Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs

Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs are amazing! If you are looking for a great, delicious, and easy way to air fry recipes, this is so your recipe, is easy and delicious.

Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs are amazing! If you are looking for a great, delicious, and easy way to air fry recipes, this is so your recipe, easy and delicious.

Air Fryer Ribs are amazing. I have been making them for years, and my kids (both teen boys) genuinely appreciate it when I make a batch. Today is no different. I used St. Louis Style and some seasonings for a great lunch.

If you have never tried Air Fryer Ribs before and think the grill, slow cooker, or Blackstone Griddle is the place for your ribs, try this recipe. The meat falls off the bone well; the Air Fryer produces a tender and delicious rib.

IF you are looking for even more Air Fryer Rib Recipes, here are some of my favorites AIR FRYER PORK RIB TIPS, AIR FRYER COUNTRY STYLE RIBS, AIR FRYER CHINESE SPARE RIBS, AIR FRYER BABY BACK RIBS (WITH HOMEMADE RUB), and AIR FRYER-BBQ RIBS (HOW TO MAKE RIBS IN THE AIR FRYER).

What Are St. Louis Ribs?

If you have never purchased ribs, going to the meat department can be a bit overwhelming. Several ribs are available, from Baby Back, Spare Ribs, Country Ribs, and St. Lous Ribs. All of them are available at your local grocery store.

St. Louis Ribs are technically spare ribs; most grocery stores help you prepare them by removing the sternum and the cartridge. What you have left is the St. Louis-Style Rib.

Can You Cook St. Louis Ribs In Air Fryer?

Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs are a mouthwatering dish made by cooking St. Louis-style spare ribs in an air fryer. These ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and delicious flavor. St. Louis-style spare ribs are trimmed and shaped into a rectangular rack, with the brisket bone, sternum bone, and cartilage removed. This results in a leaner and more uniform rack of ribs compared to baby back ribs.

To prepare Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, the ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub, including a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes brown sugar to enhance the flavor. They are then cooked in an air fryer, which uses hot circulating air to cook the ribs evenly and render the fat, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs. The air fryer method allows you to achieve the texture and taste of traditional smoked or grilled ribs without needing outdoor equipment.

Air Fryer St. Louis Style Spare Ribs are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy delicious ribs year-round, regardless of the weather or access to outdoor grilling. They make for a perfect meal or party dish, especially with barbecue sauce and your favorite sides.

Ingredients Needed For St Louis Ribs Air Fryer

Cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve tender and flavorful ribs with a crispy exterior in your kitchen. Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish.

• St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs: You’ll require a rack of St. Louis-style spare ribs, which are the star of the show. These ribs are meatier and have more marbling than baby back ribs, making them ideal for a rich, indulgent rib experience.
• Dry Rub: Create a flavorful dry rub with a combination of ingredients such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice. This rub will infuse the ribs with a burst of savory and aromatic flavors.
• Barbecue Sauce (Optional): While not essential, many people enjoy slathering their ribs with barbecue sauce for that classic smoky and sweet flavor. You can choose your favorite store-bought sauce or prepare a homemade one for a personalized touch.
• Cooking Oil: A small amount of cooking oil (like olive or vegetable oil) is used to help the dry rub adhere to the ribs and achieve that perfect crust.
• Foil (Optional): Some recipes recommend using aluminum foil to create a packet for the ribs during cooking. This can help lock in moisture and reduce cleanup.

Now that your ingredients are lined up get ready to enjoy some delectable St. Louis ribs cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

How To Cook Air Fryer St Louis Ribs

Now, you can enjoy your homemade St. Louis-style spare ribs right from the air fryer – tender, flavorful, and with a delightful crispy exterior.

Here are the step-by-step directions for perfectly Air-Fried St. Louis Ribs.

Prep the Ribs:

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and flavor penetration. Trim any excess fat or loose meat from the rack.

Apply the Dry Rub:

In a small bowl, mix the dry rub ingredients. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.

