Rib tips are a flavorful and meaty cut of pork ribs that come from the lower end of the pork spare ribs. They are an inexpensive cut of meat that is full of connective tissue, fat, and cartilage which gives them their signature tender and juicy texture when cooked low and slow. While traditionally rib tips are smoked or braised for hours, using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make rib tips with crispy edges and a tender interior in just 20-30 minutes.
Benefits of Cooking Rib Tips in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to cook rib tips:
- Quick cooking time – Rib tips are done in just 20-30 minutes in an air fryer versus hours of smoking or braising.
- Crispy exterior – The hot air circulated around the food in an air fryer helps create a crispy crust.
- Tender and juicy interior – The rib tips stay moist on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
- Easy cleanup – Air fryers have a small enclosed cooking basket that is easy to wipe clean after use.
- Healthier cooking – Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, making it a bit healthier cooking method.
Ingredients Needed
To make rib tips in an air fryer you will need:
- 1-2 lbs pork rib tips
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- Pork rub seasoning
- BBQ sauce or other sauce for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for air fryer rib tips:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Pat rib tips dry with paper towels and trim off any loose fat or cartilage pieces. Cut into smaller individual pieces if necessary to fit air fryer basket.
- Coat rib tips lightly with about 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil. Season generously on all sides with your favorite pork rub.
- Place rib tips in air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 15 minutes.
- Remove basket and flip rib tips. Air fry for 10-15 more minutes until rib tips are browned and crispy on the outside.
- Check for doneness by taking the internal temperature of a few pieces – they should reach at least 145°F. If not fully cooked, air fry 5 more minutes.
- Remove rib tips from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce if desired.
- Enjoy immediately as a main dish or appetizer!
Tips for the Best Air Fried Rib Tips
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of your air fried rib tips:
- Cut rib tips into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Let rib tips sit out at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
- Pat rib tips very dry before seasoning so the rub adheres well.
- Brush rib tips lightly with oil before air frying for extra crispy results.
- Flip rib tips halfway during cooking time for browned and crispy edges all over.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure rib tips are fully cooked through.
- Let rib tips rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
- Toss in sauce after cooking if desired rather than before to keep crispy texture.
Common Questions
What size rib tips work best in an air fryer?
The best sizes for air frying are rib tip pieces around 2-3 inches in size. Cut any large pieces in half or into chunks before air frying. Smaller, uniform pieces will cook the most evenly.
How long does it take to cook rib tips in an air fryer?
Cooking time can vary from 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the pieces and how crispy you like them. Cook for 15 minutes, flip, then check every 5 minutes until rib tips are browned and cooked through.
What temperature do you cook rib tips at in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer and cook rib tips at 370°F, flipping halfway through. This high heat helps render fat and make the rib tips nice and crispy.
Can you put rib tips in an air fryer frozen?
It’s best to thaw frozen rib tips completely before air frying. Air frying frozen rib tips may result in uneven cooking.
Do you need to flip rib tips when air frying?
Yes, flipping halfway through the cooking time is important to get rib tips browned and crispy on all sides, not just the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
Rib tips cooked in the air fryer make for a quick and tasty main or appetizer. Here are some serving ideas:
- Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce or glaze
- Serve with traditional BBQ sides like cornbread, coleslaw, beans, or potato salad
- Pile on top of toasted buns for rib tip sandwiches
- Chop up and add to tacos, nachos, pizza, or mac and cheese
- Serve as an appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Substitutions and Variations
Try these variations on the basic air fried rib tip recipe:
- Use baby back ribs or St. Louis style ribs instead of rib tips
- Replace pork rub with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or other spice blends
- Substitute olive oil or avocado oil for the vegetable oil
- Toss in hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for spicy rib tips
- Top with sliced onions, pickled jalapenos, or shredded cheese after air frying
- Drizzle with honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of BBQ sauce
Storage
Here are some tips for storing leftover air fried rib tips:
- Allow rib tips to cool completely before storing.
- Place cooled rib tips in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving again.
- Rib tips can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before re-heating.
Conclusion
Cooking rib tips in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this flavorful pork cut any night of the week. The hot circulating air gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Adjust cook times as needed to get your perfect level of doneness. Serve rib tips straight out of the air fryer or toss in sauce and enjoy on buns, over rice, with all your favorite barbecue sides, or even as an appetizer. The air fryer brings out the best in inexpensive rib tips, giving you juicy, crispy results in way less time than traditional smoking or braising methods.