Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs

Enjoy tender, juicy Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs with a sweet and tangy cinnamon-infused glaze. Perfectly crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside!

Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs are amazing! If you have been looking for the perfect Air Fryer Rib Recipe with tons of flavor, this recipe is for you!

Made with a simple glaze, with the star ingredient being Fireball Whisky, this is a great recipe for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs! And they are delicious!

If you love a great plate of ribs, this will soon be one of your favorites, and they are even served with more sauce, which you can dip these sweet ribs in.

For even more great and Easy Air Fryer Meal Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER MINI TACO BOWLS, AIR FRYER ITALIAN MEATLOAF, AIR FRYER COPYCAT TACO BELL CRUNCHWRAP SUPREME.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• These Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs are quick and easy to make, giving you perfectly cooked ribs in a fraction of the time.
• The sweet and tangy Fireball whiskey glaze adds a unique and irresistible flavor that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
• The air fryer ensures the ribs are crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
• You can enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish without having to fire up the grill.
• Perfect for a family dinner, a backyard party, or impressing your guests with a bold and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients Needed

• Rack of St. Louis Style Spare Ribs: Tender and flavorful ribs for glazing.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelized crust.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice enhancing savory flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky depth with mild spice kick.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts savory and aromatic taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balance.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy glaze for the ribs.
• Fireball Whisky: Cinnamon-spiced whiskey for unique flavor.
• Liquid Smoke: Adds smoky essence without a grill.

How To Make Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs

Step One: Prepare the ribs. To make the ribs more tender and “fall off the bone,” you must either get rid of the membrane on the back or score it. It’s easier to score it.  To do so, flip the ribs over and make large cuts in the shape of an X across the back.  Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. Then, cut the ribs into individual pieces by cutting in between each bone.

Step Two: Flip the ribs back over and rub the brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper all over the tops. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket.  Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. 

Step Three: While the ribs are cooking, make the Fireball BBQ Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, Fireball  Whisky, and liquid smoke. Mix well. Allow the sauce to come to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 8  minutes.  Remove the ribs from the air fryer. Using a spoon, pour the glaze on top of the ribs. Serve while warm!

Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs Recipe Tips

• Fireball Whisky is a cinnamon whisky, and the cinnamon flavor is subtle but perfect at complimenting the smoky sweetness of the BBQ. You can also substitute any whisky or bourbon that you’d like!
• By the way, this sauce is addicting, and it’s good on everything: burgers, pork chips, chicken wings, you name it! You can keep any leftover sauce in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week. 
• Removing the membrane on the ribs,  or scoring it, is essential to the tenderness of the ribs! Please do not skip this step, or they will be a lot chewier.
• I used St. Louis Style Ribs because it was readily available at the grocery store. Normally, I use baby back ribs, so either will work fine. With baby back ribs – they tend to be smaller, so if you use those, just be mindful about reducing the cooking time if necessary.

Storing

• Storing: Allow the ribs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
• Reheating: Reheat the ribs in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, heat them in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs

Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs pair beautifully with a variety of sides that complement their bold, smoky-sweet flavor. Serve them with creamy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch or buttery cornbread to soak up the tangy glaze. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a savory balance, while classic baked beans or mac and cheese offer hearty, comforting options. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can round out the meal perfectly. These versatile ribs are a hit with both traditional BBQ favorites and creative sides!

Air Fryer Fireball Glazed Ribs Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe? Yes, you can use baby back ribs or country-style ribs instead of St. Louis-style spare ribs. Adjust cooking times as needed, as smaller ribs may cook faster.

What can I use as a substitute for Fireball whisky? You can substitute Fireball whisky with another cinnamon-flavored whiskey or a mix of apple cider and a dash of cinnamon for a non-alcoholic alternative.

Do I have to remove the membrane from the ribs? Removing or scoring the membrane ensures tender ribs by allowing the seasoning and glaze to penetrate the meat better. If left intact, the membrane can make the ribs chewier.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time? Yes! Cook the ribs and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer and brush with additional glaze for a fresh, just-made flavor.

How do I know when the ribs are done? The ribs are done when they are tender and reach an internal temperature of 190°F-200°F. You can test by inserting a meat thermometer or observing if the meat pulls back from the bone.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF
• AIR FRYER BEEF MEATBALLS
• HOW TO COOK GROUND BEEF IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
• BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
• FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST IN THE AIR FRYER

Don’t Forget To Pin!