Close That Microwave: Leftover BBQ Ribs Are Juicier With This 8-Minute Reheating Method

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If there's anything better than smoky, juicy, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs coated in sweet and tangy sauce, then it's probably the leftovers waiting in the fridge the next day. That is, if you know how to reheat them properly, of course. Leftover ribs are incredibly easy to dry out. The reason for this comes down to the moisture they've lost during the initial cooking process, which means there's little left to work with when you reheat them. That's exactly why the microwave is the last thing you want to turn to. Instead, there's an incredibly simple way to reheat leftover ribs in your air fryer, and all it takes is a little extra moisture and up to 8 minutes of patience.

The microwave heats food by making water molecules move and release heat. This fast burst of heat can leave the ribs even drier, tougher, and rubbery. To make matters worse, they'll most likely still be cold in the middle when you try to bite into them. 

The air fryer, in turn, works by rapidly circulating hot air to heat the food. The secret is to keep the temperature relatively low (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit), and to lightly brush the ribs with some barbecue sauce. Alternatively, a little chicken stock, beef broth, or apple juice for a touch of tang and sweetness is perfectly fine, too. Even some soda or plain water can do the trick. Just don't forget the liquid before popping the ribs in the air fryer.

This is one of those air fryer hacks you'll wish you knew sooner. To start with, make sure to preheat your air fryer. Then arrange the ribs in a single layer rather than piling them on top of one another. This will help prevent overcrowding, one of the biggest air fryer mistakes you need to stop making. By doing so, the air will be able to reach each piece equally. Moreover, it's crucial to reheat smaller batches at a time, and work in intervals. 

Give the ribs 5 to 8 minutes to reheat, and resist the urge to leave them in longer. This is one of the cases where more doesn't equal merry. Then give the ribs a quick check halfway through the process. For a more accurate reading, insert a food thermometer into the thickest piece. With that in mind, if you don't already have one in your kitchen, you can always go for the Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer from Amazon, or a similar option.

Ultimately, you'll know the ribs are ready once they reach an internal temperature of about 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. When done, take the ribs out of the air fryer and allow them to rest for a minute or two. All that's left to do afterward is pair them with some creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, a plate of crisps, crunchy fries, or simply skip the sides altogether and dig right in.