Air-Fried Burnt Ends: A Quick, Crispy, Tender Treat

Burnt ends are a delicacy in the barbecue world, known for their crispy, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior. While traditionally made from the point end of a smoked brisket, they can also be made with other cuts of meat such as pork belly or chuck roast. Making burnt ends in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious dish without having to fire up the grill. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same tasty result in a fraction of the time and effort.

Choosing the right meat

Type of Meat

The most common type of meat used for burnt ends is beef brisket. Brisket has a high fat content, which helps create tender and juicy burnt ends. When cooked slowly, the fat renders and adds flavour to the meat. However, other types of meat can also be used, such as pork belly or chuck roast, which are great alternatives if you're looking for a change in flavour or a more budget-friendly option.

Quality of Meat

When choosing your meat, opt for a well-marbled piece with good fat content. This fat marbling will ensure your burnt ends are juicy and full of flavour. Look for a piece with thin, white intramuscular fat running through the muscle, as this type of fat will help create the desired texture and taste.

Amount of Meat

Burnt ends are typically made from the trimmings or ends of meat, so you don't need a large amount. A pound of meat should be plenty, and you can always adjust the quantity depending on how many people you're serving.

Preparation

Before cooking your meat in the air fryer, cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. This will ensure even cooking and allow for a greater surface area to develop that delicious caramelisation and crispiness characteristic of burnt ends.

Storage

If you're not using your meat right away, proper storage is essential. Fresh meat can be refrigerated or frozen to extend its shelf life. If freezing, consider cutting the meat into cubes beforehand to make it easier to cook directly from frozen.

In summary, choosing the right meat for your air fryer burnt ends comes down to personal preference, budget, and availability. Beef brisket is the traditional choice, but pork belly and chuck roast are also excellent options. Don't forget to look for well-marbled meat and to prepare it correctly before cooking. With the right meat and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering burnt ends in your air fryer!

Preparing the meat

Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Burnt ends are traditionally made from the point end of a smoked brisket, which has more fat marbling, resulting in tender and juicy burnt ends. However, other cuts such as pork belly or chuck roast can also be used. If opting for pork belly, increase the cooking time to 20 minutes.

Once you've chosen your meat, trim any excess fat, leaving about a quarter of an inch for flavour. Look for a well-marbled piece of meat to ensure the best flavour and texture.

Next, rub the brisket with yellow mustard. This step might seem unusual, but it helps the BBQ rub stick to the meat. Generously coat the entire brisket with your chosen BBQ rub, pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.

Now, it's time to cook the meat. Place the brisket on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate. Cover the meat with aluminium foil to keep it moist. Preheat your oven to 275°F and bake the brisket for about 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.

Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for a crucial half hour. This step is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy and flavourful burnt ends.

Finally, cut the brisket into approximately 1-inch cubes. Your meat is now ready to be tossed in barbecue sauce and placed into the air fryer!

Setting the air fryer

To make burnt ends in an air fryer, you'll need to first preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

While the air fryer is preheating, cut your meat into approximately 1” cubes. You can use either pork belly or beef brisket. If you're using beef brisket, trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat for flavor. The better the quality of your brisket, the better your burnt ends will be, so look for a well-marbled piece of meat.

Next, rub the brisket with yellow mustard to help the BBQ rub stick. Generously coat the whole brisket with the BBQ rub, pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.

Now you can place the burnt ends into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. It's important to ensure they are in a single layer so that they cook evenly.

Cook the burnt ends on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to shake the basket. If you want them darker, you can add up to an additional 5 minutes of cooking time.

Cooking the burnt ends

Burnt ends are traditionally made from the point end of a smoked brisket, but other cuts such as pork belly or chuck roast can also be used. If you're using an air fryer, you can skip the initial smoking step and go straight for the sauce and caramelization.

Start by cutting your meat into 1-inch cubes. If you're using beef brisket, trim the excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor. Then, rub the brisket with yellow mustard to help the BBQ rub stick. Generously coat the whole brisket with the BBQ rub, pressing it into the meat.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Toss the meat cubes in barbecue sauce if desired. Place the meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to shake the basket. If you want them darker, add up to 5 more minutes of cooking time.

Your burnt ends should be crispy and charred on the outside, but the meat inside should be tender and juicy. If you're worried about overcooking, use a thermometer to check the temperature and pull them out when they reach around 195°F.

You can serve your burnt ends in a variety of ways. Try them on a salad, in a grain bowl, in burritos or tacos, on their own with sides, or in a sandwich.

Serving suggestions

Burnt ends are a tasty, versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They are traditionally made from the trimmings of brisket but can also be made from other meats such as pork belly or chuck roast.

Burnt ends can be served on their own with a couple of sides, or they can be used to add flavour and texture to other dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• In a sandwich: Stack them high in a roll with coleslaw, pickled vegetables, extra barbecue sauce, or other favourite toppings.
• In a salad: Try them in a classic steak salad with mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices and feta or blue cheese.
• In a grain bowl: They would go well with some rice or other grains and vegetables.
• In Mexican dishes: Add them to burritos, nachos, tacos or quesadillas for a smoky meat hit.
• With classic BBQ sides: Try them with potato salad, air fryer frozen fried pickles, loaded potato skins, corn pudding or cornbread.
• As a snack: Pile them onto some crackers or nachos for a tasty treat.
• As part of a larger meal: They could be served as a side or appetizer, or even a dessert if paired with something sweet like watermelon.

Burnt ends are a delicious and convenient way to add flavour to a variety of dishes. They can be made in advance and reheated, making them a great option for easy entertaining.

Frequently asked questions