Step 1

Remove membrane from back of ribs and dry ribs with a paper towel. Cut rack into 4 pieces. Mix olive oil and liquid smoke in a small bowl and rub on both sides of the ribs.

Step 2

Combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder in a bowl. Season both sides of the ribs generously with seasoning mix. Let ribs rest for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 3

Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 4

Place ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5

Cook for 15 minutes. Flip ribs over (meat-side down) and cook an additional 10 minutes. Remove ribs from air fryer and brush bone-side of ribs with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Place basket back in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Flip ribs over, brush meat-side with remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; cook an additional 5 minutes or until desired char is achieved.