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.
