Cooking beef brisket in an air fryer is a great way to bring out the most tender and juicy flavors of the meat.
While it may seem intimidating, cooking an air fryer brisket is actually quite simple–as long as you have the right techniques and ingredients.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes a perfect air-fried brisket every time!
Contents
What Is the Secret to a Tender Air Fryer Beef Brisket?
1. Seasoning
Making sure your brisket is well-seasoned is key to achieving that perfect flavor.
The first step towards a tasty brisket is to rub it down with your favorite seasonings.
For a classic Texas-style brisket, we recommend using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and black pepper. You can adjust the amounts of each seasoning depending on how spicy or sweet you want your finished product to be.
Once your brisket is well-seasoned, it’s time to get cooking!
2. Preheat it and Place it in the Air Fryer:
When preparing your air fryer for use, be sure to preheat it for at least 10 minutes before adding the meat. This will help ensure that the heat evenly penetrates the surface of the meat for maximum flavor and texture.
Additionally, when placing your seasoned beef into the basket of air fryer, make sure there’s enough space around each piece so that heat can circulate properly and cook all sides evenly.
We also suggest spraying some oil on top of the beef before setting it in the basket for added moisture and flavor.
2. Wait and Take it Out!
Now comes the hard part—waiting!
Depending on how large your pieces are, you’ll need to let them cook anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius).
During this time you’ll want to flip them over halfway through cooking so they can crisp up nicely on both sides.
Once they’re done cooking in the air fryer, remove them from heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before serving—this will allow all those delicious juices to settle back into their fibers and give you that perfectly tender result you’re looking for.
How Long Does Air Fryer Beef Brisket Take to Cook?
Air frying beef brisket requires careful timing and technique in order to achieve the perfect texture.
Generally speaking, it will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius) for a 3-4 lb. piece of meat. If you’re cooking smaller pieces, be sure to adjust your cook time accordingly.
Don’t forget to flip the brisket halfway through cooking in order to ensure even heating and cooking time.
What Does Air Fryer Beef Brisket Taste Like?
Air fryer beef brisket is flavorful and tender. It has a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The natural juices of the meat combined with the seasonings you use will create a delicious combination every time.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, air-fried beef brisket is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What Temperature Do You Cook Air Fryer Beef Brisket?
When air frying beef brisket, you’ll want to cook it at 350°F (176°C) for around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the pieces.
It’s important to remember that the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) in order for it to be considered safe for consumption. We also suggest flipping the brisket halfway through cooking in order to ensure even heating and cooking time.
No matter if you’re making a classic Texas-style beef brisket or something more creative, air frying is the perfect way to bring out all of the flavors of your favorite cuts of meat.
How to Enjoy Air Fryer Beef Brisket?
We’ll provide some tips on how to make the perfect air fryer beef brisket.
1. Preparation Tips:
Before you begin cooking, be sure to select a high-quality cut of beef brisket with evenly distributed fat throughout. This helps ensure that your meat comes out juicy and tender. Trim away any excess fat before cooking for even better results.
You also want to season your beef brisket prior to cooking in the air fryer.
A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika makes for a delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of beef brisket. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your own tastes if desired.
2. Cooking Tips:
Once you have prepared your meat for cooking, place it in the air fryer and set it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Allow the meat to cook for 30 minutes per pound (500 grams), flipping it halfway through cooking time.
Afterward, remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest before slicing and serving.
When done correctly, your finished dish should yield an incredibly tender piece of meat with a nice crispy outer crust thanks to the air frying process. You can serve this alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables as well as other sides of your choice!
What Liquid Do You Add to Air Fryer Beef Brisket?
Let’s take a look at the best liquids to use when making air fryer beef brisket.
1. Beef Broth or Stock
For maximum flavor and moisture, opt for beef broth or stock when making air fryer beef brisket. Both are great options because they add an extra layer of rich flavor to the meat without overpowering it.
Plus, since both are made from long-simmered beef bones, they’re packed with minerals that help tenderize the meat as it cooks.
Make sure to choose one that’s low in sodium if possible since this will help prevent your beef brisket from becoming too salty.
2. Apple Juice or Cider
If you want to add some sweetness to your air fryer beef brisket, apple juice or cider is a great option.
The natural sugars in these juices caramelize during cooking and give the meat a nice crispiness on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside.
Plus, the subtle fruity flavor pairs perfectly with savory seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika. Just make sure not to use too much juice—you don’t want your meat swimming in liquid!
3. Wine or Beer
Adding wine or beer to your air fryer beef brisket adds another layer of complexity to its flavor profile.
Red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot pair well with bold seasonings like chili powder and cumin, while white wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio pair better with more delicate herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Beers can also be used—pale ales work particularly well with smoky seasonings like chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
Again, make sure not to overdo it—a few tablespoons should do the trick!
Does Air Fryer Beef Brisket Get Softer the Longer You Cook It?
Yes, air fryer beef brisket will become more tender the longer you cook it. Cooking at high temperatures can cause the proteins in the meat to break down and become softer over time.
However, be sure not to overcook your brisket or else it may dry out and become tough.
To prevent this, use a digital thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature and remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-200°F (90-93°C).
This should take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the size of your brisket.
Slow Cooked Beef Brisket in Air Fryer:
We will provide step-by-step directions on how to make your beef brisket in an air fryer.
1. Mix Together Spices and Brown Sugar and Rub On Brisket
In a small bowl, mix together spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder) and brown sugar.
Rub the mixture over the entire surface of the brisket. This gives it a deep flavor and helps give it that slow-cooked texture we all love.
2. Place Brisket in Preheated Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about five minutes before placing your brisket inside.
Make sure to place it fat cap side up so that the fat can properly render down during cooking.
Leave it in for 30 minutes before removing it from the air fryer.
3. Wrap Brisket with Foil
Place your brisket on top of two sheets of foil that cross over each other so that none of the liquid escapes while cooking.
Pour broth into foil wrap until it covers about ¼ of the length of your brisket – this will help keep it moist during cooking! Then fold up all four sides until your brisket is completely covered like a package.
4. Place Again in Air Fryer and Cook at 300°F
Put back into preheated air fryer at 300°F for 2 hours or until the thickest part of the briskets registers 195°F (timing may vary depending on size/thickness).
When finished remove from the air fryer and let rest 10-20 minutes before slicing against grain and serving with favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans!
Conclusion:
There’s no denying that making an air fryer beef brisket requires some patience but if done correctly it can produce some truly amazing results!
To achieve perfection every time make sure you season generously with spices and herbs beforehand; preheat your air fryer before adding in meats; leave enough room around each piece so heat can circulate; spray oil on top for added moisture; flip halfway through cooking; and finally let rest before serving for maximum juiciness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to impress family and friends with restaurant-quality beef briskets cooked in an air fryer!
No matter what type of liquid you decide to use when making air fryer beef brisket, just remember that less is more—you don’t want so much liquid that it makes your meat soggy!
With these tips in mind, you can make delicious juicy beef brisket in no time! Whether you opt for broth or stock for extra savoriness or apple juice for sweetness, you can’t go wrong with any of these ingredients when making your next batch of air-fried beef brisket!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
