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Homemade McRib Recipe (Air Fryer, Oven & Grill)

Name: Homemade McRib (Copycat)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds baby back ribs (fully cooked and deboned); 1 cup ketchup; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon molasses; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon liquid smoke; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 six-inch sub or hoagie rolls (toasted); ½ small white onion (thinly slivered); ½ cup dill pickle chips

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: April 5, 2024

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This homemade McRib recipe gives you everything you love about the McDonald’s original: tender boneless rib meat dunked in tangy, smoky barbecue sauce and piled with slivered onions and dill pickles on a soft toasted roll. My version uses real baby back ribs, so it’s even meatier than the drive-thru sandwich, and you don’t have to wait for the McRib to come back.

Homemade McRib sandwich with baby back rib meat, BBQ sauce, slivered onions and dill pickles on a toasted roll

I make mine in the air fryer because the rib meat gets sticky, caramelized edges in about 10 minutes (if you love your air fryer as much as I do, browse all my air fryer recipes). I’ve also included oven, grill and griddle directions, plus how to cook the ribs from scratch if you aren’t starting with precooked ribs.

Keep reading for my copycat McRib sauce, tips for getting that signature rib shape, and answers to the most common McRib questions.

Copycat McDonald's McRib made with real baby back ribs in the air fryer

What Is a McRib?

The McRib is McDonald’s limited-time barbecue pork sandwich. It’s a seasoned boneless pork patty, pressed into the shape of a rack of ribs, coated in barbecue sauce and topped with slivered onions and tart dill pickles on a homestyle roll.

It debuted in 1981 and has come and gone ever since, which is a big part of its cult following. McDonald’s even promoted one run as a farewell tour, yet the sandwich keeps coming back. It’s one of those nostalgic foods that still taste magical years later.

When Is the McRib Coming Back?

The McRib usually returns in late fall for a few weeks at participating restaurants. McDonald’s announces dates shortly before each run, so check the McDonald’s app for your area. Or skip the wait entirely and make it at home with the recipe below.

Close-up of a copycat McRib sandwich dripping with tangy barbecue sauce

Why You’ll Love This Copycat McRib

It’s made with real rib meat. Baby back ribs give you a juicier, meatier sandwich than the pressed patty at McDonald’s.
It’s available year-round. No more checking the McRib locator.
It’s fast. With fully cooked ribs, dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes.
It’s a great use for leftover ribs. Got ribs from last night’s cookout? This is their best second life.

Ingredients for Homemade McRib Sandwiches

Full amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients for a homemade McRib: cooked baby back ribs, BBQ sauce, sub rolls, white onion and dill pickles

For the ribs

Baby back ribs, fully cooked: Use store-bought precooked ribs, leftovers, or ribs you cook from scratch (directions below). Remember, the McRib is boneless, so you’ll slide the bones out before air frying.

For the McRib sauce

Ketchup: The base of the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: That signature McRib tang.
Brown sugar and molasses: Sweetness with depth.
Liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce: Smoky, savory backbone.
Water: Keeps the sauce thin enough for dunking, just like McDonald’s.

For the sandwich

Sub or hoagie rolls: Six-inch rolls are closest to the original. Brioche hot dog buns or potato rolls work too.
White onion: Thinly slivered.
Dill pickle chips: Use the thin, tart kind.

Short on time? Use about 1½ cups of your favorite bottled barbecue sauce instead of homemade. Pick a thin, tangy one rather than a thick, sweet one.

How to Make a McRib at Home

Homemade McRib sauce simmering in a small saucepan

Step 1: Make the sauce. Simmer all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan for 10 minutes, stirring often. Keep it warm on low.

Step 2: Debone the ribs. While the ribs are still warm, twist and slide each bone out. Try to keep the meat in one slab; the gaps where the bones were give you that classic McRib look.

Sliding the bones out of cooked baby back ribs to make boneless McRib meat

Step 3: Cut to size. Cut the boneless rib meat into 4 pieces about the length of your rolls.

Step 4: Air fry. Place the rib meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through, brushing with BBQ sauce during cooking. Dip each piece in the warm sauce, coating both sides.

Step 5: Assemble. Toast the rolls, add the hot rib meat and more sauce, then top with slivered onions and dill pickles. Serve right away.

