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If you’re searching for a great way to reheat leftover ribs, we have you covered! Learn how to reheat ribs in the air fryer and keep them moist, juicy, and tasting new! Let me show you how. 

Close up photo of bbq ribs reheated in the air fryer.

Why I Love This

I love to reheat ribs in the air fryer. In my opinion it’s the best way to reheat delicious Country Style ribs, which are my favorite. If you want juicy ribs that don’t taste like leftovers, you’re in the rifght place. 

We are going to show you how to use your spare ribs and make them taste amazing! 

If you love reheating in the air fryer, we do to! You might also want to bookmark these articles on how to reheat pizza in the air fryer, reheat fried chickenreheat fries in the air fryer, baked potatoes, egg rolls, and reheat wings in the air fryer

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Why This Works

Reheating delicious ribs in an air fryer is a great way to maintain their flavor and texture without making them soggy. The hot air circulation in the air fryer is one of the best options to reheating juicy, delicious ribs.

Follow these easy steps with this step-by-step guide on how to reheat ribs in an air fryer.

Here are a few of our FAVORITE recommendations.

Cosori Dual Blaze Air FryerDigital Meat ThermometerAir Fryer All Day

Ingredients

  • leftover ribs. Grab your favorite ribseither store-bought or restaurant leftovers will work with this method.
  • barbecue sauce. To be added at the end of cooking for additional flavor. 

How to Reheat Ribs

Step 1
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celcius). Remove ribs from the container or foil and allow them to sit at room temperature as the air fryer is preheating. Add a tablespoon of cold water to the basket of the air fryer.

Step 2 
Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure that there’s some space around each piece for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the ribs in batches.

Reheating ribs in air fryer basket.

Step 3
Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness as air fryers can vary in cooking times.

Step 4
Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will help the ribs regain some of their moisture and flavor.

Step 5
Check the ribs to see if they are heated through. They should be hot and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until they are heated to your desired temperature.

Step 6
Remove ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes if desired.

Ribs reheated in air fryer and served on a white plate.

​Tips

  • air fryer. I use a Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer. Remember all air fryers cook differently, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature with your air fryer.
  • meat thermometer. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure you have reached the desired internal temperature of the ribs. 
  • water. Adding water to the basket of the air fryer helps reduce smoke from any fat drippings during the cooking process. 
  • barbeque sauce. Adding additional BBQ sauce to this dish will add extra flavor and extra moisture to these bbq ribs. 

Remember that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs and the specific air fryer you’re using. For best results, it’s essential to monitor the reheated ribs closely to prevent them from overcooking or drying out during reheating.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage. Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend reheating ribs more than 2 times before discarding. 
  • Reheating. Reheat any leftover ribs in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. 
Bite shot of ribs on a plate that were reheated in the air fryer.

FAQs

Can I reheat ribs in the air fryer if they were previously frozen?

Yes, you can reheat frozen ribs in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C), place the frozen ribs inside, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check for doneness, and add more time if needed.

How do I prevent the ribs from drying out during reheating?

To prevent dryness, you can lightly baste the ribs with barbecue sauce or a mixture of sauce and water before reheating. You can also wrap the ribs in aluminum foil during the first part of the reheating process and then uncover them for the last few minutes.

Can I reheat ribs with bones in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat ribs with bones in the air fryer. Just place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and follow the recommended cooking time. Air frying can help keep the bones and meat evenly heated.

How do I reheat ribs without losing their original flavor and tenderness?

To maintain the flavor and tenderness, try not to overcook the ribs during reheating. Use a lower temperature setting (around 350°F or 175°C) and check them regularly. You can also add a bit of moisture or sauce to keep them from drying out.

What’s the recommended temperature and time for reheating ribs in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Reheat the ribs for approximately 3-5 minutes, checking for doneness as air fryer cooking times can vary. Adjust the time as needed based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the ribs.

Can I reheat ribs with a crispy crust in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat ribs with a crispy crust in the air fryer. Ensure they are not overly sauced before reheating. The air fryer can help maintain or recreate the crispiness of the crust.

Is it necessary to flip the ribs during reheating in the air fryer?

Flipping the ribs halfway through the reheating process is a good practice to ensure even heating. It helps both sides of the ribs maintain their temperature and texture.

Can I reheat multiple ribs at once in the air fryer?

You can reheat multiple ribs at once in the air fryer, but make sure they are in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If you have a lot of ribs, it’s often better to reheat them in batches to ensure they heat evenly.

Reheating ribs in the air fryer is one of the best methods for making tender ribs. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something fast and easy with only a few simple steps. 

More Recipes to Reheat In The Air Fryer

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more. 

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Ribs being reheated in the basket of the air fryer.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Reheat Ribs in an Air Fryer

By Jen
If you're searching for a great way to reheat leftover ribs, we have you covered! Learn how to reheat ribs in the air fryer and keep them moist, juicy, and tasting new! Let me show you how.
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 8 ribs

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celcius). Remove ribs from the container or foil and allow them to sit at room temperature as the air fryer is preheating. Add a tablespoon of cold water to the basket of the air fryer.
  • Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure that there's some space around each piece for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the ribs in batches.
  • Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness as air fryers can vary in cooking times.
  • Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will help the ribs regain some of their moisture and flavor.
  • Check the ribs to see if they are heated through. They should be hot and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until they are heated to your desired temperature.
  • Remove ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes if desired.

Notes

air fryer. I use a Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer. Remember all air fryers cook differently, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature with your air fryer.
meat thermometer. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure you have reached the desired internal temperature of the ribs. 
water. Adding water to the basket of the air fryer helps reduce smoke from any fat drippings during the cooking process. 
barbeque sauce. Adding additional BBQ sauce to this dish will add extra flavor and extra moisture to these bbq ribs. 
Storage. Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend reheating ribs more than 2 times before discarding. 
Reheating. Reheat any leftover ribs in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. 

Nutrition

Calories: 2592kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 129g, Fat: 227g, Saturated Fat: 101g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 110g, Trans Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 600mg, Sodium: 424mg, Potassium: 1744mg, Vitamin A: 152IU, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 13mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Jen Gamble

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