Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about five minutes. This initial blast of heat ensures that your ribs will start cooking perfectly right from the get-go.

Take your rack of baby back ribs and flip them over. You’ll notice a thin, silvery membrane on the back; use a paper towel to grip it and peel it off. This step is crucial because it allows the spices to penetrate the meat better and gives you a more tender rib.

Sprinkle the dry rub generously over both sides of the ribs. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor starts. Make sure to massage it into the meat so it sticks. The smell of the spices mingling with the meat will have your mouth watering!

To make sure they fit snugly in your air fryer, carefully cut the rack of ribs in half. This step is essential, as it allows the hot air to circulate efficiently around each piece.

Place the ribs in the air fryer, meat side down. Set the timer for 20 minutes. Halfway through, at the 10-minute mark, flip the ribs over. This ensures both sides get that beautiful heat distribution.

Once the first 20 minutes are up, carefully pull out the basket. Use a basting brush to slather the BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs. This adds that sweet and tangy glaze we all love.

Return the ribs to the air fryer with the meat side facing up. Increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want that nice char on top but without burning.

Finally, brush with a bit more BBQ sauce before serving. The sticky glaze will shine in the light—perfect for a delicious presentation. Slice the ribs, grab a napkin, and prepare for a flavor explosion!