Air-Fried/Oven-Fried Salt and Pepper Ribs

Step 1

Cut the rack of ribs in half between two bones. With the meaty side facing down, remove the silver skin on the back side. See the video above for guidance, if needed. Cut between the bones to separate individual ribs.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the egg, water, wine, sesame oil, and salt. Add the ribs and stir to coat well. Set aside for 15 minutes or cover and let sit, at room temperature, up to 2 hours.

Step 3

If you have an air-fryer like the Cuisinart, line the bottom tray with foil. (If you do not have an air-fryer, set a rack in the upper third position and preheat the oven to 450F degrees, preferably on convection or convection roasting mode. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on the baking sheet. Lightly oil the rack.)

Step 4

Remove the ribs from the marinade. To the marinade in the bowl, add the coating ingredients: flour, cornstarch, white pepper, oil, water and soy sauce. Stir to combine well. Add the ribs and stir to coat.

Step 5

If air-frying, cook in batches (I do 2 batches in mine), arranging the ribs bonier facing side down to minimize touching the rack. Use 400F and air-fry for 10 minutes, until brown and crisp. Remove from the air-fryer, let cool for 2 or 3 minutes, then loosen with a thin flexible turner and flip. Air-fry for about 3 minutes longer to brown and crisp the other side. Hold the ribs on a platter and keep in a warm oven as you cook the other batches. (To oven fry, arrange all the ribs bonier side facing down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Cool for a couple minutes, then loosen and flip over. Bake for about 5 minutes longer, or until browned on the other side.)

Step 6

Combine the salt, sugar, pepper, and five spice in a bowl and set near the stove. Put the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and the garlic in a large wok or skillet. Heat over medium and after things gently fry, watch it till the garlic is pale golden. Remove from the heat and scoop up the garlic and set aside. Pour out the oil until there’s just a film on the pan.

Step 7

Return the pan to the burner and crank up the heat to high. When hot, add the chile peppers. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until slightly soft and glistening. Add the ribs and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes to warm, then sprinkle the salt mixture all over and swiftly stir-fry to combine well. Return the garlic and briefly stir-fry to distribute. Transfer to a platter and serve.