Brush the ribs with a thin layer of cooking oil to help the rub stick. Generously sprinkle the dry rub mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

If you have time, cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (150°C), for 3-5 minutes.

How Long To Cook St Louis Ribs In Air Fryer

Add your ribs to the Air Fryer Basket or on the Air Fryer Tray (bottom shelf); be sure not to crowd the basket. Set the temperature to 380 degrees F, with a cook time of 15-20 minutes, for the air fryer setting.

If using barbecue sauce, baste the ribs with it during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

Tip/Note:

To achieve a crispy crust, increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for the last 5-6 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving:

Once done, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice between the rib bones to separate them, and serve with your favorite sides.

Check the internal temperature of the ribs before removing them. You should cook the ribs to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F before removing them.

Pro Tips For Cooking St. Louis Ribs In Air Fryer

Here are some pro tips to ensure your St. Louis-style ribs turn out perfectly when cooking them in an air fryer:

• Remove the Membrane: Before applying the dry rub, make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial for achieving tenderness and allowing the flavors to penetrate.
• Dry Rub in Advance: While you can apply the dry rub just before cooking, it’s even better to do it a few hours or overnight in advance. This allows the spices to permeate the meat for richer flavor.
• Use Low and Slow Cooking: Air fryers are known for their speed, but for ribs, you’ll want to use a low and slow cooking method. Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours to render the fat and make the ribs tender.
• Baste with Barbecue Sauce: If you enjoy a saucy finish on your ribs, baste them with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and caramelization.
• Check for Doneness: Ribs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of at least 190-203°F (88-95°C) to ensure tenderness. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
• Crisp Up the Exterior: For a crispy exterior, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat moist.
• Serve with Sides: Ribs are often served with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Consider pairing them with your favorite sides to complete the meal.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering St. Louis-style spare ribs that are tender, flavorful, and have that perfect crispy crust. Enjoy your air-fried ribs with confidence!

FAQ’s Cooking St. Louis Ribs In Air Fryer

Can I cook frozen St. Louis ribs in the air fryer?

While it’s possible to cook frozen ribs in an air fryer, it’s recommended to thaw them first for better results. Thawing allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Can I use baby back ribs instead of St. Louis-style ribs in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs in the air fryer. The cooking process will be similar, but baby back ribs may cook a bit faster due to their smaller size.

What’s the ideal cooking time and temperature for St. Louis ribs in the air fryer?

The ideal cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the specific air fryer model. However, a common recommendation is to cook St. Louis ribs at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours for a low and slow method.

Should I wrap the ribs in foil before air frying?

Wrapping ribs in foil, often referred to as the “Texas crutch,” is an optional step. It can help speed up cooking and keep the meat moist. However, if you prefer a smokier flavor and a firmer crust, you can cook them without foil.

How can I tell if the ribs are done and tender?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. They are typically done when the temperature reaches at least 190-203°F (88-95°C). Additionally, you can check for tenderness by gently twisting a bone; it should have some flexibility without falling apart.

What type of wood chips can I use for smoking St. Louis ribs in the air fryer?

If your air fryer has a smoking function, you can use wood chips suitable for smoking, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, to add a smoky flavor to your ribs.

Can I use a rib rub or marinade for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Applying a dry rub or marinating your ribs before air frying can enhance the flavor. Consider using your favorite spices, herbs, and barbecue sauce for a personalized touch.

How do I avoid smoke when cooking ribs in the air fryer?

To minimize smoke, make sure your air fryer is clean, and the drip tray is empty before cooking. You can also place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the air fryer to catch drippings and reduce smoke.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER PORK RIB TIPS
• AIR FRYER COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
• EASY AIR FRYER CHINESE SPARE RIBS
• AIR FRYER BABY BACK RIBS (WITH HOMEMADE RUB)
• AIR FRYER, THE JUICIEST AND MOST TENDER SMOKED BBQ RIBS

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