Reheating ribs in an air fryer takes just 3-5 minutes at 160°C (320°F), giving you crispy edges while keeping the meat tender. This method outperforms microwaves that leave ribs soggy or ovens that dry them out. The air fryer's rapid circulation brings leftovers back to life with restaurant-quality texture.
The air fryer is the best appliance for reheating ribs because it combats the two main issues with leftovers – dryness and lack of texture. Unlike microwaves that steam food, the air fryer uses convection heat to crisp the exterior while gently warming the interior. This makes it perfect for ribs with sticky barbecue sauce or dry rubs that benefit from caramelisation.
At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we've tested dozens of reheating methods, and the air fryer consistently delivers superior results. The compact cooking chamber means ribs reheat evenly without cold spots, while the basket allows excess grease to drip away. For those who meal prep ribs in advance, this is a game-changing technique worth mastering.
Set your air fryer between 150-180°C (300-350°F) when reheating ribs – the sweet spot that warms thoroughly without burning sauces. Lower temperatures risk drying out the meat, while higher heats may scorch sugary glazes. If your ribs have a thick sauce coating, start at 160°C and check frequently.
Begin by taking ribs from the fridge and letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This prevents shocking cold meat with sudden heat. Lightly spray or brush the ribs with oil or leftover sauce to help retain moisture. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't stacked.
Cook for 3 minutes, then flip the ribs and continue for another 2-3 minutes until piping hot. The total reheating time will depend on your air fryer model and rib thickness – our air fryer conversion chart helps adjust for different wattages. Always check internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
For ribs with exceptional crunch, lightly mist them with oil before reheating and increase temperature to 180°C for the last minute. Some air fryer models have a 'reheat' preset that automatically adjusts time and temperature – consult your manual. If reheating frozen ribs, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and check frequently.
Overcrowding the basket is the top mistake when reheating ribs in an air fryer. Crowding creates steam instead of crispiness and leads to uneven heating. Another error is reheating straight from frozen without thawing first – this causes the exterior to overcook before the centre warms through.
Neglecting to flip the ribs halfway through cooking is another misstep. Flipping ensures even crisping on both sides and prevents sauce from sticking to the basket. After reheating, let ribs rest for 2 minutes before serving – this allows juices to redistribute. For more rib recipes and techniques, explore our beef recipe category.
If your ribs need saucing after reheating, apply thin layers and return to the air fryer for 30-second bursts. Thick glazes added at the beginning often burn before the ribs heat through. For dry-rubbed ribs, a light spritz of apple juice prevents excessive drying during reheating.
While the air fryer is our top choice, other reheating methods have their place. Oven reheating at 180°C takes 15-20 minutes but can dry out ribs without proper foil covering. Microwaving (though quick) makes ribs rubbery and destroys texture – only suitable if you're in a extreme hurry.
The stovetop works reasonably well if you have a grill pan, but requires constant attention. For those without an air fryer, try our alternative recipes designed for conventional ovens. Nothing beats the air fryer's combination of speed and quality when it comes to reheating ribs.
Sticky barbecue sauce can bake onto your air fryer basket if not cleaned promptly. After reheating ribs, fill the basket with warm soapy water while it's still warm for easier cleaning. For stubborn residue, use our recommended air fryer cleaning solutions that won't damage non-stick coatings.
