Remove and discard membrane from back of ribs; pat ribs dry with a paper towel. Cut rack into 4 pieces. Combine olive oil and liquid smoke in a small bowl; rub onto both sides of ribs.
Combine brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a bowl. Generously season both sides of ribs with brown sugar mixture; set ribs aside to enhance the flavor, 30 minutes.
Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Place ribs, bone sides down, in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching, cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 15 minutes; flip ribs, meat sides down, and cook 10 minutes more.
Remove ribs from air fryer; brush 1/2 cup barbecue sauce onto bone sides of ribs. Place basket back in the air fryer; cook 5 minutes. Flip ribs; brush meat sides with remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Cook until desired char is achieved, about 5 minutes more.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs · Dinner Match Lab | Dinner Match Lab