Begin by preheating your air fryer to 195°C (or 380°F). This is essential, as a hot air fryer ensures the ribs cook evenly and gets that crispy exterior we all adore.

Remove the membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. This can be a bit tricky, but it helps the seasoning penetrate the meat better. Divide the ribs into three equal portions to fit comfortably in the air fryer.

Grab a paper towel and pat the ribs dry. This helps the spices adhere better. Mix together your spices: cayenne pepper, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Sprinkle this spice blend generously over both sides of the ribs. Don’t forget to give them some love with a drizzle of olive oil, which adds moisture and enhances the flavor.

Take each portion of seasoned ribs and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure there are no loose bits, as this wrapping retains moisture during cooking.

Place the foil-wrapped ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for about 25 minutes. This is the slow cooking phase, where the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the foil and discard it — mind those hot steam clouds! Using a meat brush, generously coat the exposed sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce. Do it to your heart’s content!

Return the ribs to the air fryer basket without the foil and air fry for another 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize, creating a beautiful glaze and a lovely texture.

Once done, take them out and let them rest for about five minutes. This waiting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as can be.