Air-Fryer Sticky Bourbon BBQ Rib Bites

AF-200 Crew BBQ Recipe

Air-Fryer Sticky Bourbon BBQ Rib Bites

Somewhere between proper barbecue and complete lack of self-control sits this recipe. Sticky bourbon glaze. Smoky pork. Dark caramelised edges.

Air-Fryer Sticky Bourbon BBQ Rib Bites
Air-Fryer Sticky Bourbon BBQ Rib Bites preparation stage

You’ll Need

800g pork rib strips or meaty pork ribs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper

Bourbon BBQ Glaze
4 tbsp BBQ sauce
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Optional But Dangerous
Pickles
Corn on the cob
Loaded fries
Extra bourbon glaze

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.

Pat the ribs dry with kitchen paper.

Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.

Place into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry for 22–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the ribs are cooked through and starting to darken around the edges.

While the ribs cook, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thick, glossy, and smelling like a proper backyard barbecue.

When the ribs are cooked, toss them thoroughly in the bourbon glaze.

Return them to the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 200°C until the glaze becomes sticky, dark, and aggressively caramelised.

Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve piled high with plenty of napkins and absolutely no intention of sharing.

Lad Tip: The final blast is where the magic happens. The glaze should look slightly out of control by the time it's finished. If your fingers aren't sticking together slightly while eating these, you've probably been too sensible.

Get the free weekly recipe + weekend challenge.

Free weekly recipe. Weekend challenge. No nonsense.

By joining, you agree to receive AF-200 Crew emails, including occasional offers or affiliate recommendations. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.