Air Fryer Garlic Salt Pepper Ribs So Easy

Air Fryer Garlic Salt Pepper Ribs So Easy

Food

Carol

January 21, 2026

Crispy outside, tender inside no deep frying, no stress

This is one of those dishes I always order when eating out. Garlic salt & pepper ribs crispy, fragrant, slightly spicy, and impossible to stop eating.

But honestly?

Making it at home with an air fryer is way easier than I thought.

No deep frying, less oil, and still crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside.

The kind of ribs where the meat almost slips off the bone.

Why I Love This Recipe

• No deep frying (less oil, less mess)
• Big garlic aroma, super flavorful
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Easy enough for a weekday dinner
• Perfect with iced tea or rice

Ingredients

• Pork ribs
• Cornstarch (for washing + marinade)
• Ginger slices
• Minced garlic
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tbsp sugar
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step (Just Follow Along 👇)

Step 1: Clean the Ribs

Put the pork ribs in a bowl.

Add some cornstarch and water, then rinse and massage gently.

Rinse a few times until the water looks clean.

This helps remove impurities and keeps the ribs fresh and tender.

Pat the ribs dry with kitchen paper.

Step 2: Marinate

In a bowl, add the ribs and:

• Ginger slices
• Minced garlic
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Sea salt & black pepper

Mix everything well until the ribs are evenly coated.

Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

If you have more time, longer is always better.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place the marinated ribs into the air fryer basket.

Spread them out so hot air can circulate evenly.

Air fry at:

• 180°C / 356°F
• 25 minutes

If your air fryer heats unevenly, you can flip them once halfway but most of the time, you don’t even need to.

Step 4: Check & Serve

Once done, the ribs should look:

• Golden and crispy outside
• Juicy and tender inside

The meat should pull away from the bone easily.

Qna For Recipes

Q: What makes these ribs crispy without deep frying?

A: The air fryer plus a light cornstarch coating creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Q: Why are the ribs washed with cornstarch first?

A: Washing with cornstarch helps remove impurities and excess blood, resulting in cleaner-tasting, more tender ribs.

Q: Do I need to flip the ribs while air frying?

A: Not always. If your air fryer heats evenly, flipping isn’t necessary. If it has hot spots, flipping once halfway helps with even browning.

Q: Can I marinate the ribs longer than 30 minutes?

A: Yes. Marinating for 1–2 hours (or overnight in the fridge) will make the ribs even more flavorful and tender.

Q: What cut of pork ribs works best for this recipe?

A: Pork spare ribs or short ribs work best because they stay juicy and tender after air frying.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: It’s mildly spicy from black pepper. You can add chili flakes or white pepper if you want more heat.

Q: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

A: Yes. You can bake the ribs in the oven at 200°C (400°F) until crispy, flipping once for even cooking.

Q: How do I know the ribs are fully cooked?

A: The ribs should be golden and crispy on the outside, and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.

Q: What should I serve with garlic salt & pepper ribs?

A: They pair perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or a cold glass of iced tea for a comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

These garlic salt & pepper ribs are:

• Crispy
• Garlicky
• Savory
• And seriously addictive

I love serving them hot with a glass of iced tea — one bite, one sip, and suddenly the whole day feels better.

If you’re craving restaurant-style ribs but don’t want the oil or the hassle, this recipe is a must-try.

Simple, comforting, and very family-approved.

Carol January 21, 2026