Air-Fryer Corned Beef: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Corned beef is a popular dish for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, but it can be enjoyed all year round. It is a cut of beef brisket that has been cured in a brine or salt solution, and it is typically slow-cooked to make the meat tender. Air frying corned beef is a non-traditional but effective method that produces a tender, juicy, and flavourful dish with a crisp crust. The air fryer's convection heat cooks the meat to perfection, and the foil wrapping helps to retain moisture and flavour. This method is also relatively quick, with a total cook time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours.

How to cook corned beef in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Corned beef brisket (usually comes with a packet of pickling spices)
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Honey (optional)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Baby potatoes, quartered
• Carrots, cut into coins
• Cabbage, roughly chopped

Method:

• Place the brisket in a pot of water and rinse two to three times to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
• Mix together the mustard, honey (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. If you have pickling spices, you can mix those in or sprinkle them on top of the brisket.
• Place the brisket, fat side up, on a large sheet of foil on your countertop. Brush about two-thirds of the mustard/honey paste over the brisket.
• Wrap the brisket tightly in the foil and place it in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 1 hour at 350°F (180°C).
• Open the foil and baste the brisket with the remaining paste. Wrap again and cook for a further 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• If you want a crisp top, uncover the brisket and cook for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Rest the brisket for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain with a sharp knife.
• While the meat rests, toss the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Air fry the vegetables at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then add the cabbage and cook for a further 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
• Serve the sliced corned beef with the vegetables.

How to cut corned beef

Corned beef is made from a tough cut of meat, so it's important to cut and serve it correctly to ensure it's tender.

When slicing corned beef, always cut against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the thin lines of muscle fibre running through the meat. This will shorten the muscle fibres, making the meat easier to chew. Thinner slices will also be more tender than thicker ones.

Only slice as much corned beef as you are serving. Wrap any leftovers in foil and keep them refrigerated for up to three days.

What to serve with corned beef

Corned beef is a flavourful dish that deserves a place on the dinner table more than once a year. Here are some side dishes that will complement corned beef:

Traditional Sides

• Cabbage: This is a classic, and can be boiled, braised, or sautéed. For a unique twist, try roasting the cabbage with a light, citrusy marinade.
• Potatoes: These can be boiled, mashed, roasted, or made into potato salad. For something extra special, try garlic herb skillet potatoes, old-fashioned scalloped potatoes, crispy-edged smashed potatoes, or Irish potato cakes.
• Carrots: These can be boiled, or try something different by roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or making them into honey-glazed carrot matchsticks.
• Turnips and other root vegetables: Try roasting these with olive oil, salt, and pepper for an earthy flavour that goes great with corned beef.

Creative Sides

• Reuben Fries: Smother French fries in corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
• Caramelised onions: Cook low and slow until soft and sweet.
• Sauteed peppers and onions: Red and yellow peppers are sweeter than green peppers, so use these and cook low and slow to develop rich flavours.
• Brussels sprouts: Sauté these first, then finish them off in the oven. Olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar will add extra flavour.
• Mashed potatoes with heavy cream, roasted garlic, and blue cheese: Use red potatoes or your favourite variety.
• Tater tots: Cover in sharp cheddar cheese and pop them in the oven for Irish nachos.
• Colcannon: Combine cabbage or kale with mashed potatoes for a hearty, rustic side dish.
• Buttermilk biscuit with cheddar and parmesan: A quick and delicious bread option to complement the salt-cured meat.
• Green beans: Try lemon garlic green beans, or green bean almondine for some satisfying crunch.
• Broccoli: Try citrus-roasted broccoli for a quick and easy side with a light, Mediterranean twist.
• Okra: Pan-fried okra with cornmeal cuts down on the slime and gives a unique flavour and texture.
• Horseradish sauce: A simple sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and prepared horseradish is a great way to enhance the flavour of corned beef.
• Honey mustard sauce: Mix brown mustard, mayonnaise, and honey, and add some green onion for freshness.
• Salad: A simple salad of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion with a red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing will help to cut through the richness of the corned beef.

How to store leftover corned beef

Storing leftover corned beef is simple. After cooking, let the brisket stand for about 10 minutes before slicing it. Then, place the meat in small, shallow containers and cool it in the refrigerator. It's best to eat leftover corned beef within three to four days.

You can also freeze cooked corned beef for two to three months. If you're freezing the meat, it's best to use it within a month or two, as salt encourages rancidity and texture changes over time, even though the meat is still safe to eat.

To reheat corned beef, place slices of beef and vegetables in an air fryer basket at 360˚F for one to two minutes.

How to reheat corned beef

Corned beef is a delicious dish, but it can be tricky to reheat without drying it out. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat corned beef in an air fryer, keeping it juicy and tender.

Preparing the Corned Beef for Reheating:

Before reheating corned beef in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to follow:

• Cut the corned beef: For efficient reheating, cut the corned beef into 1-inch cubes or strips. Increasing the surface area will help the meat heat more evenly.
• Use a single layer: Place the corned beef pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding any overcrowding. This ensures that the heat reaches all the pieces effectively.
• Add some oil: Lightly mist or spray the corned beef pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps promote browning and adds a crispy texture.

Reheating Corned Beef in the Air Fryer:

Now, for the reheating process:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature of 350°F to 360°F. This temperature range will ensure thorough reheating without drying out the meat.
• Air fry: Place the prepared corned beef pieces in the air fryer and air fry for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the meat and shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
• Rest the meat: Once the corned beef is warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays juicy.

Tips for Optimal Results:

To achieve the best results when reheating corned beef in the air fryer:

• Avoid overcooking: Corned beef dries out quickly, so it's crucial not to overcook it. Keep a close eye on the meat during the reheating process and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it's warmed through.
• Add some flavour: For an extra flavour boost, toss the corned beef cubes in barbecue sauce or another sauce of your choice before air frying. This adds moisture and a delicious glaze to the meat.
• Reheat in batches: If you have a large amount of corned beef to reheat, consider doing it in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven heating and affect the final texture.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, juicy, and tender reheated corned beef from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions