Air Fryer Lemongrass Pork Ribs
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Looking for a simple protein recipe to make with your air fryer?
Try this easy Vietnamese pork ribs air fryer recipe. Perfect for beginners, it delivers delicious southeast Asian flavors every time.
Enjoy these sweet, savory, and sticky riblets for a quick weeknight dinner with steamed rice or on their own as a tasty appetizer.
In this recipe, we are using an air fryer.
An air fryer is easy to use, especially in small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. It keeps the mess to a minimum with its contained space, and is perfect for small portions.
What You Will Need
To make this easy air fryer pork riblets with lemongrass recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Pork Ribs: I typically purchase pork ribs from Asian grocery stores since they are on the smaller side and already cut up nicely into individual ribs that can be used right away or a string of riblets that can easily be separated between the bones.
Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce: Our main seasoning ingredients that will be used to marinate the pork. I like to use Lee Kum Kee premium oyster sauce and Viet Huong three crabs fish sauce.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar balances out the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
Honey: Honey creates that irresistible sticky glaze. Maple syrup is a good substitute.
Ground Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and complements the other flavors.
Lemongrass: Infuses a citrusy, floral note that is quintessential in Vietnamese and other southeast Asian cuisine. If unavailable, you can omit and still have tasty pork ribs.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred but here you can use garlic powder/granulated garlic if fresh isn’t available.
Neutral Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures the ribs cook evenly. Any neutral oil will do. I’m using vegetable oil. You can substitute with avocado oil or your preferred oil for a healthier version.
Pork riblets from Asian grocery store and already minced lemongrass that you can find in the frozen aisle
How to Make It
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, honey, black pepper, lemongrass, garlic, and oil. Mix well. If you feel there’s too much sugar, start with a little bit and gradually add to taste if needed.
Season Pork Ribs: Give the ribs a quick rinse in the sink to remove any slimy residue and drain dry. If you purchased pork ribs as a string of pork riblets, use a knife and cut in between the bones to separate them into individual ribs. Place the pork ribs in a mixing bowl and pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. You can air fry right away.
Air Fry: Arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. All 2 lbs of pork ribs fit snugly in my air fryer. Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 12 minutes for a total of 24 minutes or until nicely caramelized to your liking. Enjoy the pork ribs on their own as a tasty appetizer or with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken wings or thighs, beef short ribs and even tofu with this marinade for equally delicious results. Just adjust the cooking temperature and time accordingly.
Can I bake/roast these ribs instead in the oven?
Absolutely. An air fryer is basically a mini oven. If you have an oven, you can bake them instead, which is great for large batches. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce is a tasty alternative. The flavor profile will change to more Chinese than Vietnamese, but the ribs will still be delicious.
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Air Fryer Lemongrass Pork Ribs
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, honey, black pepper, lemongrass, garlic, and oil. Mix well. If you feel there’s too much sugar, start with a little bit and gradually add to taste if needed.
- Season Pork Ribs: Give the ribs a quick rinse in the sink to remove any slimy residue and drain dry. If you purchased pork ribs as a string of pork riblets, use a knife and cut in between the bones to separate them into individual ribs. Place the pork ribs in a mixing bowl and pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. You can air fry right away.
- Air Fry: Arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. All 2 lbs of pork ribs fit snugly in my air fryer. Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 12 minutes for a total of 24 minutes or until nicely caramelized to your liking. Enjoy the pork ribs on their own as a tasty appetizer or with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
