Best way to reheat ribs in oven

When you think about ribs, fun summer barbeques come to mind. If you have leftover ribs on hand, you want them to taste just as good as the day they were cooked.

In this post, you’ll learn some tips on how to reheat ribs in 5 ways: in the oven, in a toaster oven, in an air fryer, in a microwave, and steaming on the stovetop. 

How To Reheat Ribs in an Oven

Using a regular oven is the best way to reheat ribs. You’ll want to use a low temperature. 

• Preheat the oven to 250˚°F. The USDA recommends an oven temperature between 250°F˚ and 325°F.
• Cover the ribs in foil. This will help the ribs warm up thoroughly and evenly. 
• Bake the ribs for 20-30 minutes until they reach a temperature of 145°F. 
• Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the ribs so they don’t burn. 

Reheating in the Toaster Oven

If you want to reheat a smaller amount of ribs, a toaster oven is a good option. Follow the oven instructions and let the ribs warm up for 20-30 minutes. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure that the ribs have reached  130°F to 140°F degrees before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Ribs in an Air Fryer

Use an air fryer if you’re reheating dry-rubbed, not saucy ribs. 

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. 
• Cut the ribs into slices or small chunks. 
• Toss the ribs with a teaspoon or two of oil and air fry for 5-8 minutes. 
• This method produces ribs that are crispier. 

Microwaving Leftover Ribs

Ribs reheated in the microwave can be moist and juicy. Follow these steps for the best results: 

• Slice the ribs into pieces. 
• Place the ribs in between two pieces of damp paper towels. The ribs will absorb some of the moisture from the paper towels. For more flavor, add some beer or marinade to the paper towels. 
• Microwave the ribs until they reach 145°F. The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant read thermometer. 

Steaming Leftover Ribs

Ribs can also be reheated on the stovetop using steam. Follow these steps for tasty results:

• Boil some broth in a large pot. For additional flavor, add  fruit juices like orange or apple. 
• When the broth begins to boil, place the ribs on a steamer basket.
• Let the ribs steam for about 30 minutes. For really juicy ribs, steam them for 45 minutes. The ribs are done when they reach 130°F to 140°F.
• Season the reduced liquid at the bottom of the pot as desired and use a brush to baste the ribs with the sauce before serving. 

Tips for Reheating Ribs

To add more flavor and moisture to ribs that were barbequed with sauce, uncover the ribs at the halfway mark and baste with barbeque sauce. Rewrap with the foil and continue to heat until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs are done.  If the ribs were dry-rubbed, heat them all the way through, remove them from the oven, and sprinkle with additional dry rub before serving. 

Can You Eat Cold Ribs?

If the ribs were originally cooked to a minimum internal temperature of at least 145°F and were stored properly, it’s fine to eat them cold from the fridge.

• ▢ 3 pounds leftover ribs
• ▢ Foil

• Preheat the oven to 250˚°F.

• Cover the ribs in foil. This will help the ribs warm up thoroughly and evenly.

• Bake the ribs for 20-30 minutes until they reach a temperature of 145°F.

• Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the ribs so they don’t burn.

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