Crispy Air Fryer Ribs Without Barbecue Sauce
These crispy air fryer baby back ribs are juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully crisp on the outside—without any barbecue sauce. They’re quick, easy, and full of bold flavor thanks to a savory spice blend. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or a weeknight dinner when you don’t want to turn on the oven or grill.
Ingredients
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3.4 lbs baby back pork ribs
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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2/3 tsp salt
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1 tsp chili powder
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2 tsp Creole seasoning
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1 tsp Knorr chicken bouillon powder
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tbsp paprika
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp white vinegar
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1 lemon (½ for washing, ½ for marinating)
Instructions
Gather all ingredients for easy cooking.
Rinse the ribs by rubbing them with half of the lemon, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Using a sharp knife, cut the rack into individual ribs, leaving one bone per piece.
You should end up with about 14 small ribs. Place them into a large bowl.
Add all the seasonings, baking powder, olive oil, vinegar, and remaining lemon juice to the bowl.
Using clean hands or disposable gloves, massage the seasoning into every rib until evenly coated.
Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
After 10 minutes, flip the ribs for even cooking.
If needed, cook a few extra minutes or slightly increase the temperature for extra browning.
Remove ribs from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
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Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary.
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Always cut the ribs first; cooking a whole rack will take much longer.
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Baking powder is key for extra crispy skin (no baking taste).
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For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or more chili powder.