Air Fryer Ribs | Keto Chinese Style Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Ribs use black bean sauce, and a few other classic Chinese ingredients to give you finger-licking ribs that are just perfectly tender and chewy at the same time. Once they're marinated, they cook in under 10 minutes in your air fryer or convection oven.

Why You're Going To Love Making Ribs In Your Air Fryer

• Fast. Once you marinate the ribs, they cook in under 30 minutes in your air fryer!
• Easy. Marinate, toss in your air fryer, and enjoy!
• Minimal Ingredients. Less than 10 ingredients total, and most of them are pantry staples.
• Delicious. Every single bite is absolutely bursting with flavor!

So I was making these braised Chinese spareribs where I was basically throwing things together in a pot and lo and behold! They actually turned out to be quite tasty. I had set aside half the ribs to make them a little crispy and crunchy in an air fryer.

The marinade for the Instant Pot ribs smelled SO good, that I decided I'd use a similar thing for the air fryer ribs.

I had to mess with the proportions to get a rich, thick sauce that would coat these ribs a bit more. But it was a simple, fast marinade, and at the end of a ten-minute cook time, I had these Chinese-style spareribs. All in all it's definitely a recipe I would make again and again, and my family agrees!

I call them Chinese-style because the flavor profile and the ingredients are very typical of some areas of China. Either way, I hope you'll call them delicious! If you try them, let me know in the comments what you thought about them - I love getting feedback!

Looking for more great ribs recipes? Check out my Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs!

What Do They Taste Like?

Air Fryer Chinese Spare Ribs have a bold, savory-sweet flavor with a perfect balance of richness, spice, and umami. The fermented black bean paste gives them deep, salty complexity, while the garlic and ginger add warmth and aromatic depth.

The dark soy sauce and Shaoxing wine infuse the ribs with that signature Chinese-style savoriness and subtle caramel notes, and the agave or honey creates a glossy, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the tender meat.

Each bite has a satisfying contrast of crispy edges and juicy interior, with a smoky-sweet finish from the air fryer’s caramelization.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil- Adds a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the ribs.
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic- Brings a sharp, savory depth that complements the sweetness of the sauce and cuts through the richness of the pork.
• 1 teaspoon Minced Ginger- Adds warmth and brightness with a subtle spicy note.
• 1 tablespoon Fermented Black Bean Paste- A key ingredient that gives the ribs their distinctive savory umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine- A traditional Chinese cooking wine that enhances aroma and depth. It helps tenderize the ribs.
• 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce- Provides deep color, rich umami, and a slightly molasses-like sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Agave Nectar (or Honey)- Adds sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the intensity of the fermented black bean paste.
• 1.5 pounds Spare Ribs- The star of the dish. Pork ribs become tender and juicy when air-fried, with crispy, caramelized edges that absorb all the savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors of the marinade. Cutting them into small pieces ensures they cook evenly and develop a perfect glaze.

How To Make Air Fryer Ribs

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients for the marinade.
2. Add the spare ribs and mix well. Allow the ribs to marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
3. When you're ready to cook the ribs, remove the ribs from the marinade and place into the air fryer basket.
4. Set the air fryer at 375F for 8 minutes.
5. Check to ensure the ribs have an internal temperature of 165F before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Making Air Fryer Chinese Spare Ribs at home is an easy and delicious way to enjoy restaurant-quality ribs with a perfectly sticky, savory-sweet glaze. To get tender meat, deep flavor, and that irresistible caramelized finish, here are some expert tips and tricks:

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 4–6 hours or overnight. The longer marination time allows the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fermented black bean paste to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Cut the Ribs Small. Cutting the ribs into 2- to 3-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Smaller pieces also absorb the marinade better.
• Preheat the Air Fryer. A hot air fryer helps the ribs develop a crisp, golden-brown exterior right from the start.
• Use Foil or Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup. Line the basket with perforated parchment paper to catch drips while allowing air circulation. This keeps cleanup simple without affecting crispness.

Variations

Here are some flavorful and creative ways to customize your Air Fryer Chinese Spare Ribs, whether you prefer them spicier, sweeter, or with a healthier twist:

• Spicy- Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick that complements the savory-sweet glaze.
• Honey Garlic- Replace the fermented black bean paste with an extra 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and double the garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a sticky, sweet coating.
• Sweet and Tangy- Mix 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and a splash of orange juice into the marinade for a bright, tangy flavor that balances the rich soy and sesame notes.
• Low-Sodium Version- Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut the salt in half. You can also substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a milder, naturally sweet alternative.

What To Eat With Air Fryer Ribs

Air Fryer Ribs are packed with bold, savory-sweet flavor, so they pair wonderfully with light, fragrant, and balanced side dishes. Whether you’re putting together a quick weeknight meal or a full Asian-inspired spread, here are some delicious ideas for what to eat with them:

• Jasmine Rice- The perfect classic pairing. Its mild flavor absorbs the rich, sticky sauce from the ribs beautifully.
• Fried Rice- For a heartier option, serve the ribs with egg fried rice, vegetable fried rice, or cauliflower fried rice for a flavorful complement that stays low-carb if desired.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables- A mix of broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, and carrots adds color, crunch, and balance to the meal while keeping it fresh.

How Long Do They Last?

Chinese Spare Ribs can be stored easily and still taste fantastic when reheated. Once cooled completely, transfer the ribs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen as they sit, making them even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, place the ribs back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges again.

Can You Freeze Them?

For longer storage, freeze the cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and brush on a touch of honey or soy sauce before air frying to refresh the glaze and bring back their glossy, savory-sweet finish.

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• Kimchi Beef Stew- An easy pour and cook recipe full of umami flavors.
• Bulgogi Burgers- Put your air fryer to work with this fun twist on burgers!
• Corned Beef and Cabbage- A classic done in a fraction of the time.
• Indian Beef Curry- Done in less than an hour and so good you'll wonder why you haven't made it before!

If you love these Air Fryer Ribs as much as we do, make sure you share this recipe with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try them too!