There is not only one but many existing options to reheat ribs, for example, microwave, oven, instant pot, air fryer, sous vide, etc. Usually, when we reheat leftover ribs, they don’t taste the same as before or they are not as moist as they were when you first ate them when they just got grilled. So, for that, we need to know the accurate way of reheating them.

There is not only one but many existing options to reheat ribs, for example, microwave, oven, instant pot, air fryer, sous vide, etc. Usually, when we reheat leftover ribs, they don’t taste the same as before or they are not as moist as they were when you first ate them when they just got grilled. So, for that, we need to know the accurate way of reheating them.

Reheat Ribs

Now, when we know about the problem, here we are with not one but many solutions to this problem. Reheating ribs is not a difficult task but reheating ribs and also keeping them soft and moist is a big deal, but not to worry, because all we need is the right way and guidance for which we are here to help you in this mission. So without further delay, let’s have a look at the different ways of reheating ribs with the perfect moisture.

How to Reheat Ribs in the Oven:

Reheating ribs in the oven mostly takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the quality of your oven and how strong it is. According to us, this is the best way to reheat your leftover ribs if you want them to taste just as good as they were before. This procedure will not just make your ribs moist and juicy but also if you want a delightful saucy caramelized flavor that you cannot get on the grill then this is the best way you can get it. Following are the steps you need to follow for the perfect reheated ribs you want:

Reheat Ribs in the Oven
If you have stored your leftover ribs in the freezer or fridge, then take them out some time before you want to serve them so that they can come down to room temperature. If you are planning to coat them in some kind of sauce then this is the best time to do it.
Preheat the oven to 250°F.
Cover the ribs in two coats of foil. Foil ensures that the tasty flavor from the juices cannot evade, and also it saves the BBQ sauce from burning in the procedure of reheating due to the impressive sugar content.
Position your foil-covered ribs in a baking pan, then heat it for 20 to 30 minutes (depends on your oven).
If you want your sauce with an extra caramelized flavor then, 5 minutes before the timer is fixed to turn off, turn on your broiler.

Key Points:

Spare ribs might take more than 20 to 30 minutes.
If you are reheating beef ribs, then add a little amount of water while covering them in foil.
If you tend to reheat baby back ribs, then preheat the oven lower to 225°F and heat for approximately 45 minutes.

How to Reheat Ribs in the Air Fryer:

If you have chosen to reheat the ribs in an air fryer then it’s probably the best decision, because an air fryer is an incredible and immediate way for reheating ribs. You just need to follow the hereafter steps:

Reheat Ribs in the Air Fryer
According to your air fryer, cut the ribs to the extent that they fit into the fryer easily. Now add the Flavor as per your desire.
Keeping the temperature of your fryer to 350°F, Cook the ribs for about 30 minutes, make sure they have become tender.

Key points:

Do not open the lid of your fryer while reheating the ribs because that will make the heat escape and that will affect the given cooking time.
Before you serve the ribs put them to settle for a few minutes.

How to Reheat Ribs in a Microwave:

Not only for reheating ribs but for reheating anything microwave is the first thing that comes to our minds when we think of reheating. Though it is the simplest, easiest, and quickest way for it, it’s not the best one because it does not give you the moisture and the tenderness as your food had when it was first cooked. It is also said that the microwave kills some of the good nutrients from the food and makes it a little unhealthy.

Reheat Ribs in a Microwave

Though not completely, but here we are with a way of reheating your ribs in the microwave and make them a little as nice as they were before:

Wet some paper towels. Using wet paper towels can catch up the moisture to some extent and prevent the ribs from drying out completely.
Take a Container or a bowl without the lid and put the ribs into it.
Now put half of the wet paper towels under the container or the bowl, and the rest of the towels on top of the ribs.
Set the timer of your microwave up to 3 minutes approximately. Then check the ribs if they are good to serve then do so, and if not then continue to microwave again in short breaks.

How to Reheat Ribs in the Instant Pot:

Instant pot, crockpot, or a slow cooker is another best way for reheating ribs without the threat of them getting burned or dry. This method can take a lot of time because it’s a slow way but then the result you get in the form of good taste and moisture is worth it. Following is the guide of how you can reheat ribs in the instant pot:

Reheat Ribs in the Instant Pot
Place your ribs in the pot and then add a little water into it (approx. 2 tablespoons for each rib), then add more sauce if you want.
With this temperature the ribs might take up to 1 to 3 hours to reheat, relying on the quantity and the thickness of your ribs.
Keep a check on the ribs every 30 to 40 minutes and turn them if you want but this is not crucial, you can also add water if you feel the need for it.

How to Reheat Ribs and Keep them Moist:


Foil paper is one of the best options to keep ribs moist. After reheat, wrap it into a foil paper ( but not tight ) and it safe or near to 300F for about an hour. This is the best practice and you may also apply it to all BBQ items also.

The cheapest way to keep it moist is safe it in a hotpot (not plastic) near to warm place and that is the great idea to save your money.

Reheat Ribs and Keep them Moist

How to Reheat Ribs Using Sous Vide:

Sous vide is a fancy word that means using water to cook food. This method works the best because there is no risk of the loss of moisture and tenderness of the ribs because of exposure to heat, just like a grill or an oven. Listed below is the procedure of reversing ribs using sous vide:

Reheat Ribs Using Sous Vide
A night before reheating the ribs, take an airtight/watertight bag and lock your ribs into it (if you haven’t done this step before, it’s not a problem you can still do it).
Take a large pot and place it on the stove with high flame and let the water boil.
After the water is boiled, put the locked ribs bag into it. Take care that the seal does not break or the bag shouldn’t open.
Let the ribs reheat for at least 8 to 10 minutes and then take the bag out of the water and let them cool down for 69 seconds and then check the warmth of the ribs. If they are warm and moist then they are ready to serve, but if they are not what you desired for then seal the bag again and add them in the boiling water again to reheat them.

Also Read : Complete Process of Reheat Steak

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