The incredible taste of prime rib can’t be mistaken, bursting with flavor, it is always a hit. It pairs perfectly with several dishes such as potatoes, salads, veggies, and many more.
It is a widely popular cut of meat also called standing rib roast and is highly prized. Coming from the rib section of the cow, it is typically roasted and reserved for special occasions. It is quite normal to have leftovers and wonder how best to reheat them without ruining an expensive cut.
An efficient way to achieve this is by reheating your prime rib in an air fryer. You want to maintain that tenderness and delicious taste of the meat and an air fryer can be quite helpful.
Prime rib is versatile and there are so many ways to use your leftovers. That’s why storing it properly is of the utmost importance. The best way to do this is by freezing it till you’re ready to use it.
Prime rib freezes very well and the process is quite simple. You can choose to freeze your prime rib in portions or all together.
Allow prime rib to cool before freezing, you should store it within two hours of cooking.
You can then separate it into portions at this point if desired.
Wrap prime rib tightly into a plastic wrap.
Put prime rib in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Prime rib will stay good for up to nine months in the freezer. That said, it is better to use the meat before freezer burn occurs as this can affect the taste. You can also store it in the fridge and it will last for about seven days so use it within this period.
How to defrost prime rib
When you’re ready to use your prime rib, it’s better to defrost the meat first. The best way to do this is in the refrigerator. Simply remove the leftovers from the freezer and place them on a plate before putting them in the fridge.
If you don’t have much time, you can thaw the prime rib either in the microwave or in cold water. Some prefer to cook the meat straight from frozen and this is not advisable. It leaves the risk of eating meat that isn’t properly done and this is not safe.
To avoid this, try increasing the heating time by 50 percent and also check the internal temperature. You should not refreeze thawed prime rib as the taste and flavor will be greatly affected. You don’t want to end up cooking tasteless prime rib.
Reheating prime rib
After freezing prime rib, you need to prepare for when you are ready to use it. There are several ways to reheat the meat and the air fryer is a particularly convenient method. It might be untraditional but it gets the job done.
How to reheat prime rib in an air fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular for different reasons. One of such reasons is how easy it is to whip up a gourmet meal in no time. They are great for prime rib and you’ll be able to reheat those leftovers in a matter of minutes.
Slice the prime rib into desired serving portions.
Place the leftover prime rib into the air fryer basket, avoid stacking the ribs. Make sure that the basket is clean and dry.
Season with some salt and pepper if needed.
Air fry prime rib for about three minutes.
Check to see if it’s thoroughly cooked.
Remove from the air fryer and serve.
It is important to reheat just enough for what you need, ensure you wrap and freeze whatever is left.
How to reheat prime rib in an oven
Using an air fryer is convenient and fast but what if you do not have one? Do not fret, you can also use an oven and still get amazing results. The oven is generally the more preferred and conventional way to reheat meats.
Defrost the prime rib first if it’s frozen.
Preheat the oven to 250 – 300 degrees F.
Place the prime rib in a roasting pan or any oven-proof pan.
Pour some leftover rib sauce or beef broth on the meat.
Cover the pan with foil to prevent the meat from drying out.
Put the prime rib in the oven and heat for 10 – 15 minutes or until it is heated all the way through.
You can check the internal temperature of the meat to make sure it is done. It should be at 160 degrees F.
Carefully remove from the oven and serve as desired.
You can still add some finishing touches by searing the prime rib on a skillet for some crispiness.
Can I reheat prime rib in a microwave?
Yes, absolutely but reheating food in a microwave can be quite tricky. If you have an air fryer or an oven, best to use those instead. Maybe skip this method if you want to retain the pinkness of the meat.
Defrost prime rib properly or take it out of the fridge.
Cover the prime rib with sauce so that it doesn’t dry out.
Wrap the meat entirely in aluminum foil.
Place the prime rib in a steamer and microwave for about three minutes or until heated evenly.
You can check for the internal temperature of the meat which should reach 120 degrees F.
This method is best for boneless ribs and it really should be a last resort.
How to safely reheat prime rib
It is recommended to follow certain precautions when reheating food. Leftovers should be stored properly as bad meat will most likely give you food poisoning. You should never thaw your prime rib at room temperature, best to let it defrost in the fridge.
Always check to make sure the meat is thoroughly heated and the best way is to use a thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees F before eating.
If you have to use a microwave, ensure you rotate or flip the meat periodically. Heat will be distributed evenly this way. You can also thaw your leftovers quickly in the microwave if you are in a hurry.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this guide on reheating your prime rib. You now have several ways to reheat your leftover without drying out the meat.
While the air fryer is fast and simple, the oven is a highly preferable method. You’ll get that tender and juicy prime rib in minutes regardless of which method you employ.