Boneless baby back rib meat brushed with BBQ sauce in the air fryer basket

Cooking Methods: Air Fryer, Oven, Grill or Skillet

Since the ribs are already cooked, you’re just heating them through to 165°F and caramelizing the sauce.

Method	Temperature	Time	Notes
Air fryer	350°F	10–12 minutes	Single layer, brush with sauce during cooking for sticky edges.
Oven	400°F	10–15 minutes	Bake on a foil-lined sheet pan, brushing with sauce. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end to caramelize.
Grill	Medium-high	3–4 minutes per side	Oil the grates and use a wide spatula so the slab stays together.
Skillet or griddle	Medium	3–4 minutes per side	Great on a griddle; see my Blackstone recipes. Sauce the last minute so it doesn’t burn.

How to Cook Baby Back Ribs from Scratch for McRibs

Not starting with precooked ribs? For McRibs, you want the ribs tender enough that the bones slide right out. Season the rack, wrap it tightly in foil and bake at 275°F for 2½ to 3 hours, or cook it in a pressure cooker (see my Instant Pot recipes). Let it cool for 10 minutes, debone, then follow the steps above.

Copycat McRib Sauce

The sauce makes the McRib. Compared with most bottled barbecue sauces, McRib sauce is thinner, tangier and smokier, so the patty can be dunked rather than brushed.

This version makes about 1½ cups, enough for 4 sandwiches plus extra for dipping fries. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so double the batch and use it on pulled pork, chicken or wings.

Make it your own: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, a little more molasses for a darker, sweeter sauce, or an extra splash of vinegar if you like it tangier.

Air fried rib meat being dipped in warm McRib sauce

Tips for the Best Copycat McRib

Debone while warm. Bones slide out much more easily from warm ribs than cold ones.
Keep the slab whole. One piece of rib meat per sandwich looks and eats like a real McRib.
Don’t overcook. The ribs are already cooked; you only need to heat them through and set the sauce.
Dunk, don’t just brush. A full dip in warm sauce is what makes it taste like the McDonald’s version.
Soak the onions. Ten minutes in cold water takes the harsh bite out of raw onion.

Variations

Cheesy McRib: Melt a slice of white American or pepper jack on the rib meat for the last minute of cooking.
Spicy McRib: Add cayenne to the sauce and top with pickled jalapeños.
McRib sliders: Cut the rib meat into smaller pieces and serve on slider buns.
Pulled McRib: If your ribs fall apart when deboned, shred the meat, toss it with sauce and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges crisp.

Topping saucy rib meat with slivered onions and pickles on a toasted hoagie roll

Make Ahead and Freezing

Debone the cooked ribs and refrigerate the meat for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen rib meat in the fridge overnight, then air fry as directed.

The sandwiches are best assembled right before serving so the rolls don’t get soggy. Reheat leftover sauced rib meat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes.

What to Serve with a McRib

Classic sides are french fries, potato chips and coleslaw. My air fryer salt and vinegar potato chips and spicy air fryer sweet potato fries are both perfect with a McRib. For something lighter, try air fryer Parmesan cauliflower or a crisp green salad.

More Copycat Recipes to Try

If you love making fast food favorites at home, check out these:

Need help with air fryer times and temperatures? My charts and tips have you covered.

McRib FAQs

What is the McRib made of?

The McDonald’s McRib is a boneless pork patty shaped like a rack of ribs, topped with barbecue sauce, slivered onions and dill pickles on a homestyle roll. This copycat uses real boneless baby back rib meat with the same toppings.

Is the McRib actual rib meat?

No. The McDonald’s version is a pressed pork patty molded to look like ribs. This homemade version uses actual baby back rib meat, which is why it’s juicier and meatier.

Why is the McRib only available sometimes?

McDonald’s treats it as a limited-time item, bringing it back for short runs, usually in the fall. The scarcity is part of the appeal, and it’s exactly why a homemade version is so handy.

What does McRib sauce taste like?

It’s a thin, tangy, smoky barbecue sauce that’s less sweet than most bottled sauces. Vinegar and liquid smoke are the keys to getting it right at home.

Can I make a McRib without an air fryer?

Yes. Heat the deboned rib meat in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, on the grill, or on a griddle. Directions for each are above.

Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a thin, tangy, smoky sauce, and warm it before dunking the patties.

What bread is used on a McRib?

A soft, oblong homestyle roll. Six-inch sub or hoagie rolls are the closest match at home.

Air fryer McRib sandwich served with french fries

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