Learn how to reheat ribs five different ways. Have leftover ribs that need to be reheated? These 5 methods will help you achieve tender, juicy ribs that taste like they just came off the grill.
Have leftovers of your tender ribs that you would like to warm up the next day?
These methods can be used for all types of ribs like baby back ribs, spare ribs, pork ribs, beef ribs, and more.
We are sharing all of the tips and tricks for how to reheat ribs without drying them out.
Table of contents
How to reheat ribs in the air fryer
Reheating ribs in the air fryer is one of my favorite methods and in my option the best method. The circulating hot air keeps the ribs from drying out while giving them a nice outer crust and heats them up fast.
- Place ribs in air fryer basket. You can leave them whole if they fit or cut them into smaller pieces.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Carefully remove and serve.
How to reheat ribs in the oven
Reheating in the oven is a great way to keep the moisture in the ribs.
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. You want to keep the temperature low.
- You can add more of your favorite bbq sauce if you like them saucy. Adding sauce does help with keeping them extra juicy and moist.
- Wrap the ribs in foil. This helps hold in the moisture and prevents them from burning.
- Cook the ribs until they heat back up to 145 degrees F. This is the recommended temperature the USDA considers safe to eat. It can take 20-30 minutes so just be sure to check on them so they don’t overcook.
- If you would like to caramelize the sauce, unwrap the ribs and cook another 5-10 minutes.
How to reheat ribs on the grill
If you would like to get outside, it’s easy to reheat ribs on the grill. This reheating method helps to give that right off the grill flavor. You can use a charcoal grill or gas grill, just make sure it’s low heat.
- Preheat the grill to 250 degrees F. You want to keep it on low heat.
- Wrap ribs in foil. You want to make sure they are totally covered so you can even wrap them twice.
- Place the ribs on indirect heat and warm until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F.
- You can unwrap and add more sauce. Serve and enjoy!
How to reheat ribs in the slow cooker
Want to set it and forget it? Try reheating your ribs in the slow cooker. This method is great for locking in moisture and reheating them low and slow.
- Place about 1/4 inch of water, apple juice, or chicken broth in the slow cooker. Place ribs in the cooker.
- Set temperature to warm or low temperature. Cover with the lid and let cook 30 minutes – 60 minutes. I recommend checking on them at 30 minutes to see if they are getting close to 145 degrees F.
How to reheat ribs in the microwave
Microwaving would be my last choice in how to reheat ribs. It does heat them up fast but you have to be careful that they won’t dry up.
- You can leave the ribs whole or cut them into smaller pieces.
- Add a little bit of water to the bottom of a microwave safe dish. This helps to keep them moist.
- Place ribs on top of the water. Add some extra BBQ sauce again give you that extra moisture.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes depending on how many ribs you have.
Reheating FAQ’s
All of these methods are great ways to reheat ribs but I think the best ways are in the air fryer or in the oven. These methods lock in moisture and keep the delicious rib flavor.
Cooking time depends on the reheating method. Reheating ribs in the oven takes about 30 minutes while reheating ribs in the air fryer takes about 5 minutes. I recommend using a meat thermometer so you can monitor the internal temperature while reheating.
Warming ribs up at a low heat and adding extra sauce helps to keep them moist and not dry out.
You can eat ribs cold as long as they were cooked to the proper 145 F degrees when they were first made. Cold ribs might be a little tough and chewy to eat.
Make sure to let the ribs cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container or zip plastic bag in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Conclusion
It’s possible to enjoy delicious ribs the day after cooking them. Try serving with a side of french fries, salad, or one of these delicious rib side dishes for a full meal.
More information on reheating
- How to reheat pancakes
- How to reheat rotisserie chicken
- How to reheat cinnamon rolls
- How to reheat chicken wings
How To Reheat Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack leftover ribs
Instructions
Air Fryer
- Place ribs in air fryer basket. You can leave them whole if they fit or cut them into smaller pieces. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Carefully remove and serve.
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. You want to keep the temperature low. You can add more sauce if you like them saucy. Adding sauce does help with keeping them extra juicy and moist. Wrap the ribs in foil. This helps hold in the moisture and prevents them from burning. Cook the ribs until they heat back up to 145 degrees F. This is the recommended temperature the USDA considers safe to eat. It can take 20-30 minutes so just be sure to check on them so they don't overcook. If you would like to caramelize the sauce, unwrap the ribs and cook another 5-10 minutes.
Grill
- Preheat the grill to 250 degrees F. You want to keep it on low heat.Wrap ribs in foil. You want to make sure they are totally covered so you can even wrap them twice.Place the ribs on indirect heat and warm until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F. You can unwrap and add more sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker
- Place about 1/4 inch of water in the slow cooker. Place ribs in the cooker. Set temperature to warm or lowest heat. Cover with the lid and let cook 30 minutes – 60 minutes. I recommend checking on them at 30 minutes to see if they are getting close to 145 degrees F.
Microwave
- You can leave the ribs whole or cut them into smaller pieces. Add a little bit of water to the bottom of a microwave safe dish. This helps to keep them moist.Place ribs on top of the water. Add some extra BBQ sauce again to lock in moisture.Cook for 3-5 minutes depending on how many ribs you have.
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