BBQ pulled pork is a delicious, tender meat that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more. However, like most meats, pulled pork does not reheat well in the microwave. Reheating pulled pork in the microwave often leads to dried out, rubbery meat.

The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can reheat pulled pork and maintain moisture, texture, and flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and techniques for successfully reheating leftover pulled pork so it tastes freshly barbecued.

Should You Refrigerate or Freeze Pulled Pork?

Before diving into the various reheating methods, let’s first discuss whether pulled pork is better refrigerated or frozen.

Refrigerating Pulled Pork

Freshly cooked pulled pork will last 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. To maximize freshness:

• Allow pulled pork to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Place in an airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

If you plan to use up leftover pulled pork within 3-4 days, refrigeration is perfectly fine. The pork will retain moisture and flavor in the fridge.

Freezing Pulled Pork

For longer term storage, pulled pork can be frozen for 2-3 months. To freeze:

• Portion pork into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing air.
• Freeze pork as soon as it has cooled completely after cooking.
• Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Freezing prevents bacterial growth that could occur in the refrigerator over time. Thawed pulled pork may have a slightly drier texture but still keeps well.

Now let’s look at the best practices for reheating pulled pork whether refrigerated or frozen.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork in the Oven

The oven is the best way to reheat a large batch of pulled pork evenly while maintaining moisture and texture.

What You Need

• Leftover pulled pork
• Shallow baking pan or oven-safe dish
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place pulled pork in a single layer in a shallow baking pan or oven-safe dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
3. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 165°F.
4. For added moisture, you can add a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce or chicken broth over the pork before heating.
5. Once heated through, shred any pieces of pork that may have stuck back together using two forks.
6. Serve immediately on buns or bread.

The low and slow heat of the oven prevents the pork from drying out. For refrigerated pulled pork, allow a bit more time (20-25 minutes) to ensure the pork is fully heated through. Frozen pork may take 35-40 minutes in the oven.

Just watch carefully to prevent overcooking which could lead to dry, tough meat. Wrapping the pork in foil keeps moisture in as it reheats.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork on the Stovetop

You can also reheat pulled pork on the stovetop in a pot or skillet:

What You Need

• Leftover pulled pork
• Large skillet or pot
• Optional: 1-2 Tbsp barbecue sauce, chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Add the pulled pork to a large skillet or pot over medium-low heat.
2. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as the pork heats. Break up any pieces that stick together.
3. If pork seems dry, add a small amount (1-2 Tbsp) of barbecue sauce, chicken broth or water to the pan. This will provide extra moisture as the pork reheats.
4. Heat through until pork is warmed throughout, about 10 minutes for refrigerated meat or 15 minutes for frozen.
5. Once hot, serve the pulled pork with the heated juices from the skillet or pot.

The benefit of stovetop reheating is you can continually check the pulled pork and ensure it doesn’t overcook. Just be sure to stir often to distribute heat evenly.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is another excellent way to reheat pulled pork gently and evenly.

What You Need

• Leftover pulled pork
• Slow cooker

Instructions

1. Place pulled pork in the slow cooker insert. Add a few tablespoons of broth, barbecue sauce or water if desired for extra moisture.
2. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours for refrigerated pork or 4-6 hours for frozen until heated through.
3. If there is extra liquid in the slow cooker, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to serving plates. Serve any juices on the side.
4. Shred any pieces of pork that may have stuck back together using two forks.

