Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C)
Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil
Pat ribs dry with paper towels
Season both sides with salt and pepper
Add a dry rub (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin)
Place ribs on the foil, bone-side down
Cover tightly with foil or add a lid to the pan
Bake 2.5 to 3.5 hours until tender
Remove foil and drain excess liquid
Brush with barbecue sauce (optional)
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C)
Bake uncovered 15 to 25 minutes until sauce is tacky and edges darken
Rest ribs 10 minutes
Slice between the bones and serve