Air-Fryer Corned Beef: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Corned beef is a popular dish to serve on St. Patrick's Day, but it can be enjoyed all year round. It is made by curing beef brisket in a brine or salt solution, which helps to tenderise the meat. While corned beef is typically cooked in a Crock Pot or Instant Pot, it can also be cooked in an air fryer. This method produces tender, juicy, and delicious results with minimal hands-on cooking time.

How to cook corned beef in an air fryer without drying it out

Corned beef is a popular dish, especially around St. Patrick's Day, and cooking it in an air fryer is a convenient option. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cook corned beef in an air fryer while keeping it moist and tender.

Ingredients:

• Corned beef brisket (usually around 4 pounds)
• Pickling spices (often included with the corned beef or can be purchased separately)
• Mustard (brown or yellow)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
• Mix the pickling spices with mustard and apple cider vinegar to create a paste. If desired, add a small amount of honey to the mixture.
• Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on your countertop and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
• Set the corned beef on the foil and brush about two-thirds of the mustard paste over the entire brisket.
• Wrap the corned beef tightly in the foil and place it in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the corned beef for 1 hour at 360°F (or 350°F for a slightly lower temperature).
• After 1 hour, open the foil and baste the corned beef with the remaining paste. Re-cover the brisket with foil.
• Cook for an additional 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature without drying out the meat.
• For a crispy top, uncover the corned beef and cook for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain with a sharp knife.

Tips:

• Always slice corned beef against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.
• Only slice the amount of corned beef you plan to serve, and keep the rest refrigerated for up to three days.
• To reheat corned beef in the air fryer, cook slices for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, and a large piece for about 8-10 minutes.

The best way to cut corned beef

To cut corned beef like a pro, follow these steps:

First, let the meat rest. As tempting as it is to dive straight in, letting the corned beef rest for 10-15 minutes under some aluminium foil will give you a juicier cut and a cleaner cutting board.

Next, separate the cuts. Corned beef is made from a whole brisket, which is actually two parts separated by a layer of fat. Slide your knife horizontally between the two briskets to separate them.

Then, trim the fat. Position the beef flat on the cutting board with the fat side up. Pin the beef in place with a meat fork and cut horizontally to separate the beef from the fat. Leaving a little fat is fine, as it adds flavour.

Now, find the grain. Flip the beef over and identify the direction of the grain, which is the way the muscle fibres are oriented. You need to cut perpendicular to the grain, so turn the meat so your knife can run across the grain.

Finally, slice the meat. Hold the corned beef in place with a meat fork and cut through the meat, gently shaving it into thin slices. The thinner the slices, the easier it will be to chew. Continue cutting across the grain until you reach the end of the meat.

What to serve with corned beef

Corned beef is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, ranging from classic choices to more creative options. Here are some ideas for what to serve with corned beef:

Classic Combinations:

• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage with olive oil and lemon juice dressing, or roasted cabbage steaks.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, parmesan roasted mashed potatoes, or potatoes dauphinoise.
• Carrots: Classic glazed carrots, or skillet brown sugar-glazed carrots.
• Bread: Irish soda bread, soft dinner rolls, or southern buttermilk biscuits.

Creative Pairings:

• Salads: Asian cabbage salad, or a no-mayo Carolina coleslaw with cabbage, kale, carrots, and onions.
• Green Vegetables: Blanched green beans with lemon juice, butter, and almonds, garlic green beans, or sautéed asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
• Appetizers: Spinach artichoke dip, macaroni and cheese bites, crispy fried pickles, or air fryer baby potatoes.
• Other Sides: Scalloped potatoes, cheesy mashed potatoes, roasted red potatoes, potato gratin, or marinated artichoke hearts.

How to store leftover corned beef

Storing leftover corned beef properly is essential to ensure it remains safe and tasty for future meals. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover corned beef to extend its shelf life and maintain its delicious flavour and texture.

Firstly, let the corned beef cool down to room temperature after cooking. Slice or chop the beef into portions before storing. This step is important as it helps the meat cool down faster and reduces the time it spends in the temperature danger zone, where bacteria can thrive. Place the sliced corned beef in airtight containers or sealable bags. Ensure the containers are made of food-safe materials and are clean and dry. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

Leftover corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. For refrigerator storage, place the containers or bags of corned beef on a shelf, making sure they are not overcrowded and have some space for air circulation. Consume the refrigerated leftover corned beef within 3 to 4 days. If you plan to store it for longer, freezing is a better option.

To freeze leftover corned beef, place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they are dated and labelled. Frozen corned beef can be stored for 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Do not refreeze corned beef once it has been thawed and always heat leftover corned beef until it is steaming hot before serving. Enjoy your delicious leftover corned beef safely!

How to reheat corned beef in an air fryer

If you have leftover corned beef, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step, even if your air fryer brand does not typically recommend preheating.

Step 2: Prepare the Corned Beef

Place an unsliced hunk of corned beef in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating slices, separate them so they don't stick together.

Step 3: Reheat the Corned Beef

For an unsliced hunk of corned beef, cook it at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for around 8 minutes, or until warmed through. For slices, this will take a shorter time, around 1-2 minutes.

Tips:

• If you are reheating a large amount of corned beef, you may need to increase the reheating time.
• Ensure your corned beef is thoroughly heated before consuming, especially if it has been stored in the refrigerator.
• You can also use the air fryer to reheat any side dishes or leftovers, such as potatoes or cabbage. Simply adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

Storage and Leftovers:

Leftover corned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked corned beef for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Frozen Corned Beef:

If you are reheating frozen corned beef, ensure it is thoroughly defrosted before placing it in the air fryer. You may need to increase the reheating time slightly.

Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy corned beef!

Frequently asked questions