Air Fryer Garlic Ribs (蒜香排骨)
Sharing a super easy and addictive air fryer ribs recipe that is inspired by Chinese fried garlic ribs. The ribs are juicy, tender, very flavorful, coated with a crispy crust and finished up with crispy garlic bits. If you are looking to enjoy ribs without guilt, you should make this air fryer version for a delicious and healthy meal with wholesome ingredients. {Gluten-Free Adaptable}To make this dish gluten-free, use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine. Make sure to use a gluten-free oyster sauce such as Lee Kum Kee green label.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1/2 rack (1.5 lb / 680 g) well-marbled pork ribs (, cut into single ribs (*Footnote 1))
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine ((or dry sherry))
- 1 tablespoon ginger (, grated)
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder
- Oil spray
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
- 1 head garlic (, coarsely minced (*Footnote 3))
- 2 green onions (, sliced (optional, for garnish))
Instructions
- 1
Add the pork ribs into a big bowl or a large ziplock bag. Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well and pour over the ribs. Mix using a spatula (or massage the bag if using) until the ribs are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge (highly recommended). (*Footnote 2)
- 2
When you’re ready to cook, drain the ribs and remove the excess marinade. Transfer to a large bowl if you used a ziplock bag. Combine the cornstarch and white pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Then add it to the bowl of ribs, 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix to evenly coat the ribs, until all the ribs are covered. Add a bit more cornstarch if needed. Transfer the ribs into the air fryer basket without overlapping, meat side up. Spray with a generous amount of oil on top so there’s no visible dry cornstarch.
- 3
Cook in the air fryer at 350°F (176°C) for 10 minutes, until the top of the ribs turns golden brown. Remove the air fryer basket, flip the ribs, then cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the ribs turn golden brown throughout. Test a rib by cutting up a piece to make sure it’s cooked through. If not, you can cook them for another 5 to 10 minutes. (*Footnote 4)
- 4
While the ribs are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the garlic. Stir and cook until you see the edge of garlic turn pale golden. Turn to low heat. Cook and stir fry the garlic until most of them turn golden, 5 minutes or so. (*Footnote 5) Immediately transfer everything to a small bowl to cool.
- 5
Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a big platter, then cover the ribs with the fried garlic. Garnish with green onions if using. Serve hot as a main dish.