You Won’t Believe These Fall-Off-The-Bone Short Ribs Made in an Air Fryer!
There’s something magical about short ribs—rich, tender, succulent meat that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with a deeply savory aroma. But what if I told you that you could enjoy this soul-satisfying dish without heating up your oven for hours? From my experience, making short ribs in the air fryer is a total game-changer. This method locks in all the flavor and juiciness, creating caramelized edges and ultra-tender meat—all in a fraction of the time!
Whether we’re throwing together a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests something unforgettable, these short ribs never fail to impress. They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavor. I’ve tried braising them, baking them low and slow, even using a smoker—but the air fryer wins on convenience without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into what might become your new favorite comfort food!
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time (optional but recommended): 2–8 hours
Cook Time in Air Fryer: 35–40 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time (excluding marinating): 55–60 minutes
Serves: 3–4 people
Difficulty Level: Medium
The Necessary Ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations)
To create the most flavorful, sticky, finger-licking air fryer short ribs, we’ll need the following ingredients. I often swap things in and out depending on what’s in the pantry—feel free to get creative!
2–2.5 lbs (900–1100 g) beef short ribs, bone-in
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional but aromatic!)
For those who need alternatives, here are a few swaps that work beautifully:
Vegan version: Substitute beef ribs with thick slices of king oyster mushrooms or seitan ribs. Adjust cook time to 15–20 minutes.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Low-sugar: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or simply reduce the amount of sweetener.
The Steps of Preparation (possible in all kinds of variations)
Let’s walk through the method step-by-step. I’ve played around with different timings and spice combos—this version gives us the crispiest, most flavorful result with almost no cleanup!
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, and olive oil.
Rub the marinade all over the short ribs. Let them sit covered in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the short ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, bone side down. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Raise the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 10–15 minutes to caramelize the edges.
Check for doneness—the meat should be fork-tender and crispy outside.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables!
Nutritional Benefits
These short ribs aren’t just irresistible—they’re packed with goodness too:
High in Protein: Each serving delivers about 25–30 grams of muscle-building protein.
Rich in Iron: Great for energy and red blood cell health.
Collagen-Rich: Bone-in ribs are fantastic for skin, joint, and gut health.
Low in Carbs: A perfect fit for low-carb or keto lifestyles when served with veggie sides.
Zinc-Packed: Boosts immunity and speeds up healing.
B Vitamins: Especially B12 for nervous system support.
Possible Additions or Upgrades
There are so many fun and delicious ways to elevate these short ribs even further:
Glaze with a sticky BBQ sauce during the final 5 minutes
Add a splash of bourbon or red wine to the marinade
Serve over creamy garlic mashed potatoes or polenta
Top with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving
Serve in tacos with pickled onions and lime crema
Use leftovers in sandwiches or over rice bowls the next day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen short ribs in the air fryer?
Yes, but I recommend defrosting first for best flavor absorption. If cooking from frozen, add 10–15 minutes and lower the temperature slightly.
Do I need to marinate the ribs?
It’s optional, but from my experience, marinating makes a massive difference in tenderness and flavor.
What’s the ideal temperature for air frying short ribs?
Start at 375°F and finish at 400°F for a caramelized exterior.
Can I use boneless short ribs instead?
Absolutely! They cook slightly faster, so check them after 30 minutes.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
They should be fork-tender with an internal temp of 190–205°F for best results.
Can I add BBQ sauce?
Yes! Brush it on during the last 5 minutes for a sticky, smoky finish.
What sides go well with these short ribs?
Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, rice, or even a tangy slaw.
Can I reheat leftover short ribs in the air fryer?
Yes—5–7 minutes at 350°F brings them back to life beautifully.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Use the oven at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours or a pressure cooker for 45 minutes with natural release.
How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to share it with your friends and tag it on social media! We’ve made this dish at countless family dinners, and it always brings people together—now it’s your turn. Enjoy every bite and spread the love!
