Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs with a perfect balance of tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, all made easily in the air fryer. This method ensures juicy meat that falls off the bone without long cooking times. Ideal for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready faster than traditional slow-cooked ribs.

Craving that smoky, saucy goodness from Chili’s? You’re going to love this homemade Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe!

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a rich BBQ glaze, cooked to perfection and finished in the oven or air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just want a restaurant-style dinner at home, these ribs bring bold flavor and big-time comfort right to your table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe! 😋

🔥 Faster Than the Grill – Get fall-off-the-bone ribs without hours of prep or outdoor cooking.
🍖 Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home – Tastes just like Chili’s, made with simple ingredients.
💨 Perfect in the Air Fryer – Crispy edges, tender inside—no need to heat up the oven!
🧼 Less Mess, Less Stress – No charcoal or grill cleanup required.
🍽️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or impressing guests!

Ingredients Needed

Pork baby back ribs – Tender, meaty ribs perfect for air frying.

Water – Helps create steam for cooking the ribs until tender.

White vinegar – Adds tang and balances the richness of the sauce.

Tomato paste – Provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor for the BBQ sauce.

Dry mustard – Adds a subtle kick and enhances the sauce’s depth.

Dark brown sugar – Gives sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.

Liquid smoke – Infuses a smoky, grilled flavor without a smoker.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and savory complexity.

Salt – Balances and enhances all the sauce flavors.

Onion powder – Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor to the sauce.

Garlic cloves (minced) – Brings bold, aromatic flavor to the BBQ base.

Paprika – Adds color and a mild smoky spice.

Lemon juice – Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity.

How to make Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tender results. Cut the rack into smaller sections that fit your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Place the rib sections in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) and set cook time for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: While the ribs cook, combine white vinegar, tomato paste, dry mustard, dark brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, minced garlic, paprika, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: After the ribs are cooked and tender, brush them generously with the BBQ sauce. Return them to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a sticky glaze. Remove ribs from the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes, then serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe Tips

• Trim the ribs: Remove excess silver skin from the back of the ribs to help the sauce penetrate better and ensure tenderness.
• Pat dry before seasoning: Dry ribs crisp up more easily in the air fryer.
• Use a foil drip tray: Place ribs on a foil-lined tray or rack inside the air fryer to catch drips and make cleanup easier.
• Apply sauce gradually: Brush sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars.
• Check internal temperature: Ribs are done when they reach about 190°F and are tender enough to pull apart easily.
• Let rest before serving: Allow ribs to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and maximize flavor.

Storing, Make Ahead & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are cooled completely before sealing to keep them fresh.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the ribs and sauce ahead of time. Keep the ribs and sauce separate until just before cooking to maintain the best texture. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
• Reheating: Reheat ribs in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and warmth. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 300°F covered with foil for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What To Serve With Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs pair perfectly with classic sides that balance their rich, smoky flavor. Serve them alongside creamy coleslaw, crispy French fries, or buttery corn on the cob for a satisfying meal.

For a lighter option, a fresh green salad or grilled veggies add a bright, refreshing contrast that complements the tender ribs beautifully.

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe Faqs

Can I cook these ribs without an air fryer? Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours, covered with foil, then finish under the broiler for caramelization.

How do I know when the ribs are done? The ribs are ready when the internal temperature reaches 190–203°F, and the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.

Can I use a different type of ribs? Baby back ribs are best for this recipe, but you can use spare ribs; just adjust cooking time as spare ribs are larger and require longer cooking.

How should I store leftover ribs? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze cooked ribs? Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat ribs? Reheat in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 20-30 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.

More Copycat Chili’s Recipes

• Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad
• Air Fryer Turkey Chili Smothered Sweet Potatoes
• Copycat Chili’s Black Beans
• Copycat Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries
• Copycat Chili’s Steak Fajitas Recipe

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