Crockpot Honey Garlic Ribs
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There’s something special about ribs that feels slow, intentional, and full of love. These Crockpot Honey Garlic Ribs finished in the air fryer bring together two kitchen tools I rely on in this season — the crockpot for tender, hands-off cooking that gives me margin, and the air fryer for that quick, caramelized finish that makes a meal feel extra special. The result is fall-off-the-bone ribs with sticky, crispy edges, perfect for a date night or any night you want to serve something soulful without overcomplicating it. 💕
These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with a sticky, soulful glaze.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
2–3 lbs baby back ribs (membrane removed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Glaze:
½ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but beautiful depth)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Ribs
Pat ribs dry.
Rub with olive oil.
Mix seasonings together and rub generously over both sides.
2️⃣ Slow Cook
Cut ribs into 2–3 rib sections so they fit standing up in the crockpot.
Arrange upright in a circle (meaty side facing out).
Cover and cook:
Low: 6–7 hours
High: 3–4 hours
They should be very tender but not completely falling apart yet.
3️⃣ Make the Glaze
About 20 minutes before serving:
Combine glaze ingredients in a saucepan.
Simmer 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
🔥 Step 4: Finish in the Air Fryer
This is where the magic happens.
Instructions:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
Carefully remove ribs from crockpot (they’ll be delicate).
Cut into individual rib sections if needed.
Brush generously with glaze.
Place ribs in air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Cook:
Air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes
Flip halfway through
Brush with more glaze after flipping
You’re looking for:
Caramelized edges
Sticky glaze
Slight crisp on the outside
If you want extra char, cook an additional 1–2 minutes.
Pro Tips (So They Don’t Dry Out)
Don’t air fry longer than 8 minutes total.
Always glaze before and during.
Let them rest 5 minutes before serving.
More tips:
Brush one final layer of warm glaze before serving.
Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions.
Serve on a warm platter (run it under hot water and dry).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ribs without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can finish the ribs in the oven.
After slow cooking, place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush generously with the honey garlic glaze. Bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and slightly caramelized. For extra color, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
You’ll still get sticky, flavorful ribs with beautiful edges.
Can I skip the caramelizing step altogether?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The crockpot makes the ribs tender, but finishing them in the air fryer or oven thickens the glaze and gives that slightly crispy, caramelized texture that makes them feel special.
How do I keep the ribs from falling apart when transferring from the crockpot?
Ribs will be very tender after slow cooking. Use large tongs and a wide spatula underneath for support when removing them. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before transferring to the air fryer or oven to help them firm up slightly.
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes. Spare ribs work well but may need slightly longer cook time:
Low: 7–8 hours
High: 4–5 hours
Trim excess fat before cooking for best results.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Slow cook the ribs, let them cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with glaze and finish in the air fryer or oven until heated through and caramelized.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat:
Air Fryer: 375°F for 3–5 minutes
Oven: 350°F covered for 10–15 minutes
Brush with extra glaze before reheating to keep them moist.
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Hi, I’m Regina of The Faithful Feast. I'm also a writer and catering business owner. I live in the Buckeye State with my wonderful family, where our weekends are often filled with football games and faith-filled conversations. I’m passionate about encouraging women to notice God’s goodness in everyday life, especially over a cozy cup of tea. Whether I’m sharing a soul-warming recipe or writing words that encourage you, my heart is to inspire you to find joy and purpose right where you are.
