Emilie Meyer
Cooking brisket in an air fryer is a convenient and modern way to achieve a classic barbecue taste. While some believe brisket should be cooked slowly, an air fryer can deliver a juicy, tender, and flavourful brisket in a fraction of the time. The key to success is choosing the right cut of meat, applying a generous amount of seasoning, and allowing the meat to rest before serving.
Characteristics and their Values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of meat | Choose a smaller cut, such as a brisket flat, to ensure even cooking |
| Trimming | Trim excess fat to 1/4 inch to balance flavor and allow seasoning to penetrate |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, dry rubs |
| Marinating | Marinate brisket with seasoning for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor |
| Temperature | Preheat air fryer to 375°F or 370°F; cook at 185°F-205°F (85°C-96°C) |
| Cooking time | 20 minutes of cooking, 10-15 minutes of resting; total time, including resting, is about 2 hours |
| Internal temperature | 185°F-205°F (85°C-96°C) |
| Serving | Slice into thin or thick slices, serve with barbecue sauce or dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of brisket
The brisket flat is a relatively even thickness compared to the full packer brisket, which includes both the flat and point cuts. This consistency promotes uniform cooking and doneness. Smaller cuts also mean shorter cooking times, so you can enjoy that delicious brisket flavour sooner.
If you're a fan of the full packer experience and have a large air fryer, you can still make it work. Just ensure the brisket fits comfortably in your appliance. You may need to cut it in half to fit in the basket. The right cut of brisket should sit flat in your air fryer without bunching up, so the thickness is the same all the way across.
A good rule of thumb for choosing the right cut of brisket is to aim for about 3-4 pounds, with a nice fat cap if possible. While some fat is desirable for flavour and juiciness, too much can hinder the seasoning's penetration and the formation of a delicious bark. Aim for about 1/4 inch of fat, and trim any excess.
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Trimming the fat
The ideal amount of fat on your brisket prior to cooking is about 1/4 inch. To achieve this, use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any excess fat from the surface of the meat. Be sure not to cut away too much, as a small amount of fat will help to keep your brisket moist and flavourful during the cooking process.
Once you have trimmed your brisket, it is time to apply the seasoning. Choose a blend of seasonings that will enhance the natural flavour of the meat, such as kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Generously apply the seasoning to all sides of the brisket, using your hands to massage it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
For an even more flavourful brisket, consider marinating the meat with the seasoning. Leave the seasoned brisket in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat. This step is optional but will result in a more savoury and delectable dish.
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Seasoning
Begin with the classics: kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple blend forms the foundation of brisket seasoning, enhancing its natural flavours. Don't be afraid to use your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it adheres well.
Customise your seasoning blend with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adding brown sugar to the top of the brisket is a fun way to make this easy recipe sweet, while adding dry rubs or seasonings like garlic powder gives it a more savoury taste. You could also try a pork belly rub for smoking, or a coffee brisket rub.
For an extra flavour boost, consider marinating your brisket with the seasoning for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat. Before air frying, let your brisket rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
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Cooking time and temperature
When cooking brisket in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size and cut of the meat. Air fryers have limited space, so opting for a smaller cut, such as a brisket flat, is ideal. These cuts ensure even cooking and consistent heat throughout the cooking process.
To prepare the brisket for cooking, trim the excess fat from the meat, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, making sure to cover all sides. You can also marinate the brisket overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavour. Before cooking, let the brisket rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
When cooking, preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 370°F to 375°F (190°C). Place the brisket in the air fryer, fat side up, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the brisket, which should reach between 185°F to 205°F (85°C to 96°C). Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.
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Resting and serving
Resting the brisket is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the meat to relax and reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish. The resting time depends on the size of the brisket and the desired level of doneness. For a smaller cut, like a brisket flat, a resting time of 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient. However, for a larger cut or a well-done brisket, a longer resting time of up to 30 minutes to an hour may be required. During the resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise, so it is important to take this into account when determining the initial cooking time.
After removing the brisket from the air fryer, wrap it in foil or butcher paper to retain heat and moisture. Place the wrapped brisket on a cutting board or a warm plate and let it rest for the desired amount of time. This process allows the juices, which have accumulated during cooking, to redistribute throughout the meat.
While the brisket is resting, you can prepare any desired side dishes to accompany your meal. Some classic sides that pair well with brisket include baked potatoes, french fries, green beans, or a fresh salad. Don't forget to choose your favourite barbecue or dipping sauce to enhance the flavour of the brisket. A good old-fashioned dry rub can also be a tasty option.
Once the resting period is complete, it's time to slice and serve your delicious air-fried brisket. The beauty of brisket is that it can be cut into thin slices, thick slices, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. Present the sliced brisket on a serving platter, allowing your guests to help themselves, or plate it individually for a more formal setting. Don't forget to spoon over any resting juices for an extra boost of flavour and moisture. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried brisket!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the size of the cut of meat and the temperature of the air fryer. A 1.5lb brisket can be cooked in about 2 hours.
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F to 375°F. Then, lower the temperature to 210°F for the last hour of cooking.
Trim the brisket so that it has about 1/4 inch of fat remaining. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Massage the seasoning into the meat and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