The pulled pork essentially braises in its own juices in the slow cooker resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat. The low heat prevents overcooking or drying out.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork in the Microwave (Not Recommended)

While it’s possible to reheat pulled pork in the microwave, results are often disappointing. The microwave can make the pork rubbery and dry. We don’t recommend this method but if you must microwave pulled pork:

• Place pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to provide some steam. Microwave in 30 second intervals until just heated through, checking frequently.
• Alternatively, you can stir in a bit of chicken broth or barbecue sauce before microwaving to add some moisture.
• Allow the pork to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Even with these tips, microwaved pulled pork is likely to be drier than using the oven, stovetop or slow cooker. Only use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Tips for the Best Results Reheating Pulled Pork

• Allow refrigerated pulled pork to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating for more even results. Do not thaw frozen pork on the counter.
• Portion into smaller batches for quicker, more even reheating.
• Shred any chunks of pork that may have stuck back together after reheating. Two forks work best for shredding.
• Add barbecue sauce, broth or other liquids sparingly when reheating. Too much liquid can make the pork soggy.
• Do not over reheat or the pork may become tough. Check internal temperature to ensure pork reaches 165°F.
• Gently stir or toss reheated pulled pork rather than mixing vigorously to avoid shredding the meat too much.
• Serve immediately once reheated for the best texture.

Storing Leftover Reheated Pulled Pork

If you have leftover pulled pork after reheating:

• Allow to cool slightly and place in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for 2-3 months if not using within 4 days.
• When reheating again, follow the instructions in this guide for the best results. Avoid reheating more than once.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy your leftover pulled pork for several meals. Follow these tips and you’ll have juicy, flavorful pulled pork just like it was freshly barbecued.

Can You Reheat Pulled Pork in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular kitchen tools for their ability to make inherently unhealthy foods much healthier. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp and cook foods, significantly reducing the need for oil. Reheating pulled pork in an air fryer produces similar results to oven heating. The circulating hot air warms the pork throughout while keeping it nice and crispy on the outside. Follow these simple steps for reheating pulled pork in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Leftover pulled pork, chilled
• Barbecue sauce or broth (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 300°F.
2. Place pulled pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Heat for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Refrigerated pork may need 12-15 minutes.
4. Brush or drizzle pork with barbecue sauce or broth during the last 2 minutes if desired.
5. Check internal temperature to ensure pork reaches 165°F.
6. Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.

The circulating air heats the pulled pork quickly and evenly. The decreased cook time compared to the oven prevents the pork from drying out. Just be sure not to overload the air fryer basket, as too much meat can lead to uneven cooking. Enjoy your leftover pulled pork revived with the ease of an air fryer.

How Long Does Reheated Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge?

After properly reheating leftover pulled pork, you may have portions remaining that you want to keep for another meal. But how long will reheated pulled pork last in the refrigerator? Here is what you need to know about storing leftover reheated pulled pork:

Storing Reheated Pulled Pork

• Allow reheated pulled pork to cool slightly before refrigerating. Cover tightly or place in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of reheating. Do not leave at room temperature.
• When stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover pulled pork will last for 3-4 days after reheating.
• Use reheated pulled pork within this time period for best quality and food safety.

What to Look For

• Discard pulled pork if it develops an off smell, flavor or appearance.
• Reheated pork will last longer if moisture was maintained while reheating. Dry, overcooked pork has a shorter shelf life.
• If pork seems dried out or soggy, it’s best not to keep for leftovers. Use immediately or discard.
• Mold growth and sliminess are signs pulled pork has spoiled and should be thrown out.

Reheating Again

For food safety, do not reheat pulled pork more than once. Only reheat the desired portion again just before eating.

• Discard any remaining pork after 4 days in the fridge. Do not attempt to reheat again.
• Never reheat pork that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Follow proper storage and food safety practices, and your leftover pulled pork can be almost as delicious the second time around within 3-4 days!

Can You Refreeze Thawed Pulled Pork?

You go to defrost some pulled pork you had frozen, but then realize you won’t be able to use it all before it spoils. Is it safe to refreeze the thawed pulled pork?

Here are some tips on refreezing thawed pulled pork:

Only Refreeze if the Pork is Still Cold

• Meat that has been completely thawed for more than 2 days should not be refrozen.
• Refreezing is only an option if the pulled pork remains refrigerated and cold to the touch during thawing.

Refreeze Right Away

• For best quality, refreeze pulled pork immediately rather than waiting once it has thawed.
• The quicker you refreeze thawed pork, the less risk there is for bacterial growth.

