Air Fryer Garlic
Salt-Pepper Pork Ribs
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer garlic and salt-pepper pork ribs deliver an intense aromatic punch with zero deep-frying mess.
Mastering quick and flavorful pork ribs is easier than ever with this air fryer method. By massaging a blend of savory sauces, white pepper, and fresh garlic into the meat before a precise two-hour marinade, every single piece absorbs deep, restaurant-quality flavor. Cooking them directly on the basket grate ensures maximum heat circulation for an irresistible golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork ribs
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp huangjiu yellow wine
- 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt-pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- 1Add light soy sauce and yellow wine

Pour light soy sauce and huangjiu yellow wine over the raw pork rib pieces placed inside the clear glass mixing bowl to infuse them with foundational savory depth.
Tip: Pour evenly across the meat to help the seasonings distribute properly during the initial stage. - 2Season with white pepper and garlic powder

Sprinkle white pepper powder and garlic powder directly into the glass bowl containing the seasoned pork ribs.
Tip: Garlic powder adds an intense aromatic punch that complements the fresh minced garlic added later. - 3Add salt-pepper, chili, and aromatics

Add salt-pepper powder, chili powder, chopped scallions, and freshly minced garlic into the bowl on top of the ribs.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your personal preference for heat. - 4Massage and mix the ribs

Use your hand to thoroughly grab, mix, and massage the seasoned pork rib pieces thirty-nine times to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Tip: Hand massaging helps the meat absorb the liquid seasonings and spices much more effectively than a spoon. - 5Drizzle with cooking oil

Drizzle cooking oil over the marinated pork ribs to help lock in moisture and promote even crisping during the air frying process.
Tip: A light drizzle seals the surface and prevents the spices from burning dry in the air fryer. - 6Cover and Marinate the Ribs

Cover the glass bowl tightly with plastic wrap to lock in moisture and flavor. Place the seasoned pork ribs into the refrigerator to marinate for 2 hours, allowing the spices and aromatics to fully penetrate the meat.
Tip: Marinating in the refrigerator ensures even flavor absorption and prevents bacterial growth. - 7Arrange Ribs in the Air Fryer

Place the marinated pork rib pieces directly onto the bottom grill pan of the air fryer without using parchment paper. Leaving the bottom open ensures even heat circulation and optimal air frying results.
Tip: Do not line the bottom with parchment paper, as it can block the airflow and prevent even cooking. - 8Spray with Oil

Lightly spray a thin layer of cooking oil over the arranged pork ribs inside the air fryer basket. This helps achieve a crispy exterior texture while preventing the meat from burning during high-heat cooking.
Tip: Apply a very light mist of oil to avoid greasy results while ensuring a golden crust. - 9Set Temperature and Timer

Adjust the control knobs on the green air fryer to set the cooking temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and the timer to 25 minutes. Proper temperature control is essential for crispy outside and tender inside results.
Tip: Preheating the air fryer is not strictly necessary here, but make sure the timer and temperature are precisely set. - 10Flip the Ribs Midway

Open the air fryer halfway through the cooking process and flip all the pork rib pieces to their other side. This ensures that both sides brown evenly and develop a uniform crispy texture.
Tip: Use tongs or chopsticks carefully to flip the pieces without losing the coating.