If you like short ribs with a crispy exterior and fall-off-the-bone-tender meat, you will love this air fryer short ribs recipe. The simple marinade adds a pop of flavor while keeping the hands-on time to a minimum. When you want a deliciously easy weeknight dinner with minimal fuss, it doesn’t get much better than this!
I’ve always enjoyed beef ribs when dining out, but I started making them at home a few years ago.
We’ve enjoyed these red wine braised short ribs and Instant Pot beef ribs countless times.
My latest method of cooking this family favorite is air-fried short ribs. It is perfect for summer since you don’t have to heat the oven. (Plus, the cooking time is less!)
Ingredient Talk
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- To keep things keto and low carb, I went with coconut aminos. If you’re not following a special diet, tamari or regular soy sauce are both fine.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, though garlic powder works in a pinch. A little onion powder is a great add-in if you like that savory depth. I used fresh oregano because I had it, but dried oregano works just as well. For the mustard, dry mustard blends right in, though Dijon is an easy swap.
- Smoked paprika is what gives the short ribs that deep, smoky flavor. Regular paprika will work, but you’ll miss a bit of that smokiness.
- I prefer bone-in short ribs for the flavor the bones add while cooking, but boneless ribs will absolutely work too.
Make it a Meal
Keto Mashed Cauliflower is my go-to side with short ribs - they are so good the family just may think they are eating mashed potatoes. Add something green to your plate with these crispy brussels sprouts, cheesy green beans, or asparagus.
Craving bread for a hearty meal? Keto Cheese Breadsticks or Garlic Knots are the perfect addition to your table.
Best Sauces For Air Fried Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to air fried beef short ribs, a few different sauces can take the dish to the next level.
One excellent option is a simple BBQ sauce. This will give the ribs a nice smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of the beef.
Another delicious option is a teriyaki sauce. This sweet and savory sauce will add a lovely Asian twist to your dish.
Lastly, if you want something a little different, you could try a honey mustard sauce. This tangy and slightly sweet sauce will please even the pickiest eaters.
Tools Needed to Make Air Fried Short Ribs
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- Mason jar or blender
- Shallow dish
- Air Fryer (regular) or Extra Large Capacity
- Instant Read Thermometer
How to Make Beef Short Ribs in the Air Fryer
Temper the ribs at room temperature for one hour.
Marinated Air Fryer Short Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos Tamari or soy sauce for low carb and not keto
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
Instructions
- In a mason jar or blender, combine the avocado oil, coconut aminos, garlic, oregano, salt, dry mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Blend or shake until combined.
- Place the ribs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for 12 hours or up to overnight.
- Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F.
- Cook the ribs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 205° F, flipping halfway through.
Faith Marcellus says
can you use a different oil other than avocado?
Wendy Polisi says
Yes! Whatever oil you want works.
Orrin says
Where is the air fryer temperature mentioned I cannot find it
Katie says
Do you need to marinate that long?
Wendy Polisi says
I like to go for a longer marinade here for the fullest flavor and most tender ribs, but it will still be good if you need to shorten the time.
Lisa says
These short ribs were so tender! The marinade gave them a lot of flavor too.
Journa Liz Ramirez says
This is tenderly good and fall-of-the-bone meat! It turned out to be so delicious and addicting. I love to have this on special occasions.
Susan says
Can this recipe be cooked in a slow cooker too?
Jack Penrod says
These were Excellent just following the Recipe. I used Honey, Soy, and cider vinegar, I'll definitely make these again
tat says
great
James Dolan says
Hello going to try this recipe
Thank you. But you didnt put temp to set air fryer? Many recipes are the same way. I dont understand. I apologize if i missed it
Wendy Polisi says
Just click jump to recipe at the top and it will take you to the full recipe at the bottom of the post. It is 400°F. Enjoy!
Keith Sabin says
Terrific! I just made it for a loved one who’s a big short-ribs fan, and it was everything a recipe ought to be—simple, clear, easy to prep and cook, and deeelicious. If I could just post the picture…