Reheating Brisket: Air Fryer Method For Delicious Leftovers

Brisket is a tough, inexpensive cut of meat that, when cooked slowly, becomes tender and juicy. But, with so much meat, you'll likely have leftovers. So, what's the best way to reheat brisket? While there are several methods, one thing is clear: don't use the microwave, as it will dry out your meat. Instead, you can use an oven, sous vide, slow cooker, or air fryer. Using an air fryer to reheat brisket is a quick and easy method that adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavour. However, it can dry out the meat, so be sure to add moisture and keep an eye on it.

Defrosting and preparing the brisket

Defrosting and preparing your brisket is a crucial step in ensuring your meat is cooked evenly and safely. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Defrosting Brisket:

The best and safest way to defrost brisket is to plan ahead and use the refrigerator. Place the brisket in the coldest part of the fridge, on a tray to catch any leaks, and allow approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. This method ensures even thawing and maintains the quality of your meat.

If you're short on time, you can try the sink method. Wrap the brisket airtight and watertight, then submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30-60 minutes, and estimate around 45 minutes per pound of meat. This method requires careful monitoring to ensure even thawing and avoid any mess or loss of flavor.

You can also defrost brisket in the microwave, but this is not recommended as it can affect the taste and texture of the meat. If you're pressed for time, be cautious and keep a close eye on the meat to avoid overcooking or drying it out.

Preparing Brisket for the Air Fryer:

When preparing your brisket for the air fryer, ensure it fits comfortably in the basket without having to shove or stuff it in. You may need to cut the brisket in half to get it to fit properly.

For seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices will add flavor to your meat. You can use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage.

Coat the brisket with olive oil, mustard, and your chosen rub. You can blot the meat with paper towels before seasoning if needed.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. Place the seasoned brisket in the basket, fat side up, and cook for around 20-35 minutes, depending on the size of your brisket and the power of your air fryer.

After cooking, remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is tender and juicy. Finally, slice the brisket thinly and serve it with your choice of sides.

Remember, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your brisket. The USDA recommends cooking beef to an internal temperature of 145°F. For a medium-rare finish, aim for around 195°F.

Setting up the air fryer

After setting the temperature and timer, the next step is to fill the air fryer basket with the brisket slices. It is important to not overcrowd the basket and to ensure there are no lingering air fryer smells. Grease the basket by brushing some oil or using a cooking spray.

Once the air fryer is set up and the basket is filled with brisket slices, you can start the reheating process. The cooking time will depend on the size and cut of your brisket, but it should take a couple of minutes for the beef to reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

It is important to avoid overcooking or overheating the brisket, as this can cause the meat to dry out. To prevent this, keep the process slow and steady, and ensure that there is room for hot air to circulate so that the brisket is reheated evenly.

Filling the air fryer basket

Firstly, ensure your brisket is prepared properly. If your brisket has been in the freezer, defrost it overnight. If it's in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the meat cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Next, slice your brisket into thick slices of even sizes. This promotes even cooking and ensures no part of the meat remains uncooked or cold. Try to slice the brisket with even thickness for a presentable look after cooking.

Now you're ready to fill the air fryer basket. Grease the basket with a brush of oil or a cooking spray. Then, place the brisket slices in the basket, ensuring you don't overcrowd it. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate so that the brisket reheats evenly.

If you're reheating slices, you can add a splash of beef broth or layer them with a small amount of liquid in between for added moisture and flavour. You can also coat the brisket with BBQ sauce before placing it in the basket for a smokier flavour.

Once the basket is filled, it's time to reheat. Reheat at a gentle temperature, usually around 350°F, for a few minutes. For sliced brisket, ensure you flip the slices halfway through for even heating.

Finally, check the brisket's internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 165°F, indicating it's safely warmed through.

By following these steps, you'll ensure your brisket is evenly reheated, moist, and full of flavour.

Adding additional flavours

When reheating brisket in an air fryer, you can add additional flavours to the meat to enhance its taste.

One way to do this is by coating the brisket with BBQ sauce. This will not only add flavour but also help keep the meat moist. You can also add a splash of beef broth to give the meat a fresh flavour.

If you want to get creative with your seasonings, you can try adding brown sugar to the top of the brisket for a sweet taste, or dry rubs like garlic powder for a savoury flavour.

Additionally, you can wrap the brisket slices in aluminium foil with leftover cooking juices or beef broth to add moisture and enhance the flavour.

Remember, when reheating brisket in an air fryer, it's important to avoid high temperatures as this can dry out the meat. Keep the process slow and steady for the best results.

Checking the brisket

Checking the Internal Temperature:

The best way to ensure your brisket is cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature will depend on your desired doneness:

• Medium-rare: Aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C).
• Medium: For this level of doneness, the temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
• Well-done: If you prefer your brisket well-done, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• The USDA recommends cooking beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
• For best results when air frying, aim for an internal temperature of around 195°F, but you can go as low as 180°F if you prefer it slightly pink in the middle.

Checking for Doneness Without a Thermometer:

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are other ways to check if your brisket is done:

• Check the juices: Pierce the brisket with a fork or knife, and if the juices run clear, it's a good indication that the meat is done cooking. If the juices are red or pink, it likely needs more time.
• Touch test: Press the brisket with your finger. If it feels firm and springs back, it's likely done. If it feels soft and leaves a dent, it probably needs more time.
• Visual inspection: Look for a slight browning or charring on the outside of the brisket. This can indicate that the meat is cooked, but remember that colour isn't a reliable indicator as different seasonings and cooking methods can affect the colour.

Resting and Slicing:

Once you've removed the brisket from the air fryer, it's important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy final product. After resting, slice the brisket against the grain for the most tender texture. Cutting against the grain helps break up the muscle fibres, making the meat easier to chew.

Reheating Considerations:

When reheating brisket in an air fryer, it's important to prevent it from drying out:

• Add moisture: Wrap the brisket in aluminium foil and pour leftover juices, gravy, or beef broth over the meat before placing it in the air fryer.
• Temperature and timing: Reheat at a temperature of around 350°F for about 20-35 minutes, depending on the size of your brisket.
• Internal temperature: Ensure the brisket's internal temperature reaches at least 140°F.

Frequently asked questions