Air Fryer Reheating: How Long To Vhf For Best Results?

Air fryers are a great way to reheat food, especially fries, as they can make them crispy again without drying them out. To reheat fries in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to around 350°F/175°C, arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket, and spritz them with oil. Then, cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy.

Air fryer temperature and time

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can deliver tender, juicy, and tasty results. The key to success is maintaining moisture and achieving even heating. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Step 1: Storage

Storing your leftover ribs properly is essential to preserving their moisture and flavour. It is best to refrigerate ribs as soon as possible after cooking. Wrap the ribs in foil or baking paper, or place them in a zip lock bag or vacuum-sealed bag. You can also cut the ribs into individual portions before storing them.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The recommended temperature range for reheating ribs is between 350°F to 380°F (175°C to 190°C). If you are reheating prime rib, a lower temperature of 270°F is suggested.

Step 3: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the ribs from their container and let them sit at room temperature while the air fryer preheats. Adding a tablespoon of cold water to the air fryer basket can help reduce smoke from any fat drippings.

Step 4: Arrange the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around each piece for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the ribs in batches. For larger ribs, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even heating and proper air circulation.

Step 5: Reheat the Ribs

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the ribs. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryer cooking times can vary.

Step 6: Baste the Ribs (Optional)

For added moisture and flavour, baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After the recommended cooking time, check the ribs to see if they are heated through. They should be hot and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1 to 2-minute intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes as desired.

Tips for Success:

• Flipping the ribs halfway through the reheating process can ensure even heating.
• If you are reheating sauced ribs, consider using a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.
• To prevent the ribs from drying out, you can lightly baste them with barbecue sauce or a mixture of sauce and water before reheating.
• For frozen ribs, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen ribs inside, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to prevent ribs from drying out

To prevent ribs from drying out, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that the type of ribs you use matters. Baby back ribs are the best option for the air fryer as they have a lot of loin meat on them. This means they can be cooked more quickly and to a lower internal temperature, resulting in juicy and tender ribs.

Secondly, the cooking time and temperature are crucial. Cooking ribs low and slow for a longer period of time can lead to them drying out. Instead, cook the ribs at a higher temperature for a shorter period. For example, you can cook them at 325°F for 35 minutes, and then at 400°F for the last 10 minutes to finish and crisp up the outside.

Additionally, you can also try the following:

• Use a dry rub: A dry rub with spices and brown sugar can help to create a nice bark on the outside of the meat and give it a smoky flavor.
• Cut the ribs: Cutting the ribs into individual sections before cooking allows them to cook faster and more efficiently.
• Remove the silverskin: Removing the silverskin membrane from the underside of the ribs allows the seasoning to fully penetrate the meat.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps to prevent drying out.
• Single layer: Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Internal temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. For juicy and tender ribs, aim for an internal temperature of around 190-200°F.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your ribs from drying out and ensure they turn out juicy and tender.

Storing ribs

Refrigerate as soon as possible

The longer meat sits at room temperature, the more likely it is for bacteria to form, shortening its lifespan. So, it's best to refrigerate your ribs as soon as possible.

Wrap ribs or use airtight containers

When refrigerating, wrap ribs in foil or baking paper, or store them in a zip lock bag or vacuum-sealed bag. This will help minimise moisture loss and keep your ribs fresh.

Divide into portions

Consider dividing the ribs into single-serving-sized portions. This way, you only need to thaw and reheat the amount you plan to eat, ensuring the rest remain well-preserved.

Store in the refrigerator

Place the wrapped ribs in the refrigerator, making sure they don't come into contact with other raw meat or food items. Consume refrigerated ribs within 3-4 days for optimal flavour and quality.

Freeze for long-term storage

If you want to store your ribs for an extended period, freezing is a great option. It locks in flavour and helps maintain meat quality. To freeze ribs, first, allow them to cool to room temperature, then wrap each rib or portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminium foil. Finally, place them in freezer bags or airtight containers and label with the date of freezing. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 3-4 months, but it's recommended to consume them within 1-2 months for the best quality.

Reheating ribs with bones

Storage

Before reheating, it is important to consider how the ribs have been stored. To avoid ribs drying out, it is recommended to wrap them in foil or keep them in a zip lock or vacuum-sealed bag. They should be refrigerated as soon as possible and can be stored for up to four days.

Reheating

When reheating, first preheat the air fryer to 350–380°F (175–190°C). Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while the air fryer is preheating. Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around each rib for proper air circulation. If the ribs look dry, spritz them with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water.

Cook the ribs for 3–7 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they do not overcook. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to help them regain moisture and flavour.

Once the ribs are heated through, they should be hot and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1–2 minute intervals until they reach the desired temperature.

Tips

• It is recommended to reheat ribs with a crispy crust that are not overly sauced.
• Flipping the ribs halfway through the reheating process helps to ensure even heating.
• Multiple ribs can be reheated at once, but they should be arranged in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.
• For ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, cook at 325°F for 35 minutes, then turn the ribs over and cook at 300°F for another 20 minutes.
• For well-done ribs, the internal temperature of the meatiest ribs should be 170°F.

Reheating frozen ribs

How to Reheat Frozen Ribs in an Air Fryer:

First, remove your frozen ribs from their packaging. If your ribs are stuck together, you can cook them for 7 minutes and then separate them. Spread the ribs out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they look dry, you can spritz them with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water.

Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the type of ribs and your air fryer model. For pork ribs, cook for 12 minutes at 180°C/360°F, then turn them over and cook for another 5 minutes at 160°C/320°F. For larger ribs, such as prime rib, reheat at a slightly lower temperature of 270°F for about 10 minutes.

Tips for Reheating Frozen Ribs:

• To prevent your ribs from drying out, avoid reheating them multiple times.
• If you're reheating sauced ribs, use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easy cleanup.
• If you want to add extra sauce to your ribs, toss them in barbecue sauce before serving.
• For best results, allow your ribs to come to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions