Juicy Cheese Pork Ribs “Pork Rib Steak”
Impress Your Guests! Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Tender Cheese Pork Ribs
Planning a special meal like a birthday dinner can be stressful, especially when choosing the perfect menu. If you want to prepare a dish that’s both impressive and delicious, but seems too complicated, this Air Fryer Cheese Pork Ribs recipe is for you! Imagine fall-off-the-bone tender ribs coated in gooey, melted cheese – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate any celebration. However, air frying can sometimes lead to dry meat. This recipe shares the secret to incredibly moist and tender pork ribs, along with a simple yet flavorful homemade barbecue sauce. We’ll guide you step-by-step, making it easy for even beginner cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results. Let’s get started on creating a memorable feast!
Main Ingredients- Pork ribs 450g (prepare a bit more, as bone weight can be substantial)
- Dry herb mix 1 tsp
- Salt 1/2 Tbsp
- Brining liquid (water) 1 L
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- Mozzarella cheese 150g
Homemade BBQ Sauce- Whole garlic cloves 100g
- Store-bought BBQ sauce 250mL
- Water 150mL
- Whole garlic cloves 100g
- Store-bought BBQ sauce 250mL
- Water 150mL
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Brine the Ribs: Pork ribs have a significant bone weight, so it’s best to purchase slightly more than you think you’ll need. First, prepare the brining liquid by dissolving 1/2 Tbsp of salt and 1 tsp of dry herb mix into 1 liter of water. This step is crucial for drawing out excess blood and infusing the ribs with flavor, ensuring they remain juicy.
Step 2
2. Refrigerate and Marinate: Place the pork ribs in the brining liquid. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, and let it refrigerating overnight (at least 8 hours). This long marination process not only removes blood but also allows the herbs and salt to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in exceptionally tender and flavorful ribs.
Step 3
3. Prepare the Air Fryer: Before cooking, pour about 500mL of water into the drip tray of your air fryer. This simple trick helps keep the ribs moist throughout the cooking process. It also significantly reduces smoke and odors by catching rendered fat, preventing your kitchen from smelling like a grill.
Step 4
4. First Bake: Gently rinse the marinated ribs under cold running water and pat them dry. Arrange the ribs on the air fryer rack. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for the first 25 minutes.
Step 5
5. Second Bake and Check for Doneness: After 25 minutes, carefully flip the ribs over. Reduce the temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue to bake for another 25 minutes. If you’re cooking a larger batch than specified, increase the cooking time by an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the thickest part; the juices should run clear.
Step 6
6. Make the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are cooking, let’s prepare the special BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine 100g of whole garlic cloves, 250mL of store-bought BBQ sauce, and 150mL of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 8 minutes. After simmering, roughly mash about half of the garlic cloves directly in the sauce. Adding whole garlic significantly enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Step 7
7. Coat the Ribs with Sauce: Once the ribs are beautifully browned, transfer them to a saucepan with the prepared BBQ sauce. Stir gently over medium-low heat for about 4 minutes, ensuring each rib is evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 8
8. Add the Cheese: Lightly spray an oven-safe tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the sauced ribs attractively on the tray and generously top with 150g of mozzarella cheese.
Step 9
9. Melt the Cheese: Melt the cheese using either a microwave or your oven. If using a microwave, place the tray in a microwave-safe dish (not the metal tray itself) and heat for about 1 minute 30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using an oven, set the broiler to high heat and broil for approximately 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the cheese is golden and melted.
Step 10
10. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped scallions for a vibrant finish. Your impressive and mouthwatering Cheese Pork Ribs are ready to be devoured!
Step 11
Many people think making cheese-covered ribs at home is difficult, but this recipe proves it’s entirely achievable and incredibly rewarding! If you’re looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make dish using your air fryer, this pork ribs recipe is a fantastic choice. Make a generous batch and enjoy creating delicious memories with your loved ones! 🙂
