Air-Fried Beef Brisket: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Cooking beef brisket in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. It is a modern twist to the classic barbecue method, yielding tender, juicy, and flavorful results.

The air fryer's rapid air circulation cooks the brisket quickly and evenly, and its high-temperature cooking method ensures a crispy bark on the exterior.

Selecting the Right Cut:

Opt for a well-marbled, thick-cut piece of brisket to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful. If using an air fryer, choose a smaller cut, such as a brisket flat, for more manageable size and thickness.

Seasoning:

Create a robust blend of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the brisket. Basic ingredients include kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, with additional options like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage.

Preheat and Cook:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 350-375°F. Place the seasoned brisket in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably. Cook for approximately 20-35 minutes per side, depending on the size and power of your air fryer.

Baste and Flip:

After the first hour of cooking, baste the brisket with BBQ sauce or cooking liquid, and flip it to ensure even cooking.

Check for Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for around 195°F for a tender brisket.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your juicy and tender air fryer beef brisket!

Choosing the right cut of beef

Quality

Beef brisket comes from the steer's pectoral muscles, which are well-exercised during the animal's life. As a result, brisket is a relatively tough muscle. Opting for high-quality, premium meat can significantly impact your cook time and the final product's quality. Look for a bright cherry-red colour, and remember that the first cut is leaner and can be tougher, while the second cut has more intramuscular fat, making it extremely tender.

Size

When selecting a brisket for your air fryer, it's crucial to consider the size of your appliance. While traditional smokers often accommodate large, whole briskets, air fryers have limited space. Opt for a smaller cut, such as a brisket flat, which is more manageable in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and doneness within the confines of your air fryer's basket. A 3-4 lb brisket with a nice fat cap is a good choice for most air fryers.

Thickness

The brisket flat stands out for its uniform thickness compared to the full packer brisket, which includes both the flat and point cuts. This consistency promotes even cooking and doneness. With a smaller, uniformly thick cut, you'll also benefit from shorter cooking times, allowing you to enjoy your meal sooner.

Bark Formation

The air fryer's high-speed air circulation promotes the formation of a crispy bark, a hallmark of excellent brisket. The flat's more uniform shape ensures consistent bark development. If bark formation is important to you, trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch, and pat the meat dry before seasoning.

Personal Preference

Finally, consider your personal preferences. If you enjoy leaner meat, opt for the first cut. If you prefer fattier meat, go for the second cut. You can also ask your butcher for advice if you're unsure.

Seasoning the brisket

Seasoning a brisket is a critical step in achieving a delicious air fryer brisket. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for seasoning your beef brisket to perfection:

Choose Your Seasonings:

The choice of seasonings can make or break your brisket. Here are some recommended options:

• Basic seasonings: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are the classic duo that enhances the natural flavour of the meat.
• Flavor enhancers: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Heat and sweetness: Cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or smoked paprika can add a kick, while brown sugar or honey balance the savoury elements with a touch of sweetness.

Prepare the Brisket:

Before applying the seasonings, ensure your brisket is prepared properly:

• Trim excess fat: While some fat is good for flavour and juiciness, too much can hinder seasoning penetration and the formation of a delicious bark. Aim for about a 1/4-inch layer of fat.
• Size and thickness: Choose a brisket that fits comfortably in your air fryer. A smaller cut, such as a brisket flat, ensures more even cooking.

Apply the Seasonings:

Now it's time to season your brisket:

• Generously apply the seasoning blend: Massage it into the meat, ensuring it adheres well to all sides of the brisket.
• Marinate (optional): For extra flavour, marinate the brisket in the seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Blot the brisket: If needed, use paper towels to blot the brisket before seasoning to remove any excess moisture.

Cooking Tips:

Once your brisket is seasoned, follow these tips for optimal cooking:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 275°F (135°C) for low and slow cooking.
• Monitor the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the brisket reaches an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C) for well-cooked, tender meat.
• Rest the meat: Allow the brisket to rest for 10-20 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender brisket.
• Slice against the grain: When slicing, cut against the grain of the muscle fibres to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew.

