Reheating Pulled Pork: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can reheat pulled pork in an air fryer. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to reheat pulled pork, locking in moisture and flavour. To reheat pulled pork in an air fryer, place one portion of pork in a ceramic ramekin, add a tablespoon of liquid, mix well, then cook for around 5-7 minutes at 320°F. Drain any excess liquid before serving.

How long can you keep pulled pork in the fridge?

Yes, you can reheat pulled pork in an air fryer. Place one portion of pork in a ceramic ramekin and add a tablespoon of liquid, such as water, juice, or sauce. Mix well, then place the ramekin in the air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Drain any excess liquid before serving.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked meat should be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days before consumption or transfer to the freezer. This ensures the quality and safety of the meat. The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40°F (4°C) or lower, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

To maintain the recommended temperature and prolong the shelf life of pulled pork, it should be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil or plastic wrap. This helps to keep the meat moist, flavourful, and free from contamination.

If you plan to keep pulled pork for longer than three to four days, freezing is recommended. Properly stored in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, pulled pork can be safely frozen for up to six months without significant loss in quality.

When reheating pulled pork, it is important to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any bacteria. It is also crucial to trust your senses and check for signs of spoilage, such as an unusual smell, discolouration, or a slimy texture. If any of these signs are present, discard the pork, even if it is within the recommended storage timeframe.

What temperature and time settings should you use?

When reheating pulled pork in an air fryer, the temperature and timing settings will depend on the quantity of pulled pork you are reheating, and whether you are reheating from chilled or frozen.

If you are reheating a small portion of pulled pork, one source recommends a temperature setting of 320°F (160°C) for 5-6 minutes. Another source suggests 360°F for 5-7 minutes. If you are reheating from frozen, one source recommends increasing the cooking time by 50%.

If you are reheating a larger batch of pulled pork, one source recommends cooking at 320°F (160°C) for 6 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.

It is important to note that pulled pork should only be reheated once to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

Can you cook pulled pork directly in the air fryer basket?

Yes, you can cook pulled pork directly in the air fryer basket. However, some recipes recommend wrapping the meat in foil to seal in the moisture and prevent it from drying out.

To cook pulled pork in your air fryer, you should first prepare the meat with a spice rub and other flavourings. One recipe suggests a rub of paprika, garlic granules, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and a chicken stock cube. You could also add crushed pineapple and its juice to add tang and moisture.

Once you have prepared the meat, you should wrap it tightly in foil to make a parcel. You can then place the parcel directly into the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 90 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 85°C (185°F).

After cooking, open the foil parcel and allow the meat to rest before shredding it with two forks and discarding any pieces of fat. You can then add barbecue sauce and mix it with the shredded pork.

What are some good recipes for leftover pulled pork?

Yes, you can reheat pulled pork in an air fryer. Place a single portion of pork in a ceramic ramekin and add a tablespoon of liquid—such as water, juice, or sauce—for moisture. Mix well, then place the ramekin in the air fryer and cook for around 6 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Drain any excess liquid before serving.

Now, what to do with all that leftover pulled pork? Here are some tasty recipe ideas:

Pulled Pork Nachos

Add your leftover pulled pork to a sheet pan of tortilla chips, along with black beans, cheese, and any other toppings you like. Jalapenos, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream all work well. Pop the tray in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Pulled Pork Tacos

Add your reheated pulled pork to some warm tortillas and top with guacamole, salsa, cheese, beans, or sour cream. Simple!

Pulled Pork Burritos

Add your pulled pork to a large flour tortilla with shredded cheese, black beans, and pico de gallo. Pan-fry until warm and steaming.

Pulled Pork Pizza

Top your pizza base with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and corn. Add cheese—provolone, white cheddar, and parmesan work well—and any other toppings. Finish with fresh herbs.

Pulled Pork Chili

Combine your leftover pulled pork with beans, canned green chilis, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sweet corn in a pot or slow cooker. Season with red pepper flakes, cumin, and paprika, and simmer on low for 3-4 hours.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pile your pulled pork onto a bun and add mustard, pickles, cheese, or coleslaw.

Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese

Combine two comfort foods by adding your leftover pulled pork and some barbecue sauce to a pot of macaroni cheese.

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Add pulled pork and American cheese to bread, and grill until toasted.

Pulled Pork Omelette

For a protein-packed breakfast, add some pulled pork to your omelette, along with any vegetables you like.

Pulled Pork and Grits

Top some cheesy grits with pulled pork, sour cream, radish, avocado, cheese, and fried onions.

Pulled Pork Quesadillas

Fill your quesadillas with pulled pork, black beans, diced green chiles, onion, and cheese.

Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

Fill a baked potato with pulled pork, along with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mac and cheese.

Pulled Pork Soup

Warm up with this cozy soup that combines pulled pork, milk, spices, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce.

What are some other ways to reheat pulled pork?

Oven

Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or a layer of aluminium foil and set the oven to 225°F. Add your thawed pulled pork to a glass or metal baking dish and pour in about ¼ cup of liquid per pound of meat. Chicken or beef broth, apple juice, or barbecue sauce mixed with broth or water are good choices. Bake for 20 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is heated to at least 140°F. If you want some crispiness, remove the foil and give the meat 15 minutes of open warming.

Microwave

For a quick reheat, place your thawed pulled pork in a glass microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp (but not dripping) paper towel. Add about ¼ cup of liquid per two to three pounds of meat and heat for one minute at a time. When it’s steaming and hot in the centre, it’s ready to serve.

Stovetop

Using a large cast iron skillet, load the pulled pork into the pan, being careful not to pack it in. Place a quarter of a stick of butter on top of the meat and pour in 1/4 cup of a flavorful liquid. Cover with aluminium foil or a lid and heat over low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and stir the meat after 15 minutes, heating the rest of the way uncovered.

Slow Cooker/Crock Pot

The slow cooker is a hands-off method for reheating pulled pork. Add your meat and about 1/4 cup of liquid per two pounds of meat. You can add a quarter to half a stick of butter on top. Heat the pulled pork for about one hour on low before stirring and checking the temperature. Bring the meat up to 140°F and keep it there until you’re done serving. You can add your desired barbecue sauce and mix everything together in the slow cooker.

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