Instant Pot and Air-fryer Carnitas Ribs are more than just a meal—they're an experience. They bring together the best of Mexican culinary traditions and modern cooking techniques to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. What truly sets carnitas ribs apart is their versatility. Whether you're serving them as the centerpiece of a family dinner, shredding the meat for mouthwatering tacos, or incorporating them into a hearty sandwich, these ribs are sure to be a hit. I love this method of making rib carnitas because you use less fat. The crispy edges and tender interior offer a delightful contrast in textures that will leave everyone craving more and happy they made it for dinner on time!
Ingredients:
3 racks of baby back ribs
3 tsp of salt per rack on ribs
3 tbsp of orange pepper seasoning
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 lemon or an orange
2 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves
3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp sugar
Instant Pot and Air-fryer Carnitas Ribs Instructions:
1. You will need a cutting board large enough to handle the ribs, a sharp knife, and paper towels. Open your package of ribs, pat them dry with a paper towel, and lay them out on a cutting board meat side up. Inspect your ribs; with a sharp knife trim off any dangling meat, excess fat, loose rib bones on the ends, and any silver skin you might see. Turn the ribs over to remove the membrane covering the bones. It’s important to remove this membrane so salt can get into the meat.
2. Cut the ribs so they fit your Instant Pot.
3. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the rack.
4. Preheat your cast iron or griddle, sear all the ribs on a high heat for 4 minutes on each side.
5. Next, place all your ribs in the Instant Pot.
6. Add milk, orange pepper seasoning, water, garlic, bay leaves , lemon + juice.
7. Pressure cook 30 minutes (quick release).
8. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes, then place the ribs in the basket, meat side down, coat with olive oil and sugar mixture.
9. During the last 10 minutes of cooking brush again with olive oil mixture. Finish cooking for 20 minutes.
10. You’re ready to serve, these carnitas ribs pair excellent with a salsa verde slaw.
Tips
-Substitute orange pepper seasoning with lemon pepper.
-When shopping for ribs, choose the ones that have an even layer of meat across the ribs. You don’t want a large amount of meat on one end and little to no meat on the other end.
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