Step 1

Add the brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, fine sea salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper to a small mixing bowl. Stir together until well combined and there are no remaining clumps of brown sugar.

Step 2

Evenly coat each rib entirely in the rub (press/massage the seasoning into the meat so that it sticks to the meat during cooking).

Step 3

Preheat a 5 Quart air fryer at 370 F for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Place the ribs into the AF basket any way they fit with a small amount of space between them for air flow (you’ll probably have to place them upright on their sides).

Step 5

Cook the ribs at 370 F for 10 minutes. Use kitchen tongs to flip the ribs, then cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 6

Use tongs to remove the ribs from the air fryer basket. Brush the ribs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Place the ribs back into the air fryer and cook at 400 F for an additional 3-4 minutes (or until 145 F is reached on an instant read thermometer). Use tongs to remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Use a clean basting brush to coat with the remaining BBQ sauce, and serve!