Are you ready to enjoy the delicious taste of your favorite ribs once again? Look no further, as today we’re going to talk about “How to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer”! Whether you have some smoked ribs, beef ribs, baby back ribs, spare ribs, short ribs, or pork ribs lying around, we’ve got you covered! Don’t let those leftover ribs go to waste, as we’ll show you how to bring them back to life in a few simple steps. Plus, we’ll even add some mouth-watering barbecue sauce to take your ribs to the next level. So, let’s get started with this easy-to-follow ribs recipe!
Table of Contents
Preparing the ribs for reheating
Before we start reheating those scrumptious ribs, it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than biting into a spoiled rib and ruining your appetite!
So, let’s start with the basics. Take out your smoked ribs, beef ribs, baby back ribs, spare ribs, short ribs, or pork ribs from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will help them cook more evenly in the air fryer.
Next, inspect the ribs for any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration or an off smell, if everything looks and smells good, then you’re good to go!
One thing to keep in mind when reheating ribs in an air fryer is that they can dry out quickly. To avoid this, you can brush some barbecue sauce onto the ribs before placing them in the air fryer. The sauce will help keep the ribs moist and add some extra flavor.
How to Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer

I remember the first time I reheated leftover ribs in an air fryer. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I had some friends coming over for a BBQ party. I had made a big batch of ribs the night before, but there were plenty of leftovers. I didn’t want to waste them, but I didn’t want to serve cold or soggy ribs either. So, I decided to try reheating them in my air fryer.
To my surprise, the ribs came out better than I expected. They were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like when they were freshly cooked. My friends couldn’t believe they were eating leftover ribs. It was a huge hit!
So, let me walk you through the steps to reheat your leftover ribs in an air fryer.
STEP 1:
First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. This step is important because it ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature to reheat the ribs evenly.
Next, coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the ribs from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.
STEP 2:
Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. If you’re reheating a larger quantity of ribs, you may need to do it in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
If you’re reheating already sauced ribs, remember that the sauce can burn easily in the air fryer, you can cover the ribs with a piece of aluminum foil before reheating them.
Reheat the ribs for 3-4 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and reheat for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. If you have saucy ribs, you can brush them with sauce before reheating to give them extra flavor.
STEP 3:

Once your ribs are properly reheated, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This step is important because it allows the juices to settle and the ribs to cool down slightly, making them easier to handle.
Finally, serve the reheated ribs with your desired sides. You can brush the ribs with sauce before serving if you want to add extra flavor.
See, reheating ribs in an air fryer is easy and foolproof. You’ll never have to eat cold or soggy ribs again. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of your leftovers and save some money. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Reheating Smoked Ribs in Air Fryer
STEP 1:
To start, preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). This lower temperature will help the ribs heat through without overcooking or drying out.
STEP 2:
Next, place the smoked ribs in the air fryer basket. It’s best to reheat them bone side down to prevent them from sticking and to allow the fat to render out and crisp up the meat.
Cook the ribs for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 10-12 minutes. This should be enough time to heat the ribs through and get that delicious, smoky flavor back.
If you like your ribs with a bit of char, you can increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the ribs a nice crispy exterior without drying out the meat.
STEP 3:
Once they’re done, take the ribs out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and flavorful rib.
Reheating Beef Ribs in Air Fryer
STEP 1:
To start, preheat your air fryer to 275°F (135°C). This slightly higher temperature will help the beef ribs reheat evenly and retain their moisture.
STEP 2:
Next, place the beef ribs in the air fryer basket. If the ribs are too big to fit in the basket, you can cut them into smaller pieces for easier reheating.
Cook the beef ribs for 12-15 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 12-15 minutes on the other side. This should be enough time to heat the beef ribs through without overcooking them.
If you like your beef ribs with a bit of a char, you can increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last few minutes of cooking. This make the beef ribs a nice crispy exterior without drying them out.
STEP 3:
Once the beef ribs are heated through, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You will see the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and flavorful beef rib.
Reheating Baby Back Ribs in Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of baby back ribs, then you know that they can be a bit tricky to reheat. But fear not, the air fryer is here to save the day!
STEP 1:
To start, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This temperature will help the baby back ribs heat up evenly without drying out.
STEP 2:
Next, place the baby back ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. If you have too many ribs to fit in the basket at once, you can reheat them in batches.
