Name: Air Fryer Short Ribs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound short ribs (pork or beef), 1.5-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or oyster sauce); 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch

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Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly delicious. The easy marinade ensures that the interior is tender and juicy, while the air fryer helps form a crispy outer layer. These meaty bites are typically braised, baked, or deep-fried, but you might never make them any other way once you try them in the air fryer. They're fast, easy, and so good. Seriously, they take just 15 minutes to cook!

Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Short Ribs

Short ribs are so easy to make in the air fryer. If you use your air fryer often, you already know that it can speed up recipes and make them even crispier and tastier. That’s just the nature of this amazing appliance. And this short rib recipe is no different. You’ll need to set aside 5 minutes to prep the marinade and 15 minutes to cook the short ribs. That’s it!
They’re juicy, tender, and crispy. The air fryer dries out the exterior of the meat just enough to form a crisp outer layer and the pressure from the air fryer ensures that the interior of the short ribs remains juicy and tender. It's the perfect combination.
The perfect appetizer. Although you can certainly enjoy these air fryer short ribs as a meal on their own, they are great as an appetizer or side dishes to a bigger meal. Since they’re not time or energy intensive, there’s plenty of time for you to devote to other dishes in the kitchen. Serve them for Game Day for an appy that no one will be able to put down.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these easy air fryer short ribs, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

short ribs - you can use pork ribs or beef ribs.
vegetable oil - use any vegetable oil that you have on hand. We used avocado oil.
soy sauce - or substitute with oyster sauce.
Shaoxing wine - this Chinese cooking wine adds delicious flavor but it’s completely optional.
seasoning - you will need salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cumin powder. You can also add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick, but it’s optional.
cornstarch

You will also need measuring spoons and an air fryer.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Short Ribs

Marinate the short ribs. In a large mixing bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the ribs with all the ingredients and mix well to coat evenly. If you use the Ziploc bag, press the seasoning around to coat evenly. Let the marinated ribs rest for at least 15 minutes to soak in all the flavour.
Air fry. Place the marinated ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350F for 13-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway to cook the ribs evenly.
Serve. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, or ranch.

Other Ways to Cook Dry Short Ribs

To bake in the oven, place the marinated short ribs in a single layer on a parchment-lined quarter sheet baking pan and bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

To deep fry, heat oil in a medium cooking pot (at least 2-inches deep) over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until the oil shimmers. Deep fry the marinated ribs until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the ribs occasionally to get an even golden crust on all sides. Transfer the ribs on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.

Storing Instructions

How to store: Keep air fryer short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat: Reheat these dry short ribs in the air fryer at 350F for 5 to 10 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also reheat them in a 350F preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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