Air Frying Corned Beef Brisket: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Corned beef brisket is a popular dish, particularly on St. Patrick's Day, and it can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer method is said to produce a tender, juicy, and flavourful brisket with a nice crust in a relatively short space of time. The traditional way to cook corned beef is to boil it, but using an air fryer can create a crispy bark on the outside that is hard to achieve through other cooking methods.

How to prepare the corned beef brisket for air frying

Preparing corned beef brisket for air frying is a simple process. Firstly, you need to decide whether to rinse the corned beef or not. Rinsing the beef in water two or three times will remove the excess salt, giving it a milder flavour, but this step is not necessary. If you do choose to rinse, be sure to pat the beef dry with paper towels before air frying.

Next, you can add your chosen seasonings. Corned beef brisket usually comes with a packet of pickling spices, which can be mixed with mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar to form a paste. You can also add extra seasonings, such as caraway seeds, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and dried thyme. The mustard paste should then be brushed over the whole brisket.

Finally, wrap the brisket tightly in two large pieces of foil and place it in the air fryer basket. You can spray the foil with cooking oil before adding the brisket to prevent sticking.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for corned beef brisket in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes call for a higher temperature of 350-360°F (180°C) for 1 hour, followed by another 40 minutes at the same temperature, or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C). This is checked with a meat thermometer. If you prefer a crisp top, you can cook the brisket for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Other recipes suggest a lower temperature of 250°F for 20 minutes, and then checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature has not reached 145°F, you can add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

One recipe recommends cooking the corned beef brisket at 360°F (180°C) for 1 hour and 40 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes to create a caramelized glaze.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the corned beef brisket and the desired level of doneness. For example, one source recommends cooking corned beef for 1 hour and 45 minutes in the air fryer. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check that the corned beef has reached the desired internal temperature, rather than relying solely on cooking time.

Using a meat thermometer to check if the brisket is cooked

Corned beef brisket can be cooked in an air fryer, and a meat thermometer is an essential tool to check if the brisket is cooked. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check whether the corned beef is cooked without drying it out. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, instead of just relying on time.

To check the internal temperature of a brisket, insert the smoker thermometer probe in the middle of the thickest area. The thickest part of the meat isn't always at the center, so take a step back and look at it from a distance to identify the thickest section. Push the probe all the way into the center point of the brisket. The internal temperature will be the coldest here. Once the probe is in the thickest part of the brisket, leave it there for at least ten seconds before reading the temperature.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can use the touch test. Touch the cut of meat with your finger and then feel the fleshy part of your hand under your thumb. The meat is raw if it feels the same. Hold your thumb and index finger together; the meat is rare if it feels like that. Touch your thumb to your middle finger; it's medium-rare if it now feels like that. Connect your ring finger and thumb: if it now feels like the fleshy part of your palm, it's medium. Finally, join your pinky and thumb: if it feels like that, the meat is well done.

Resting and slicing the corned beef brisket

Resting the corned beef brisket is an important step in the cooking process. After cooking, the corned beef should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.

When it comes to slicing the corned beef, it is important to cut against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibres, resulting in more tender and less chewy meat. A large serrated knife is the best tool for the job, and a slow and steady see-sawing motion will produce the best results. Only slice as much corned beef as you plan to serve, as slicing can cause the meat to dry out.

Leftover corned beef should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 to 5 days and can be served cold in sandwiches or salads, or reheated in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

For those who prefer a crisp top on their corned beef, the air fryer is an excellent tool. After the initial cooking time, the foil can be opened, and the brisket basted with any remaining juices or marinade. Then, the foil can be removed, and the brisket cooked for a further 5 minutes at 400 degrees F to achieve the desired crispness.

Overall, air frying corned beef brisket is a quick and easy way to achieve tender and juicy results, and with a few simple steps, you can ensure your meat is perfectly rested and sliced for optimal taste and texture.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftover corned beef brisket should be stored in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to four days, although some sources suggest it is best to eat it within three days.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat your corned beef. If you are reheating a large chunk of meat, place it in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. For slices of corned beef, you only need 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer. You can also reheat slices in the microwave or serve them cold on sandwiches or salads.

If you are reheating your corned beef in the air fryer, it is important to note that you should not preheat the air fryer with the foil in the basket, and you should not cover the brisket with foil.

Leftover corned beef is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve it with eggs and potatoes for a delicious breakfast hash, or stack a few slices on rye bread with sauerkraut and Russian dressing for a traditional Reuben sandwich.

Frequently asked questions