Reviving Ribs: Air Fryer Reheating Method

If you're looking to heat up ribs in an air fryer, you're in luck! It is possible to heat up ribs in an air fryer and it's a great way to ensure your leftover ribs stay tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

The best way to reheat ribs in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for proper air circulation. Cook for 3-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs and whether they are chilled or at room temperature.

You can also spritz the ribs with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water to add moisture and prevent them from drying out.

How long does it take to heat ribs in an air fryer?

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get tender and juicy ribs. The time it takes to heat ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of ribs and the desired tenderness.

For leftover ribs, it is recommended to reheat them in the air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the ribs are heated all the way through without overcooking them.

For prime rib, which is larger, it is suggested to reheat at a lower temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

If you are cooking ribs in the air fryer from scratch, the process will take longer. One recipe suggests cooking baby back ribs in the air fryer for 45 minutes to an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Another recipe recommends cooking ribs for about 35 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and then blasting them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to finish.

Therefore, depending on the type of ribs and the desired level of doneness, the time to heat ribs in an air fryer can range from 5 minutes to over an hour.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

When reheating ribs in an air fryer, the temperature setting depends on the type of ribs you are cooking. For example, for baby back ribs, you can cook them at 325°F for 35 minutes and then increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 10 minutes.

For spare ribs, it is recommended to cook them at a lower temperature for a longer period. You can try cooking them at 300°F for 20 minutes, checking them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they don't burn.

If you are reheating prime rib, preheat your air fryer to 270°F.

The ideal temperature for reheating ribs in an air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F (175-190°C). However, the exact temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, as well as the specific model of your air fryer.

It is important to monitor the ribs closely to prevent overcooking or drying out. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs, which should be at least 110°F.

Can you reheat ribs with bones in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat ribs with bones in an air fryer. It is one of the best methods for making tender ribs, and it helps keep the bones and meat evenly heated.

To reheat ribs with bones in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit (175-190 degrees Celsius). However, if you are reheating prime rib, a lower temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
• Remove the leftover ribs from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your ribs look dry, you can spritz them with a liquid such as apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water. You can also add a tablespoon of cold water to the basket of the air fryer to help reduce smoke from any fat dripings.
• If you are reheating sauced ribs, consider using a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.
• Cook the ribs for 3-7 minutes, depending on their thickness and the air fryer model. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. For safety, the internal temperature should be at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If the ribs are not warm enough, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature.
• Remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more barbecue sauce or garnishes as desired.

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs without overcooking them.

Can you reheat ribs more than once?

Yes, you can reheat ribs more than once, but it's not recommended. While it is safe to reheat leftovers multiple times, the quality of the meat will decrease with each round of reheating. This is because the ribs will dry out, losing their tender, juicy texture.

If you're reheating ribs in an air fryer, it's best to only reheat the amount you plan to eat and keep the rest refrigerated or frozen. Air fryers are great for reheating ribs because they create and maintain crispiness, but they can dry out your meat if you're not careful.

To reheat ribs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350–380 °F. Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–10 minutes, or until they're warmed through. If you're reheating sauced ribs, use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.

Other methods for reheating ribs include using an oven, toaster oven, stovetop, sous-vide, or microwave. However, the oven, toaster oven, and air fryer are the best options to maintain the tender, juicy texture of the ribs.

How do you store leftover ribs?

Storing leftover ribs properly is essential to ensure they remain moist and tasty. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Chilling and Refrigerating Leftover Ribs

As per the USDA, leftover ribs should be refrigerated as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of being removed from the heat source. To chill the ribs quickly, cut them into single-serving-sized portions, wrap them tightly in foil, and place them in a cooler with ice. Once the temperature of the ribs drops below 40 °F, you can transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will stay good for 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftover Ribs

If you plan to store the ribs for longer than four days, it is best to freeze them. To prepare ribs for freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and/or aluminium foil, or place them in a zip lock bag or vacuum-sealed bag. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Storing Sauce and Dripping

If you have any sauce or drippings left over from cooking the ribs, add them to the container before refrigeration. This will help lock in moisture and enhance the flavour of the ribs when you reheat them.

Storing in an Airtight Container

To minimise moisture loss, it is best to store ribs in an airtight container, vacuum bag, or zip lock bag. This will help ensure the ribs stay moist and tasty during storage.

Adding Moisture

Cooking, reheating, refrigeration, and freezing can all remove moisture from ribs. To counteract this, you can add a splash of broth, coke, apple juice, or cider vinegar to the ribs when reheating them.

Storing in the Fridge

When storing ribs in the refrigerator, ensure the temperature is below 40 °F. You can use a refrigerator thermometer to check this. With proper storage, ribs can be safely consumed up to four days after cooking.

Frequently asked questions