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Air Fryer Pork Ribs With Sticky Ginger Sauce - Fast, Flavorful, and Tender

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds pork ribs (baby back ribs work best; St. Louis ribs also fine)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • Dry rub: 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • Sticky ginger sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili paste (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
  • To finish: Sliced scallions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. If present, remove the thin membrane on the back by sliding a butter knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip. Cut the rack into 2–3 rib sections to fit your air fryer basket.
  2. Season. Rub ribs with olive oil. Mix the dry rub in a small bowl, then coat the ribs evenly on all sides. Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you make the sauce and preheat.
  3. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to warm the basket.
  4. Make the sticky ginger sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. Turn off heat.
  5. Air fry the ribs, round one. Arrange ribs in a single layer, meaty side up, leaving a little space between pieces. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  6. Flip and continue. Flip the ribs and cook another 10–12 minutes at 375°F. The exterior should be browned and sizzling. Internal temperature should be at least 190°F for tender ribs, though 195–203°F gives a softer bite.
  7. Glaze. Brush ribs generously with the sticky ginger sauce. Flip and brush the other side too. Reserve some sauce for serving.
  8. Air fry to set the glaze. Cook 4–6 more minutes at 390°F (200°C) until the sauce is set and sticky with light caramelization at the edges.
  9. Rest and garnish. Let the ribs rest 5 minutes. Slice between bones. Drizzle with extra sauce, then sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges if you like a citrus pop.