Air Fryer Salt-Grilled Pork Ribs
Air Fryer Salt-Grilled Pork Ribs
Juicy and Tender Air Fryer Pork Ribs, Simply Salt-Grilled!
Enjoy incredibly tender and flavorful pork ribs right at home with your air fryer! This salt-grilled recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a simple yet impressive dish that even beginners can master. We’ll cover everything from prepping the ribs, removing any gamey smell, and achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Get ready for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Rib Preparation & Boiling Ingredients- 1.6kg Pork ribs
- 3 Bay leaves
- 5 Peppercorns
- 1/2 cup Soju (approx. 100ml)
Rib Seasoning Ingredients (Tablespoon measurements)- 1 Tbsp Steak seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Optional Ingredients (Side Dish)- 1-2 Potatoes
- 1-2 Sweet potatoes
- 1 Tbsp Steak seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Optional Ingredients (Side Dish)- 1-2 Potatoes
- 1-2 Sweet potatoes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll prepare the ribs to ensure they are tender and free from any gamey odors. Locate the space between the 1st and 2nd bones of the rib. Gently insert the tip of your knife, angled flat against the bone, and slide it to carefully remove the membrane (silver skin) that encases the ribs. Removing this tough membrane is key to achieving tender ribs.
Step 2
Once loosened, pull the membrane away with your fingers. It should come off in one piece. Ensure all of the tough membrane is removed for the best texture.
Step 3
After removing the membrane, cut between the bones to separate the ribs individually. This makes them easier to season, cook evenly, and serve.
Step 4
Place the separated ribs in a large bowl and cover them with cold water to soak and remove excess blood. Let them soak for about 2 hours, changing the water once halfway through. This step is crucial for a clean flavor.
Step 5
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bay leaves, peppercorns, the drained ribs, and soju. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat slightly and let the ribs simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage, as this can make them tough.
Step 6
After parboiling, rinse each rib under cold running water. This ‘shower’ helps to wash away any remaining impurities and firms up the meat.
Step 7
Drain the ribs thoroughly. In a bowl, combine the steak seasoning, olive oil, and butter. Add the drained ribs and toss well with your hands to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 8
Transfer the seasoned ribs to an airtight container, packing them snugly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat. Alternatively, you can cover the bowl you used for mixing with plastic wrap.
Step 9
Prepare your optional side vegetables by slicing the potatoes and sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick. These will be roasted alongside the ribs.
Step 10
Arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, trying not to overlap them too much. Tuck the sliced potatoes and sweet potatoes into the spaces between the ribs. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip the ribs and vegetables. Continue to air fry at 180°C (350°F) for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. (Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust as needed).
Step 11
The ribs turned out perfectly seasoned from the steak seasoning and butter, needing no additional dipping sauce. While tartar sauce or lamb seasoning are options, the natural flavor was outstanding. They paired wonderfully with a homemade coleslaw salad I had made a few days prior.
Step 12
Thanks to the initial boiling and then slow cooking at a moderate temperature in the air fryer, the ribs were beautifully golden on the outside and incredibly moist and tender on the inside. There was absolutely no gamey smell, and the rich juices made for a truly delicious meal. This recipe, made surprisingly simple with the air fryer, is a fantastic dish for any occasion!
