How To Make Korean Short Ribs In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

Recommended Equipments:

Korean short ribs, or Galbi, are a culinary marvel that effortlessly combines rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and umami. Traditionally, these ribs are marinated for hours in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and Asian pear before being grilled over an open flame. The result is a tender, flavorful, and slightly caramelized meat that melts in your mouth. However, not everyone has access to a grill or wants to endure the long cooking process. Enter the air fryer-a modern kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation to cook food quickly while maintaining a tender interior and crispy exterior. Making Korean short ribs in an air fryer can replicate the flavors and textures of grilling while saving time, energy, and cleanup effort. Mastering this method requires attention to temperature, timing, and technique, which we’ll explore in depth.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Make Korean Short Ribs In Air Fryer

Temperature is the most crucial factor when air frying Korean short ribs. The goal is to achieve a tender, juicy interior while developing a rich, caramelized exterior.

For most air fryers, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is optimal. This temperature allows the marinade’s sugars to caramelize without burning, producing the signature glossy, slightly charred exterior of Korean short ribs. If the temperature is too low, the meat will cook unevenly and fail to develop the flavorful crust. Conversely, cooking at a higher temperature-like 400°F (205°C)-can accelerate caramelization, but it increases the risk of burning the sugars on the surface before the meat is cooked through.

Some air fryer models have hotspots or uneven heating. If you know your device tends to cook faster on one side, slightly lower the temperature to 360-370°F and rotate the ribs halfway through cooking for even browning.

How Long To Make Korean Short Ribs In Air Fryer

Cooking time depends on the thickness of your ribs and whether they are bone-in or boneless. As a guideline:

• Boneless short ribs: 12-15 minutes
• Bone-in short ribs: 15-18 minutes

It’s best to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and caramelization. Air fryers cook more quickly than traditional ovens because the circulating hot air surrounds the meat, so frequent checking toward the end is crucial to prevent overcooking.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Unlike grilled ribs, air-fried ribs don’t always offer visual cues of doneness. Here are the best ways to check:

1. Internal Temperature: The USDA recommends cooking beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, for short ribs, aiming for 160-165°F (71-74°C) ensures tenderness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.
2. Texture: The meat should feel tender but not mushy. When pierced with a fork, it should offer slight resistance but pull apart easily.
3. Color: Fully cooked Korean short ribs will have a rich brown color on the surface, with slightly caramelized edges from the marinade sugars.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare authentic-tasting Korean short ribs in the air fryer, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds of short ribs (flanken-style for easy air frying)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey for caramelization
• 1/4 cup sesame oil for nutty depth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup Asian pear, grated (for natural tenderizing)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) for heat

How To Make Korean Short Ribs In Air Fryer

1. Marinate the ribs: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated Asian pear, green onions, black pepper, and gochujang (if using). Coat the ribs thoroughly and marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures consistent cooking.
3. Arrange the ribs: Place the marinated ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even heat circulation.
4. Air fry: Cook for 12-18 minutes depending on thickness, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on caramelization to prevent burning.
5. Rest and serve: Remove ribs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Altering the temperature affects texture and cooking outcomes:

• Lower temperature (350°F / 175°C): Slower cooking, less risk of burning, more even tenderness, but may reduce caramelization.
• Higher temperature (400°F / 205°C): Faster cooking and crispier edges, but higher risk of burnt sugars and uneven interior. If you choose this, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and monitor closely.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking time directly influences tenderness and flavor:

• Shorter cooking time: Ribs may be undercooked and chewy. Quick finishing at higher heat is possible but tricky.
• Longer cooking time: Can dry out the meat or burn the sugar glaze. If ribs are thicker, extend time in 2-3 minute increments, checking tenderness regularly.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with careful planning, mishaps happen:

• Ribs are dry: Likely overcooked. Next time, reduce temperature or cooking time. Brushing with leftover marinade halfway through cooking can help retain moisture.
• Ribs are burnt: Sugar in the marinade may caramelize too quickly. Reduce temperature, cut sugar slightly, or add a thin layer of foil to protect from direct heat.
• Uneven cooking: Overcrowding the basket is usually the culprit. Cook in batches and flip halfway.

Expert Tips

1. Use flanken-cut ribs (thin, across the bone) for faster and more even cooking in air fryers.
2. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Pat ribs dry before air frying to enhance caramelization.
4. Flip halfway for uniform browning.
5. Monitor closely during the final 5 minutes; sugar burns easily at high heat.
6. Experiment with marinade variations: adding mirin, rice wine, or a touch of citrus can elevate flavor.
7. Let ribs rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.

FAQs

What Type Of Korean Short Ribs Are Best For Air Frying?

For air frying, flanken-style short ribs, cut thinly across the bone, are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. Avoid thicker cuts as they may remain undercooked or require longer cooking times.

Do I Need To Marinate The Short Ribs Before Air Frying?

Yes, marinating is essential to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. A typical marinade includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sometimes pear juice. Marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results.

Should I Preheat The Air Fryer Before Cooking The Short Ribs?

Preheating the air fryer is recommended to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding the marinated ribs.

How Long Should Korean Short Ribs Be Cooked In The Air Fryer?

Thinly sliced flanken-style ribs generally cook in 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even caramelization and a crispy exterior.

Do I Need To Oil The Air Fryer Basket For Korean Short Ribs?

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with oil is optional but recommended to prevent sticking and help with browning. Too much oil is unnecessary since the marinade usually contains some oil.

How Can I Tell If The Short Ribs Are Fully Cooked?

Fully cooked Korean short ribs should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. They should also have a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior and tender meat that pulls easily from the bone.

Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs In The Air Fryer?

Yes, but it’s better to thaw them first for even cooking and proper caramelization. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time and monitor closely to avoid uneven cooking.