Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

What People Are Saying

Donna: “Made them tonight—my husband loved them! I’ll make my batch a bit later after work. Thank you, and I subscribed!”

Connie: “Perfect instructions. Made these for supper tonight, and my husband loved them.”

Tender & Juicy Country-Style Ribs

I love using boneless country style ribs because they’re meaty, affordable, and easy to eat—no wrestling with bones required. 

Cooked in the air fryer, they develop flavorful, slightly crispy edges while staying juicy on the inside.

This recipe is incredibly simple thanks to a store-bought dry rub and your favorite barbecue sauce. 

With almost no prep and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love These Boneless Pork Ribs

• Fast: Only 18-20 minutes of cook time!
• Easy Prep: Just 3 simple ingredients (plus cooking spray).
• Juicy Results: The air fryer locks in moisture and provides those caramelized edges we all crave.
• Easy Cleanup: No messy grill grates or heavy pans to scrub.
  

What Are Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs aren’t actually ribs—they come from the pork shoulder, which makes them meatier and more tender than traditional ribs. They’re often sold boneless, which makes them ideal for quick cooking methods like the air fryer.

Ingredient Photo: Country Style Ribs in the Air Fryer

See recipe card for exact amounts. 

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Ingredient Notes

Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to make these air fryer country-style pork ribs.

Pork Ribs: We use country style boneless ribs. They’re affordable and cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.

Rib Rub: A typical dry rub includes brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and spices. Store-bought works great, but you can make your own if you prefer, Food Network has an easy recipe.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade.

How to Make Country Style Ribs in the Air Fryer

1. Prep the Meat: Trim any large pieces of excess fat from the back of the ribs. Leave a little for flavor, but remove the thickest parts.
2. Season: Spray all sides of the ribs with cooking spray and generously sprinkle with your dry rub.
3. Arrange: Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is a little room between each piece so the air can circulate—this is the secret to those crispy edges!
4. Air Fry: Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the ribs over and cook for another 8 minutes.
5. Glaze: Brush all sides of the pork ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for a final 3 minutes to set the glaze.
6. Serve: Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Expert Tips for Success

• Internal Temperature: According to food safety guidelines, pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the rib to check for doneness.
• Adjust for Your Model: Every air fryer cooks a little differently. If you like extra “char” on your ribs, you may want to add 1-2 minutes to the final cook time.
• Resting: Let the ribs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
• Cook in Batches: We have a 6-quart air fryer and usually cook 6 ribs at a time. I work in batches and keep the finished ribs warm on a plate tented with aluminum foil in a 200°F oven.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

We usually heat up our ribs in the microwave for a minute or two to take the chill off of them. Simply Meat Smoking has a great article showing 5 tried and tested methods to reheat ribs.

What to Serve with Country Style Pork Ribs

These air fryer country style ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Choose from classic bbq side salads, vegetables, or hearty sides to build a complete meal.

Try These Air Fryer Recipes Next!

• Mini Meatloaf
• Ground Beef Taquitos
• Cheddar Brats
• 3 Ingredient Cube Steak
• Chicken Thighs