Reheating Ribs in the Air Fryer- taste the delicious goodness
Reheat Ribs In Air Fryer
Welcome to the ultimate guide on breathing new life into your leftovers by reheating ribs in the air fryer.
Few things compare to the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into delicious and juicy ribs.
But reheating them without sacrificing taste and texture can be tough.
We’ve been using our air fryer a ton lately, and loving it. It’s easy and fast and heats your food while making it crispy at the same time.
Let’s dive (or should I say cut) right in!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I can earn from qualifying purchases. I can get a small commission when you buy from links on this page.
Step-by-step on how to reheat leftover ribs
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically around 350°F to 400°F, and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. This step is optional.
- Arrange the Ribs: Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Monitor and Flip: Keep a close eye on your ribs as they reheat, flipping them halfway through the process to ensure even cooking.
- If you’re particular, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork ribs are thoroughly cooked but I just usually eyeball mine to see when they’re done.
Why the Air Fryer?
Air fryers have taken the cooking world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without compromising on flavor or texture.
These countertop appliances use hot air circulation to crisp up foods to perfection, making them ideal for reheating leftovers like ribs.
With their ability to evenly distribute heat and create that coveted crispy exterior, air fryers are a game-changer for reheating ribs.
How to store leftover ribs?
Storing leftover ribs properly is key to maintaining their flavor and freshness.
My husband and I look forward to eating them the next day in various ways like putting them on our salad.
Once your rib feast is over, allow the leftover ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them.
Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also put them in an airtight container to prevent air exposure, which can dry them out.
Leftover ribs can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the ribs, making sure to wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to enjoy the ribs again, simply thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to perfection.
Enhancing flavor
While reheating ribs in the air fryer will revive their succulence, why not take it up a notch?
Consider brushing the ribs with some extra barbeque sauce or seasoning them with your favorite spices before popping them in the air fryer. You can get a BBQ sauce with a little kick that will take the heat up a bit.
Tips For Reheating Ribs In The Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer:
As I mentioned before, this part is up to you when you’re ready to reheat ribs. I’ve preheated my air fryer before, and then there are occasions when I just throw the food in there and turn it on.
Avoid Overcrowding:
To ensure that your ribs reheat evenly and achieve that crispy exterior, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Arrange the ribs in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece to allow proper air circulation.
Add Moisture if Necessary:
Leftover ribs can sometimes dry out during the reheating process. To prevent this, consider adding a small amount of liquid to the air fryer basket or tray.
This can be as simple as a splash of water or broth, or you can brush the ribs with a bit of additional BBQ sauce or apple juice before reheating. The barbecue sauce can be sweet or spicey. Totally up to you.
Monitor Closely:
Keep a close eye on the ribs as they reheat in the air fryer. Since air fryers cook food quickly, there’s a risk of overcooking or burning the ribs if left unattended. Check on the ribs periodically.
How Long Does It Take to Reheat Ribs in the Air Fryer?
The time it takes to reheat ribs in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the ribs, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the ribs are chilled or at room temperature.
As a general guideline, reheating ribs in an air fryer typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes at a temperature of around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
Thicker cuts of ribs may require a longer reheating time, while thinner cuts may heat up more quickly.
I usually heat ribs in the air fryer for about 10 minutes to ensure crispiness.
Which Air Fryers are the best?
I’ve tried several of these in various places. We’ve owned 3 different types of air fryers now and I use a totally different brand at work regularly. Pretty much every rental we’ve stayed in recently has had one in the kitchen so I feel like I’ve got a good handle on this.
I started with a budget-friendly one because I didn’t know how often I’d actually use it.
We ended up using it.
A lot.
The COSORI Smart 11-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
This thing can cook you food 12 different ways so there are a ton of options – Air Fry, Bake, Toast, Roast, Broil, etc.
If we could just get it to put away our leftovers and wipe down our counters we’d really be in good shape!
Check pricing here.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven
This has 3 different modes – roast, bake, and air fry.
We owned a version of this one for quite a while and used it almost daily. It’s easy to use.
Check pricing here.
DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven
This is one of the more budget-friendly options.
So of you’re just dipping your toes into the world of air frying and not sure you’ll use it that much, this might be the best option for you.
Plus it’s adorable with that mint green color!
Ideas for Leftover Ribs
- Ribbon Ribs Sandwich: Shred the leftover rib meat and layer it between slices of toasted bread or buns. Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce for a delicious rib sandwich.
- Rib Tacos or Wraps: Use the shredded rib meat as a filling for tacos or wraps. Top with salsa, avocado, cheese, and cilantro for a tasty twist on traditional tacos.
- Rib Quesadillas: Layer shredded spare ribs and cheese between tortillas to make delicious rib quesadillas. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping.
- Rib Salad: Toss chopped rib meat with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing for a hearty and satisfying rib salad. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy ribs the next day. YUM!
- Rib Soup or Stew: Use leftover rib meat to add flavor and protein to homemade soups or stews. Combine with vegetables, broth, and herbs for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Rib Hash: Chop up the leftover ribs along with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, then sauté everything together until golden brown and crispy. Serve with fried eggs for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
What else to try in your air fryer
Air fryer biscuits
Air fryer biscuits are a quick and convenient way to enjoy fluffy and golden-brown biscuits with minimal effort and cleanup, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Dino Nuggets
Air fryer dino nuggets are a fun and kid-friendly snack or meal option that cooks up crispy and golden in minutes, making them a hassle-free favorite for busy households.
Frozen Hashbrown patties
Air fryer frozen hashbrowns offer a convenient and tasty side dish option, perfect for breakfast or brunch, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Air Fryer Tilapia
Air fryer tilapia delivers a perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a crunchy exterior, making it a healthy and delicious dinner option that’s ready in minutes.
What to serve with your ribs
Sweet Potato Fries
- Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Zesty Coleslaw
- Shred cabbage and carrots and mix with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for a while before serving alongside the ribs.
Onion Garlic Asparagus
- Toss fresh green asparagus with minced garlic, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Skillet cook until the asparagus is tender-crisp
Crispy Potato wedges
- Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices.
- Air fry until golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Season fresh corn with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry until the kernels are tender and slightly charred, for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Pin This Post and Save it For Later!
Conclusion
Reheating ribs in the air fryer is a game-changer if you want to enjoy the smoky goodness of leftovers without compromising on taste.
So fire up your air fryer, embrace the magic of reheating, and let the ribs do the talking – your taste buds will thank you! Also, the picture below is all that’s left when we serve this in our house.
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