Best cooking temperature

The best cooking temperature for beef brisket in an air fryer depends on the size of the cut of meat, the desired doneness, and the specific model of the air fryer. Here are some guidelines and tips for achieving the best cooking temperature:

• It is recommended to cook beef brisket at a temperature between 180°C/350°F and 375°F. The lower end of this range is ideal for slower cooking, allowing the brisket to become tender and juicy.
• For a well-cooked, tender brisket, aim for an internal temperature of 195°F. This ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly without becoming dry.
• When checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, it is best to start checking when the temperature reaches around 180°F, as the meat will continue to cook even after being removed from the air fryer.
• For a rare or medium-rare brisket, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the ideal temperature will be lower.
• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the brisket. As a general guideline, cook the brisket for approximately 25 minutes per pound. For example, a 4-pound brisket will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.
• Some recipes suggest cooking the brisket at 350°F for 30 minutes, then wrapping it in foil and reducing the temperature to 300°F for the remaining cooking time. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the brisket from drying out.
• It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the brisket. This helps to ensure even cooking and the formation of a crispy bark, the flavorful, caramelized crust on the exterior of the meat.
• The air fryer's rapid air circulation cooks brisket quickly and evenly, so it is important to monitor the cooking process and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.
• Allow the brisket to rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product.

Cooking time

The cooking time for beef brisket in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness of the brisket, as well as the size and power of the air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, it takes approximately 25 minutes per pound to cook a beef brisket in an air fryer. For example, a 4-pound brisket would take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.

However, it's important to note that cooking times can vary, and the best way to ensure your brisket is cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The ideal temperature for a tender brisket is around 195°F, but this can vary depending on your preferred doneness. Some sources suggest aiming for anywhere between 195 to 205°F, while others recommend removing the brisket from the heat when it reaches 180-185°F, as the temperature will continue to rise about 10 degrees while the meat rests.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the cooking time will also depend on the desired texture of the brisket. If you're aiming for a crispy bark—the flavorful, caramelized crust on the exterior—you'll need to employ a low and slow cooking method. Cooking the brisket at a lower temperature over an extended period will allow the fat to render and the seasoning to caramelize, resulting in a delectable bark.

In summary, while the cooking time for beef brisket in an air fryer can vary, following the general guideline of 25 minutes per pound and using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature will help ensure your brisket turns out perfectly cooked and tender.

Resting and serving

Resting:

Allowing your cooked brisket to rest is essential to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This step ensures that your brisket stays moist, tender, and flavorful. Aim for a resting period of at least 15 minutes, but ideally 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise, so it's important to remove it from the heat source when it's about 10 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired doneness. For example, if you're aiming for a final internal temperature of 195°F, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches around 180-185°F. Keep the brisket wrapped in foil to retain heat and moisture while it rests.

Slicing:

Before slicing, identify the direction of the muscle fibers, known as the grain. Cut the brisket into thin slices, roughly 1/4 inch thick, against the grain. This ensures that each bite is tender and easy to chew. Cutting against the grain helps to further break down the connective tissues, enhancing the tenderness of the meat.

Serving:

Now it's time to plate and serve your delicious air-fried beef brisket! Here are some suggestions for a show-stopping presentation:

• Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Drizzle your favorite sauce over the brisket, such as BBQ sauce or a flavorful gravy made from the meat juices.
• Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, pickles, grilled vegetables, or a baked potato.
• For a hearty holiday meal or special occasion, serve it with a baked corn casserole or crispy sheet pan scalloped potatoes.
• For a casual meal, serve it with cornbread, garlic knots, or air fryer cheese bites on the side.
• Make delicious brisket sandwiches with leftover brisket, and serve them with a side of air fryer frozen French fries for a pub-style experience.

Your air-fried beef brisket is now ready to be enjoyed! Remember, the resting and serving steps are just as important as the cooking process in ensuring a mouthwatering final product.

Frequently asked questions