### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ribs:** Pat the baby back ribs dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of each rib rack. This is crucial for tender ribs! Use a butter knife to pry up a corner of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
2. **Apply the Binder:** Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard evenly over both sides of each rib rack. This acts as a binder for the rub and adds depth of flavor.
3. **Make the Rub:** In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt.
4. **Season the Ribs:** Generously sprinkle and rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, pressing it in gently to adhere.
5. **Pre-Cook (Steaming Method):**
* **Foil Method:** Lay out a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil for each rack of ribs. Place a rib rack meaty-side up in the center of the foil. Pour about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar over each rack. Tightly seal the foil around the ribs, creating a sealed packet.
* **Air Fryer Basket:** If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can fold the ribs into a “C” shape or cut them in half to fit. Place them directly in the basket, without foil, and pour the apple cider vinegar over them. This method will require some adjustment to cooking times and may make your air fryer a bit messier.
6. **Air Fryer Setup:** Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
7. **Initial Air Fry:** Carefully place the foil packets (or ribs directly) into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches around 180°F (82°C). This steams the ribs and makes them incredibly tender.
8. **Remove from Foil (if applicable):** Carefully remove the ribs from the foil packets, discarding any liquid.
9. **Apply BBQ Sauce:** Generously brush both sides of the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
10. **Final Air Fry:** Increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the sauced ribs to the air fryer basket (no foil). Cook for another 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky, and the ribs reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F (90-93°C) for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
11. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
### Short Tips
* **Don’t skip the membrane removal!** This is key to tender ribs.
* **Adjust seasoning to your taste:** Feel free to add more or less spice.
* **Don’t overcrowd the air fryer:** Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** It’s the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked ribs.
* **Experiment with different BBQ sauces:** Find your perfect flavor combination!
* **For extra smoky flavor:** Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the apple cider vinegar during the steaming process.
* **Leftovers?** Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven.
