Crispy Air-Fryer Beef Ribs
Cumin and Black Pepper

Savory, perfectly charred beef ribs made effortlessly in the air fryer. Marinated in a rich blend of oyster sauce and black pepper, then finished with a fragrant dusting of cumin.

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef rib cubes (about 2 catties)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• to taste freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• optional chili powder
• optional fresh green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the beef ribs

   

   Place approximately 1 kg (2 catties) of fresh beef rib cubes into a large metal mixing bowl. Ensure the beef is clean, patted dry, and ready for marinating.

   Tip: Pat the beef ribs dry with a paper towel before marinating to help the seasonings adhere better.
2. 2Add aromatics

   

   Add minced or crushed garlic cloves to the bowl of beef ribs. Garlic adds a foundational savory depth to the marinade.

   Tip: Freshly crushed garlic provides a much stronger and more fragrant flavor than pre-minced store-bought versions.
3. 3Season with oyster sauce

   

   Pour a generous amount of oyster sauce over the beef ribs. Oyster sauce is a key ingredient that provides a rich, savory, and slightly umami flavor profile.

   Tip: Oyster sauce is quite salty, so you can adjust the amount of added salt later to taste.
4. 4Add sugar

   

   Add a portion of white sugar to the beef mixture. The sugar helps balance the saltiness of the oyster sauce and soy sauce while aiding in caramelization during the grilling process.

   Tip: A little bit of sugar goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor balance of the marinade.
5. 5Add cooking wine

   

   Pour cooking wine over the beef ribs. The wine helps remove any gaminess from the meat and adds a subtle, fragrant note.

   Tip: If you dont have cooking wine, a dry sherry or even a splash of beer can work as an alternative.
6. 6Season with black pepper

   

   Grind a generous amount of fresh black pepper over the beef mixture. Black pepper provides a necessary sharp, spicy contrast to the savory marinade.

   Tip: Always use freshly ground black pepper for a significantly more intense aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
7. 7Add Cornstarch

   

   Add three spoonfuls of cornstarch to the beef ribs. This ingredient helps to thicken the marinade and creates a nice texture on the ribs during the cooking process.

   Tip: Cornstarch helps create a slightly crispy coating on the ribs in the air fryer.
8. 8Mix the Ribs

   

   Using a gloved hand, thoroughly massage the beef ribs with the seasonings and cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Ensure the marinade is well-distributed for a consistent flavor.

   Tip: Mixing by hand ensures all the nooks and crannies of the beef ribs are coated with the marinade.
9. 9Arrange in Air Fryer

   

   Place the marinated beef ribs into an air fryer basket that has been lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in an even layer to ensure they cook uniformly.

   Tip: Arrange the ribs in a single layer so the hot air can circulate around each piece for even browning.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions