Air Fryer Boneless Short Ribs with Korean Marinade Recipe

If you’re craving something tender, flavorful, and quick to whip up, you absolutely have to try this Air Fryer Boneless Short Ribs with Korean Marinade Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together before you even realize it. I first made this on a weekday when I was short on time but still wanted bold flavors—and wow, my family went crazy for it. The sweet and savory marinade, paired with the super juicy ribs cooked perfectly in the air fryer, makes it a total winner. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can nail it too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how simple yet powerful this ingredient list is. Each one adds something special—from the depth of coconut aminos to the warmth of toasted sesame oil. Plus, it’s easy to find almost everything at your local grocery store or Asian market.

• Boneless thick-cut short ribs: Look for ribs about 1.5 inches thick to ensure juicy, tender meat that stays moist in the air fryer.
• Coconut aminos (or light soy sauce): I prefer coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free option, but soy sauce works great too.
• Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): This adds a subtle tang that brightens the marinade perfectly.
• Garlic powder: Essential for that robust savory undertone without the hassle of fresh garlic.
• Onion granules: Adds a nice aromatic depth; you could substitute with finely minced fresh onion if preferred.
• Ground black pepper: For a mild warmth that rounds out the flavors.
• Coarse salt: Helps to season the ribs evenly during marination.
• Toasted sesame oil: This little bottle of magic gives the dish that unmistakable nutty Korean flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps with a nice sear and crispiness in the air fryer.
• Mirin (or rice wine – optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and gloss to the marinade, but you can skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
• Honey (or coconut palm sugar, brown sugar, or date syrup): I use honey because it caramelizes beautifully without overpowering the flavor.
• Gochugaru (optional): This Korean chili powder gives a gentle heat and lovely color if you want a bit of spice.
• Olive oil spray: For a light coating in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Spring onions: Finely chopped, they add a fresh, bright finish.
• Toasted white sesame seeds: A sprinkle for crunch and extra nuttiness on top.

Variations

I love to switch things up sometimes, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or even want a lower-sodium version, there’s room to play here.

• Spicy Kick: I add extra gochugaru or a drizzle of gochujang for more heat—my spice-loving friends adore this twist.
• Sweetness Swap: If honey isn’t your thing, brown sugar or date syrup both work beautifully and add different layers of sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos exclusively, and make sure your mirin is gluten-free or just skip it altogether.
• Herbal Boost: Adding a bit of grated ginger or fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma if you want a fresher punch.

How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Short Ribs with Korean Marinade Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade Magic

Start by whisking together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion granules, black pepper, salt, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, mirin, honey, and gochugaru if you’re using it. I always taste the marinade before adding the ribs—too salty or sweet? Adjust it here! This step sets the flavor foundation, so take your time.

Step 2: Marinate the Ribs

Place the boneless short ribs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and toss until every piece is coated. I find letting them marinate for at least 30 minutes works great, but if you have time, popping them in the fridge for 2-3 hours intensifies the flavor even more. Just don’t go longer than overnight because the vinegar can start to “cook” the meat.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

While the ribs marinate, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give the basket a quick spray with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. This little step saved me from scrubbing sticky bits later, so trust me on this one!

Step 4: Air Fry to Tender Perfection

Arrange the short ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t crowded (you can cook in batches if needed). Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them—depending on your air fryer model, they might need a minute or two less or more. You’re aiming for a lovely caramelized look on the outside, juicy tenderness inside. I like to test one by cutting a small slice to check doneness before pulling them all out.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once done, transfer ribs to a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. The fresh green pop and crunch from the sesame make all the difference—it’s like a flavor and texture party in your mouth!

How to Serve Air Fryer Boneless Short Ribs with Korean Marinade Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about those garnishes! My go-to is finely chopped spring onions and toasted white sesame seeds—they add freshness and a nice crunch. Sometimes, I add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all that delicious marinade. A simple cucumber salad or kimchi really rounds out the Korean flavors for me, balancing the richness of the ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving these ribs on a platter alongside an assortment of Korean banchan (small side dishes). Arrange the ribs on banana leaves or rustic wooden boards, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top, and include little bowls of dipping sauces for an interactive and festive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the ribs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, which I find super satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead in bulk, these ribs freeze well. I separate portions with parchment paper, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 360°F to refresh that crispy exterior, or use a hot skillet on medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the meat’s texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Boneless Short Ribs with Korean Marinade Recipe gives you tender, juicy ribs with minimal fuss. When I first tried this dish, I was astonished how easily the air fryer turned thick cuts into a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth treat. If you’re looking for a quick but impressive meal that’s packed with flavor and ideal for weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a try—I promise you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do!

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