Cook the baby back ribs for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 8-10 minutes on the other side. This should be enough time to heat the baby back ribs through without overcooking them.
If you like your baby back ribs with a bit of barbecue sauce, you can brush some on during the last few minutes of cooking to add some extra flavor.
STEP 3:
Once the baby back ribs are heated through, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before enjoy them!
Reheating Spare Ribs in Air Fryer
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 325°F, then place the spare ribs in the basket.
- Cook them for 12-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure that both sides are heated evenly.
- Once they are done, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Don’t forget to brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce for some extra flavor!
FAQs
How do I know when my ribs are done reheating?
The best way to make sure your ribs are properly reheated is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Make sure it reads at least 165°F before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers after reheating the ribs in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Once your ribs have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat them thoroughly before eating.
How long should I let the ribs rest after reheating?
Letting the ribs rest for 2-3 minutes after reheating is important because it allows the juices to settle and the ribs to cool down slightly, making them easier to handle.
Can I add extra sauce when reheating the ribs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can brush the ribs with sauce before reheating to give them extra flavor. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much sauce can overpower the taste of the ribs.
What are some good side dishes to serve with reheated ribs?
Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans and sweet potato fries are all great sides that pair well with ribs. Cornbread is also a classic choice and adds a little something extra to the meal.
How can ribs be reheated without becoming dry?
You can brush the ribs with a bit of oil or butter before reheating, which will help to keep them from drying out.
What is the method for reheating BBQ pork using an air fryer?
The best way to reheat BBQ pork in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, then add the pork. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let the pork rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
What is the method for making dry ribs moist again?
To make dry ribs moist again, brush them with a bit of oil or butter before reheating. You can also add a few tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket before reheating, as this will help to keep the ribs from drying out. You also can brush a bit of barbecue sauce or other liquid on the ribs before reheating, or add a few tablespoons of broth to the air fryer basket.
Final thought
Reheating ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious and juicy ribs at home. I will summarize the steps:
- Prepare the ribs by wrapping them in aluminum foil and refrigerating them until ready to reheat.
- Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature for the type of ribs being reheated.
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for the recommended time.
- Flip the ribs over and cook for an additional time.
- Add barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking if desired.
Final, some final tips and recommendations for reheating leftover ribs in an air fryer:
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches at least 165°F.
- If reheating multiple racks of ribs, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Consider adding a small amount of liquid, such as apple juice or water, to the bottom of the air fryer basket to help keep the ribs moist during reheating.
EXCITING AIR FRYER RECIPES TO REHEAT YOUR LEFTOVERS YOU’LL LOVE:
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- How to Reheat Steak in Air Fryer
- How to Reheat Ribeye Steak in Air Fryer
- How to Reheat Pork Belly
How to reheat Ribs in Air Fryer (Summary Recipe)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment paper
- Foil
Materials
- Ribs
- BBQ sauces
Instructions
Reheating Smoked Ribs in Air Fryer
- To reheat smoked ribs in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer to 250°F and place the ribs in the basket.
- Cook the ribs for 10-12 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 10-12 minutes on the other side
- If you prefer your ribs to be more saucy, you can brush them with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remember to let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Reheating Beef Ribs in Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 275°F.
- Take the beef ribs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Take the beef ribs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the beef ribs for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs.
- Flip the beef ribs over and cook for another 12-15 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the beef ribs with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the beef ribs from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the beef ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or seasoning.
Reheating Baby Back Ribs in Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
- Take the baby back ribs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the baby back ribs for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs.
- Flip the baby back ribs over and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the baby back ribs with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If desired, brush the baby back ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or seasoning.
- Place the baby back ribs back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the baby back ribs from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes.
Reheating Spare Ribs in Air Fryer
- Reheating Spare Ribs in Air Fryer
- Take the spare ribs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Place the spare ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the spare ribs for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs.
- Flip the spare ribs over and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the spare ribs with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Place the spare ribs back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the spare ribs from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure to leave some space between the ribs to allow the hot air to circulate around them evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Let the ribs rest: After cooking, let the ribs rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
- Brush with barbecue sauce: If desired, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or seasoning before placing them back in the air fryer for additional cooking time.
- Monitor cooking times: Keep an eye on the ribs while cooking to avoid overcooking or burning them. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer you are using, as well as the thickness of the ribs.