Tender and deliciously juicy – this air fryer corned beef brisket is a total game changer! Say goodbye to dry, chewy brisket and hello to melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness.
This easy to make recipe uses the air fryer to perfectly cook a corned beef brisket, locking in moisture while creating an incredibly flavorful exterior crust. And the best part? It requires only a few ingredients and simple steps to make a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.
The magic lies in the zesty Dijon brown sugar glaze, which not only adds incredible depth of flavor, but also helps crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside tender and succulent with each bite. So, let’s get started!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy and Tender Meat: the corned beef brisket is incredibly juicy and tender. The air fryer method ensures that the meat is cooked to perfection, with a crispy outside and a moist and succulent inside.
Amazing Glaze: The glaze is so easy to make, yet it adds an incredible depth of flavor and complexity to the dish. The combination of Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the rich and savory flavor of the corned beef.
Easy to Make: You don’t need any special equipment or culinary skills to make this dish. All you need is an air fryer, some basic ingredients, and a little bit of patience.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this air fryer corned beef brisket recipe you will need:
- 3 pounds (1.3kg) Corned Beef
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Mustard (Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this simple recipe to make the perfect air fryer corned beef brisket:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 370F (190C). Then, in a small bowl- mix the mustard, sugar, and apple cider together.
Step 2
Spread the glaze on the corned beef, then wrap it up securely with aluminum foil.
Step 3
Place in the air fryer and cook for about 1 hour. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the heating element.
Step 4
Unwrap the foil, spread the glaze again, and wrap it loosely with aluminum. Air fry for 35 more minutes.
Step 5
Open the aluminum foil, spread the glaze again, and then leave the foil open. Air fry for 15 more minutes. And… that’s it! Enjoy this juicy and tasty air fryer corned beef brisket!
💡Tips
1. Selecting the Perfect Corned Beef Cut
The key to an exceptional air fryer corned beef brisket begins with selecting the right cut of meat. Corned beef typically comes in two cuts: the point cut and the flat cut.
The point cut is thicker, fattier, and more flavorful, while the flat cut is leaner and more uniform in shape, making it easier to slice. For air frying, the flat cut is preferable due to its even thickness, which ensures more consistent cooking.
2. Slice Against the Grain
Slicing beef properly is key to achieving a tender result. Meat is composed of long muscle fibers that can be tough when chewed perpendicularly. Cutting against the grain shortens these fibers for a more tender bite.
To identify the grain direction on your brisket, take a close look at the meat. You will see fine parallel lines running through it. That is the grain you want to slice crosswise against.
Use a sharp carving or slicing knife to neatly cut thin or thick slices perpendicular to the grain. I recommend starting with thin slices under 1/4 inch (0.5cm).
3. Allow Time for Resting
Resting the brisket is an essential step to ensure your meat finishes juicy, tender, and full of flavor. During cooking, the meat fibers contract forcing moisture and juices outward toward the edges. If you slice too soon, these flavorful juices spill out onto the cutting board instead of absorbing back into the meat.
After removing the brisket from the air fryer, loosely wrap back up in aluminum foil to allow carryover cooking to finish without cooling too quickly. Let it sit undisturbed for at least 10 minutes, up to 15 minutes for a larger cut.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked this corned beef brisket air fryer recipe, check out these excellent air fryer recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Meatball Sub
- Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Cornbread
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
Air Fryer Corned Beef Brisket
- 3 pounds Corned Beef (1.3kg)
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 370F (190C). Then, in a small bowl- mix the mustard, sugar, and apple cider together.
- Spread the glaze on the corned beef, then wrap it up securely with aluminum foil.
- Place in the air fryer and cook for 1 hour.
- Unwrap the foil, spread the glaze again, and wrap it loosely with aluminum. Air fry for 35 more minutes.
- Open the aluminum foil, spread the glaze again, and then leave the foil open. Air fry for 15 more minutes.
What about the cabbage?