Air-Fried Brisket: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Cooking brisket in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a delicious and tender brisket:

- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled, thick-cut piece of brisket to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.

- Prepare the Brisket: Season the meat with a dry rub or marinade to add extra flavor. Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 275°F to 375°F.

- Cooking Time: Place the seasoned brisket in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably. Cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound, or adjust the time based on the size and thickness of your brisket.

- Baste and Flip: After an 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. The ideal temperature for a tender brisket is around 195°F.

- Rest and Serve: Remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product.

Choosing the right cut of brisket

Size and Thickness:

• Opt for a smaller cut: Air fryers have limited space, so choosing a smaller cut like a brisket flat is often ideal. This ensures the meat fits comfortably in the air fryer basket, allowing for even cooking and optimal bark formation.
• Uniform thickness: Look for a brisket with a consistent thickness throughout. This promotes more uniform cooking and doneness, ensuring your brisket cooks evenly.

Quality and Marbling:

• Fresh and high-quality: Always choose a fresh and high-quality cut of meat for the best results.
• Good marbling of fat: Select a brisket with a nice marbling of fat. This contributes to the meat's tenderness and juiciness, enhancing the overall flavour and texture.

Weight and Cooking Time:

• Weight considerations: The weight of the brisket will impact the cooking time. As a general rule, plan for approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time per pound of brisket. Choose a weight that aligns with your desired serving size and cooking time.
• Cooking time preferences: If you prefer a faster cooking option, opt for a smaller cut or a thinner brisket. Larger or thicker cuts will require a longer cooking time.

Personal Preferences:

• Taste and texture: Consider your taste preferences and desired texture. Some people prefer the flat cut as it is leaner and cooks faster. Others may opt for a cut with more fat for added flavour and juiciness.
• Serving size: Determine the number of people you plan to serve and choose a brisket size accordingly. As a reference, a 2.5-pound brisket typically serves about 6 people.

Remember, choosing the right cut of brisket is just the first step towards meaty perfection. Proper preparation, seasoning, and cooking techniques are also crucial for achieving mouthwatering air fryer brisket.

Seasoning the brisket

Basic Ingredients:

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are the classic combination that forms the foundation of brisket seasoning. This simple blend enhances the natural flavours of the meat. Be generous with the seasoning, making sure to cover all sides of the brisket. Don't be afraid to use your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it adheres well.

Flavor Enhancers:

Customise your seasoning blend with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These add depth and complexity to the flavour profile. You can also incorporate dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano for aromatic nuances that complement the smokiness of the brisket. A touch of heat, such as cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika, can also be added for a delightful kick.

Sweetness:

A bit of sweetness can balance the savory elements of the brisket. Brown sugar or a touch of honey can work wonders in your seasoning mix.

Marinating:

For even more flavour infusion, consider marinating your brisket with your chosen seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight before air frying. This allows the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavourful and tender brisket.

Personalisation:

Remember, seasoning is a matter of personal taste. Experiment with different combinations to find the one that suits your palate best. The air fryer's efficiency ensures that the flavours penetrate the meat beautifully, so feel free to customise your seasoning blend to your liking.

Cooking the brisket

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your brisket in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a quarter-inch for flavour and juiciness. Then, apply your chosen seasoning blend generously, making sure to cover all sides of the meat. You can also massage the seasoning into the brisket with your hands to ensure it adheres well. If you have time, let the brisket marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While the brisket is resting at room temperature for about 30 minutes, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. For low and slow cooking, set the temperature to around 275°F (135°C).

Step 3: Place the Brisket in the Air Fryer Basket

Carefully place your seasoned brisket into the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. If your brisket is large, you may need to cut it in half to ensure it fits comfortably.

Step 4: Cook the Brisket

Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the brisket for approximately 25 minutes per pound. For example, if your brisket weighs 4 pounds, cook it for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can also refer to the air fryer's cooking time guide for specific instructions.

Step 5: Baste and Flip the Brisket

After the first hour of cooking, baste your brisket with BBQ sauce, cooking liquid, or broth. This will help keep the meat moist and add flavour. Then, flip the brisket to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. For a tender brisket, aim for an internal temperature of around 195°F (90°C). If you prefer your meat more well done or rare, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 7: Rest and Slice the Brisket

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product. Finally, slice the brisket against the grain and serve it with your favourite sides.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right cut of brisket: Opt for a well-marbled, thick-cut piece to ensure your brisket remains juicy and flavourful during cooking.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on the brisket as it cooks, and flip or rotate it if necessary to ensure even cooking and bark formation.
• Rest the brisket after cooking: Allow your air-fried brisket to rest for about 20-30 minutes after cooking. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender brisket.
• Slice against the grain: Identify the direction of the muscle fibres (the grain) and slice perpendicular to it. This ensures that each bite is tender and easier to chew.
• Experiment with seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find the perfect blend for your taste preferences.

Resting the brisket

During the resting phase, the internal temperature of the brisket will continue to rise slightly. This is important to consider when determining the ideal time to remove the brisket from the air fryer. For a well-cooked, tender brisket, an internal temperature of around 195°F (90°C) is recommended. However, since the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period, it is suggested to remove the brisket from the heat source when it reaches about 180°F-185°F.

Leaving the brisket wrapped in foil will help retain warmth while it rests. Additionally, it's crucial to slice the brisket against the grain. Identifying the direction of the muscle fibers, or the grain, and slicing perpendicular to it ensures that each bite is tender and easy to chew. Aim for thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick, to maximize tenderness and fully savour the rich flavours.

The resting stage is not just a necessary step for a juicy and tender brisket, but it's also the perfect opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Whether you're serving the brisket on a platter or in sandwiches, garnishing it with fresh herbs and pairing it with classic sides like coleslaw, pickles, or grilled vegetables will elevate your dining experience.

In summary, resting the brisket is a critical step that ensures your culinary masterpiece delights your taste buds. The redistribution of juices during this period results in a moist and flavourful dish. By allowing the meat to rest, you'll be rewarded with a tender brisket that showcases the art of air fryer cooking.

Slicing and serving the brisket

Allow the brisket to rest: Before you start slicing, let your freshly cooked brisket rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender texture.

Identify the grain: To ensure maximum tenderness, identify the direction of the muscle fibres, known as the grain. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibres are aligned.

Slice against the grain: When slicing your brisket, cut perpendicular to the grain. By slicing against the grain, you'll be cutting through the muscle fibres, making each bite more tender and easier to chew.

Slice thinly: Aim for thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Thin slices are not only more tender but also allow you to savor the rich flavours of the brisket fully.

Presentation and serving: Whether you're serving your brisket on a platter or in a sandwich, present it with style. Garnish with fresh herbs, drizzle your favourite sauce over the brisket, and consider pairing it with classic sides like coleslaw, pickles, or grilled vegetables.

Enjoy: Finally, savour the moment and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Air fryer brisket is a labour of love, and your efforts will be rewarded with tender, smoky slices that will delight your taste buds.

Frequently asked questions