Craving the mouthwatering flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s signature ribs? Get ready to bring that smoky, tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness to your kitchen with this easy, irresistible Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe! Perfect for grilling or baking, these ribs are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Delicious homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style ribs, tender and smoky, served with a savory glaze.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

The Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe brings the bold, smoky flavors of restaurant-style ribs right into your kitchen.

This easy-to-follow copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rib recipe features tender, juicy ribs coated in a savory rub, slow-cooked to perfection, and finished with a tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Whether you choose to air fry, grill or bake, these ribs are sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or BBQ gathering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll enjoy the same mouthwatering taste Longhorn Steakhouse is known for, all in the comfort of your own home.

This is one of my favorites if you have been looking for an easy recipe on your dinner table prepared with simple ingredients. Server with your favorite sides, such as Air Fryer Corn, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or even Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread!

Delicious homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style ribs, tender and smoky, glazed with barbecue sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe For Longhorn Ribs!

  • Tender, juicy ribs: Perfectly cooked for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
  • Smoky flavor: Infused with rich, smoky seasoning for depth.
  • Easy to follow: Simple steps for restaurant-quality ribs at home.
  • Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
  • Customizable sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch.
  • Minimal prep time: Quick to prepare without compromising on flavor.
  • Versatile cooking methods: Grill, air fry or bake for optimal results.

While you are at it, try my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs, Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Sandwich, and Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders.

Ingredients Needed For Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe

Ingredients needed for Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Baby back ribs: The size of the rack of ribs will depend on how large your air fryer basket is.
  • Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite Bourbon BBQ sauce.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Use salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder, or a homemade dry rub
  • Serving: Serve with Additional Bourbon BBQ Sauce

How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe

Uncooked ribs placed into the air fryer basket.

Step 1: Prep the ribs

Leave the ribs on the counter (on a plate or cutting board) for about 30 minutes to bring the ribs to room temperature. Carefully remove the membrane. Season your ribs with salt and pepper, then brush on Bourbon BBQ sauce. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the ribs to fit.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer. Simply turn the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.

Ribs placed in air fryer, flipped halfway through, and brushed with BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Air fry BBQ ribs

Place ribs in the air fryer. Set the cook time for 10-15 minutes, flip halfway during the cooking process. Brush with some more Bourbon BBQ sauce.

Check with a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature hasn’t reached 175 degrees, continue to cook until it does, the amount of time will depend on the air fryer you are using and the number of ribs you are cooking.

Delicious homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style ribs, tender and smoky, glazed with barbecue sauce.

Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe Tips

  • Choose the Right Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and lean, while spare ribs offer more meat and a richer flavor. Both work well, but baby back ribs tend to cook faster.
  • Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. It helps the seasoning penetrate the meat better.
  • Baste with Sauce: Apply Bourbon BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning. For a caramelized finish, brush on sauce during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. This helps keep the meat tender and moist when slicing.
  • Cut the Ribs Properly: Slice between the ribs for clean, individual servings. Use a sharp knife for a clean cut to avoid tearing the meat.
  • Customize the BBQ Sauce: If you like your ribs spicier or sweeter, adjust your BBQ sauce by adding a bit of honey, hot sauce, or vinegar to make it your own.

Storing

  • Storing: After cooking, allow the ribs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days without losing much flavor or tenderness.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and still taste great when reheated.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the ribs in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, basting with extra BBQ sauce for moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.
Tender homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style ribs, smoky and glazed with BBQ sauce.

What To Serve With Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe

When serving Longhorn Steakhouse Ribs, you can complement the smoky, tender ribs with a variety of sides that enhance the flavors. Classic options include creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a crispy side salad to balance the richness of the meat.

For an extra indulgent touch, pair the ribs with corn on the cob, baked beans, or mac and cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal. These sides not only add texture but also elevate the overall BBQ experience, making your dinner feel like a true feast.

Longhorn Ribs Recipe Faqs

What type of ribs should I use for this recipe? Baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe as they’re tender and cook faster. You can also use spare ribs if you prefer more meat and a slightly richer flavor.

Can I use a different BBQ sauce? Absolutely! While Longhorn Steakhouse ribs are known for a signature sauce, you can customize your own BBQ sauce based on your taste. Try sweet, tangy, or spicy varieties.

Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs? Yes, removing the membrane from the back of the ribs helps make them more tender and allows the seasoning to penetrate better. It also prevents the ribs from becoming tough during cooking.

Can I cook these ribs in the oven? Yes, you can cook them in the oven at 275°F for 2.5-3 hours for tender, fall-off-the-bone results. Cover the ribs with foil to lock in moisture and bake them low and slow.

How can I make the ribs spicier? To add spice, mix cayenne pepper or chili flakes into your dry rub or BBQ sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.

Can I prepare the ribs in advance? Yes, you can prep the ribs by applying the dry rub and letting them marinate overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen before cooking.

How do I ensure the ribs are tender? Cook the ribs low and slow, either by baking or grilling them over indirect heat. Basting them with BBQ sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking ensures a flavorful, tender result.

Tender, smoky homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style ribs glazed with BBQ sauce.

More Copycat Longhorn Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Longhorn Steakhouse Ribs on cutting board.

Longhorn Steakhouse Rib Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Recreate the mouthwatering Longhorn Steakhouse ribs with this easy recipe. Tender, smoky, and glazed with BBQ sauce, these ribs are perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 2-3 pounds baby back ribs
  • 32 ounces Bourbon BBQ sauce, any type
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • seasonings, of your choice, optional

Instructions

  • Leave the 2-3 pounds baby back ribs on the counter (either on a plate or cutting board) for about 30 minutes, just to bring the ribs to room temperature.
  • Remove the membrane. Season your ribs with salt and pepper, and other seasonings and then brush on some BBQ sauce. (Reserve some of the 32 ounces Bourbon BBQ sauce for brushing through the cooking process, and serving)
  • Preheat your air fryer. Set the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Place the BBQ ribs in the air fryer. Set cook time for 10 minutes; after 10 minutes, flip over the ribs and cook for another 7–10 minutes. Brush with some more BBQ sauce. Check with a meat thermometer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F, in the thickest part of the ribs.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 710kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 29gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 2460mgPotassium: 879mgFiber: 2gSugar: 75gVitamin A: 539IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 3mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!