Portion Into Smaller Quantities

• Dividing thawed pork into smaller portions encourages faster, safer refreezing.
• Refreezing a giant blob of pulled pork takes too long, allowing bacteria to grow.

Use Within 2 Months

• Refrozen pulled pork maintains best quality if used within 1-2 months.
• Eat refrozen pork sooner for optimal freshness and texture.

Check for Off Colors or Odors

• Do not refreeze if thawed pork has developed any unpleasant odors, textures or appearance. Discard instead.
• Signs of spoilage mean potential bacterial contamination. When in doubt, throw it out.

With proper food safety practices, refreezing thawed pulled pork can be done. But it’s best to cook from frozen whenever possible to maintain quality. Only refreeze as a last resort!

How Many Times Can Pulled Pork Be Reheated?

Leftover pulled pork is delicious, but should you limit how many times you reheat it? Can pulled pork be reheated more than once safely? Here are some guidelines:

Reheat Only Once

For food safety and quality, pulled pork should only be reheated once after initial cooking. Reheating twice risks drying out the pork as well as bacterial growth.

Refrigerate Properly

Make sure pulled pork is cooled quickly after cooking, stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, and used within 3-4 days. This prevents the need to reheat multiple times.

Freeze for Later Use

Freezing pulled pork lets you reheat it again later while still only reheating once. Thaw frozen pork in the refrigerator before reheating.

Watch for Signs of Spoilage

Discard pulled pork if it smells bad, looks slimy, has mold growth or otherwise seems spoiled. Do not taste questionable pork.

When In Doubt, Toss It Out

Don’t take risks with food safety. If you have doubts about the freshness of leftover pulled pork, it’s best to throw it away.

Reheating pulled pork more than once can compromise quality and potentially pose health risks if not stored properly. For delicious pull pork every time, just reheat it once and enjoy the leftovers within 3-4 days.

FAQs About Reheating Pulled Pork

How do you reheat pulled pork to keep it moist?

• Use the oven, slow cooker or stovetop to reheat pulled pork gently and evenly. The microwave often dries out the pork.
• Place a bit of broth, sauce or water in the bottom of the reheating dish or wrap in foil to create steam.
• Heat pulled pork covered to retain moisture. Uncover at the end for crispy bits if desired.

Should you add liquid when reheating pulled pork?

• Adding a small amount of liquid like broth, sauce, or water can help keep pulled pork moist but isn’t required.
• Take care not to add too much liquid or the pork may become soggy. Start with just a tablespoon or two.
• Stir in liquid right before reheating so the pork doesn’t sit soaked in liquid, which can make it mushy.

What is the best way to reheat large batches of pulled pork?

• For larger batches, the oven is the best reheating method. Use a shallow pan in a 325°F oven for even heating.
• Portion into smaller shallow containers to reheat in the microwave, if needed. This prevents dry spots.
• A slow cooker or large pot on the stovetop are other options for big batches. Heat on low.

How do you crisp up reheated pulled pork?

• To crisp up the outside of reheated pulled pork, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating.
• Air frying also reheats and crisps pulled pork nicely.
• For stovetop reheating, turn up the heat at the end to brown the pork briefly.

Is it safe to reheat pulled pork more than once?

No. For safety and quality, only reheat pulled pork once after initial cooking. Refrigerate leftovers properly and reheat within 3-4 days. Do not attempt to reheat pulled pork multiple times as it increases risk of foodborne illness.

Conclusion

BBQ pulled pork is delicious, but like any meat, it requires proper handling to safely enjoy the leftovers. Use these guidelines to properly store, reheat and refreeze pulled pork. With the oven, slow cooker, stovetop and even air fryer methods, you can revive leftover pulled pork to be just as tasty as the original meal. Just be sure to reheat it gently and thoroughly, avoid overcooking, and don’t reheat more than once. Follow these pulled pork reheating tips for juicy, flavorful results every time.