Prime rib is already cooked, so the goal is to warm it gently without pushing it past your original doneness. The air fryer works well if you use a lower temperature, short heating bursts, and a little moisture protection.
Quick Answer (Best Method)
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
- Place prime rib in the basket.
- For slices, add 1 to 2 teaspoons au jus or beef broth on top.
- Reheat
- Slices (1.5 to 2.5 cm / 0.5 to 1 inch): 3 to 6 minutes
- Thicker slices: 6 to 8 minutes
- Small roast piece: 10 to 15 minutes
- Check temperature and stop early. Aim for 49 to 54°C (120 to 130°F) for medium rare warmth.
- Rest 3 to 5 minutes before eating.
Before You Start (Keeps It Juicy)
- Let prime rib sit 10 minutes at room temperature so it reheats more evenly.
- Use au jus if you have it. If not, use a splash of beef broth.
- If the cut edge looks dry, brush a tiny amount of butter on the surface.
- Avoid high heat. Higher temperatures can dry out the meat quickly.
Air Fryer Steps (Detailed)
For slices (best and fastest)
- Preheat to 160°C (320°F).
- Place slices in a single layer.
- Spoon au jus or broth lightly over the meat.
- Air fry for 3 minutes, then check.
- Add 1 to 3 minutes more until warmed through.
- Rest 3 minutes.
Tip: If the outside browns too fast, cover slices loosely with a small piece of foil.
For a small leftover roast piece
- Preheat to 150 to 160°C (300 to 320°F).
- Wrap loosely in foil with 1 to 2 tablespoons au jus inside the foil.
- Air fry 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Unwrap for the last 1 minute only if you want a little crust.
- Rest 5 minutes.
Best Temperature Targets
These targets help you keep the same doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Rare warm: 46 to 49°C (115 to 120°F)
- Medium rare warm: 49 to 54°C (120 to 130°F)
- Medium warm: 55 to 60°C (131 to 140°F)
If you go much higher, the prime rib starts cooking again and can turn dry.
Common Problems and Fixes
It dried out
- Add more au jus or broth.
- Reheat at 150°C (300°F) instead of hotter.
- Slice thinner, reheat shorter, and rest longer.
Outside browned but inside cold
- Lower the temperature and extend the time.
- Loosely cover with foil.
It tastes flat
- Finish with flaky salt and black pepper.
- Warm au jus separately and spoon it on at the end.
FAQ
Do I need to wrap prime rib in foil in the air fryer?
For slices, usually no. For thicker pieces or roast chunks, foil helps protect moisture.
Can I reheat prime rib from frozen in an air fryer?
It is better to thaw overnight in the fridge first. Reheating from frozen often overcooks the outside before the center warms.
What is the best air fryer setting?
Use a lower temperature around 150 to 160°C (300 to 320°F) and check often.
If you tell me if your prime rib is sliced or a chunk, and how thick it is, I can give you an exact time plan.
