Reheating Ribs in the Air Fryer
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Reheating ribs in the air fryer is an easy way to get dinner on the table quickly! Leftover ribs can easily dry out but the air fryer helps the process so they have all the flavor the second time around.
What You Will ❤️ About Reheating Ribs in the Air Fryer
- Tender! Reheating ribs low and slow – even in the air fryer – will keep them tender and taste like you just took them off the grill!
- Quick! You’ll have your leftover ribs ready to go in 10 minutes!
- Easy Cleanup! Use a parchment liner and there’s NO cleanup!
This recipe was made using the Paula Deen Air Fryer.
What is the best way to reheat leftover ribs?
Nowadays – it’s all air fryer for me! I used to microwave leftover ribs – but it would tend to make them super hot but dried out! The air fryer changes all that and keeps that fall-off-the-bone texture we love from ribs!
My #1 recommendation on reheating ribs is keep them together in at least a half rack of ribs vs separating the ribs. This really helps to keep them as juicy and tender as they were the first time around!
How to Reheat BBQ Ribs in the Air Fryer
If at all possible, try and reheat ribs in one piece vs separated. This will help prevent drying out and over cooking. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Remove leftover ribs from the fridge for 30 minutes and allow to come to room temperature.
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your ribs look a little dry, you can add a little moisture by spritzing them with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar or water.
- Air fry at 250º for 10 minutes
- Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the ribs and be sure it’s at least 110º F. If the inside is not as warm as you would like add 1-2 min more cooking time.
- Remove ribs and serve with additional bbq sauce.
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How long can you store leftover ribs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass storage ones) in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Can you freeze leftover ribs?
Yes definitely! Precooked ribs are found in the grocery store all the time. You’ll want to wrap them very tightly with plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil and then into a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as noted.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
The only time preheating is necessary is if your air fryer requires it. I own two air fryers and the oven style requires preheating when you start it but the basket style does not.
Can you reheat ribs more than once?
Yes – you can – but it’s not recommended. The more reheating, the more you’re going to dry the ribs out.
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Side Dishes to Serve with Leftover Ribs
What is the best way to cook ribs the first time?
Cooking ribs is a labor of love but it’s so rewarding because when those ribs fall apart – it’s the best! Here are my favorite rib recipes:
- Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
- Air Fryer Beef Ribs
- Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs
- Traeger Beef Ribs
- Oven BBQ Spare Ribs
- Bon Appetit Short Ribs
Air Fryer Recipes for Reheating
- Reheating Onion Rings in Air Fryer
- Reheating Steak in Air Fryer
- Reheating Sandwiches in Air Fryer – COMING SOON!
Best Air Fryer Accessories
Here’s my ultimate list of best air fryer accessories – whether you have a basket- or oven-style! I’ve also included a price guide as well as my favorite recipes for those accessories.
Reheating Ribs in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 barbecued ribs
Instructions
- Remove leftover ribs from the fridge for 30 minutes and allow to come to room temperature.4 barbecued ribs
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your ribs look a little dry, you can add a little moisture by spritzing them with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar or water.
- Air fry at 250º for 10 minutes
- Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the ribs and be sure it's at least 110º F. If the inside is not as warm as you would like add 1-2 min more cooking time.
- Remove ribs and serve with additional barbecue sauce.
