier exterior. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any BBQ rub. Rub this mixture generously all over the short ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 2: Air Frying the Short Ribs

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the seasoned short ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Flip and Continue Air Frying

After 20 minutes, carefully flip the short ribs. Continue air frying for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your short ribs and your air fryer model.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Short Ribs

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding hinders proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the short ribs are cooked to your desired doneness.
Adjust cooking time: Thicker short ribs will require longer cooking times.
Experiment with seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different rubs and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.

FAQs about Air Fryer Short Ribs

How long do air fryer short ribs take to cook?

Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the ribs and your air fryer model, but generally, you can expect a total cooking time of 35-40 minutes.

Can I use boneless short ribs in an air fryer?

Yes, boneless short ribs work well in an air fryer. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly, as they will cook faster than bone-in ribs.

What temperature should I cook air fryer short ribs at?

370°F (190°C) is a good starting point. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).

What are the best sides to serve with air fryer short ribs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, and mac and cheese are all excellent choices.

With this comprehensive guide, you're ready to create incredibly tender and flavorful short ribs in your air fryer. Enjoy the delicious results!