Reheating ribs can be tricky. If done wrong, they can become dry and tough. But when you reheat ribs in air fryer, they stay juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you have leftover pork ribs, BBQ ribs, or baby back ribs, the air fryer is a great way to bring them back to life.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about reheating ribs in air fryer. We will also answer common questions like how long to reheat ribs in air fryer, what temp to reheat ribs in air fryer, and more.
Reheat Ribs In Air Fryer
Reheating ribs in an air fryer is one of the best ways to maintain their juiciness and flavor. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to warm up the ribs quickly without drying them out. Whether you have baby back ribs, pork ribs, or BBQ ribs, this method ensures they stay tender and delicious.
Step-by-step on how to reheat leftover ribs
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Prepare the ribs by letting them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Brush them lightly with water or BBQ sauce for moisture.
- Place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Why the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating ribs because it provides even heating, prevents overcooking, and retains moisture. Unlike the microwave, which can make ribs chewy, or the oven, which takes longer, the air fryer delivers fast and consistent results. This method works well for reheating BBQ ribs, spare ribs, and baby back ribs.
How to store leftover ribs?
To keep ribs fresh for reheating, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil before refrigerating. Leftover ribs last up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. For freezing, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Enhancing flavor
Reheating ribs doesn’t mean they should taste dull. To enhance their flavor, try:
- Brushing them with BBQ sauce before reheating.
- Sprinkling spices or seasoning before placing them in the air fryer.
- Adding a small bowl of water inside the air fryer to keep them moist.
- Using butter or olive oil for extra richness.
Tips For Reheating Ribs In The Air Fryer
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even heating.
- Wrap ribs in foil if you want them extra moist.
- Flip ribs halfway for a crispy outer texture.
- Brush with BBQ sauce for better flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How Long Does It Take to Reheat Ribs in the Air Fryer?
The time needed depends on the type of ribs:
- Baby back ribs: 5-7 minutes
- Spare ribs: 6-8 minutes
- Beef ribs: 8-10 minutes
- BBQ ribs: 5-7 minutes
Which Air Fryers are the best?
Some of the best air fryers for reheating ribs include:
- Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer – Cooks evenly and fast.
- Cosori Pro II Air Fryer – Large basket, perfect for ribs.
- Philips Premium Air Fryer – Reliable heating and durability.
- Instant Vortex Plus – Versatile and affordable.
Nutritional Information
Reheated ribs contain the same nutrition as when they were first cooked. On average, 3 oz of pork ribs contain:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2-3g (varies with BBQ sauce)
- Iron & Zinc: Essential for immune health
Ideas for Leftover Ribs
If you have leftover ribs, you can use them in creative ways:
- Shred the meat and use it in tacos.
- Make a rib sandwich with fresh bread and coleslaw.
- Add to pasta for a smoky BBQ flavor.
- Make rib stir-fry with veggies and soy sauce.
Optional Air Fryer Accessories
Using these accessories can improve reheating ribs:
- Perforated parchment paper – Prevents sticking.
- Air fryer racks – Allow better airflow.
- Silicone liners – Easy cleanup.
Alternative Reheating Methods
If you don’t have an air fryer, try these methods:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals.
- Grill: Warm up on low heat for 5 minutes per side.
Leftover Rib Ideas
Other delicious ways to use leftover ribs:
- Make a rib salad by mixing shredded ribs with greens.
- Create rib nachos with cheese and jalapeños.
- Turn ribs into a breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.
What else to try in your air fryer
If you love using your air fryer, try these foods:
- Chicken wings – Crispy and flavorful.
- Steak bites – Juicy and tender.
- Fish fillets – Cooked perfectly with a crispy crust.
- Vegetables – Roasted to perfection.
What to serve with your ribs
Ribs pair well with many sides, including:
- Coleslaw – Fresh and crunchy.
- Mac and cheese – Creamy and rich.
- Cornbread – A classic Southern favorite.
- Baked beans – Smoky and hearty.
- French fries – Crispy and delicious.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Ribs?
Many people ask, “Can you reheat ribs in an air fryer?” The answer is yes. The air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat ribs because:
- It keeps the ribs juicy inside and crispy outside.
- It’s quick and easy compared to an oven or microwave.
- It doesn’t dry out the meat like other methods.
- It works well for BBQ ribs, spare ribs, short ribs, and pork ribs.
What Temp to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer?
The best temperature to reheat ribs in air fryer is 350°F (175°C). This allows the ribs to heat evenly without drying out.
How Long to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer?
The time to reheat ribs in air fryer depends on the type of ribs and thickness:
- Baby back ribs: 5-7 minutes
- Spare ribs: 6-8 minutes
- Beef ribs: 8-10 minutes
- BBQ ribs: 5-7 minutes
How to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat for 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Ribs
- Take the leftover ribs out of the fridge.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Wrap them in foil if you want them extra moist.
- Lightly spray them with water or BBQ sauce to keep them juicy.
Place the Ribs in the Air Fryer
- Arrange the precooked ribs in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Avoid stacking them to ensure even reheating.
Heat the Ribs
- Reheat pork ribs in air fryer for 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Flip the ribs halfway through for even heating.
Check and Serve
- Check if the ribs have reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- If not, heat up ribs in air fryer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Best Way to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer
If you want the best way to reheat ribs in air fryer, follow these tips:
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Add a small bowl of water in the fryer to keep the ribs from drying out.
- Brush with BBQ sauce before reheating for extra flavor.
- Always flip halfway for even cooking.
Can I Reheat Ribs in an Air Fryer Without Foil?
Yes, you can reheat ribs in air fryer without foil. However, wrapping them in foil helps retain moisture. If you prefer crispy ribs, skip the foil.
Reheat BBQ Ribs in Air Fryer
To reheat BBQ ribs in air fryer, follow these steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly brush the ribs with BBQ sauce.
- Place them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip halfway for even heating.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce!
Reheating Baby Back Ribs in Air Fryer
Reheat baby back ribs in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. These ribs are smaller, so they heat faster than spare ribs or beef ribs.
Reheating Pork Ribs in Air Fryer
For reheating pork ribs in air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Set the temperature to 350°F.
- Heat for 6-8 minutes.
- Flip halfway for even heating.
- Add a little BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
How to Warm Up Ribs in Air Fryer?
If you want to warm up ribs in air fryer, but they are not cold, just heat them for 3-4 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
How Long Are Leftover Ribs Good For?
Leftover ribs stay good for:
- In the fridge: Up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: Up to 3 months.
Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can You Reheat Ribs More Than Once?
Yes, but it’s best to only reheat ribs once to keep them juicy and flavorful. Reheating multiple times can dry them out.
Final Thoughts
Reheating ribs in an air fryer is the easiest way to bring back their tenderness and flavor. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll enjoy ribs that taste just as good as when they were first cooked. Whether you’re warming up baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, or pork ribs, the air fryer delivers great results every time.
