How to Cook a Perfect Beef Brisket in an Air Fryer

Here’s the best dry-rubbed brisket for the air fryer! Every time I use an air fryer Ninja Foodi or Cosori, the beef brisket comes out juicy and tender. If you loved our pressure cooker brisket, this goes a step further to the YUM.

If you’ve ditched your oven for the summertime, you’ll love air fryer brisket. You don’t have to heat up the whole house to make this popular beef cut tender and tasty. Using our brisket dry rub and a little broth will create the best meal ever. Just one of many air fryer recipes for beginners you’ll love. (affiliate links present).

Cooking beef brisket in an air fryer is a great way to make this classic BBQ dish with less mess and fuss The air fryer allows you to cook the brisket nice and evenly while keeping it moist and tender inside. With just a few simple steps, you can make delicious brisket easily at home in your air fryer

Benefits of Cooking Brisket in an Air Fryer

There are several advantages to using an air fryer for brisket rather than traditional smoking or oven roasting methods:

Even cooking: The hot air circulates around the brisket from all sides, preventing any hot or cold spots. This allows the meat to cook evenly throughout.
Retains moisture: Air fryers cook quickly at high heat which seals in the natural juices. Brisket cooked in an air fryer stays tender and moist, not dried out.
Adds crispiness: The air fryer can give the brisket’s outer layer a nice crisp crust. This gives great texture and flavor.
Simple cleanup With no smoke drippings or splatters to deal with air fryer brisket means very easy cleanup afterwards.
**Speeds up cooking **Cooking brisket in an air fryer takes only a fraction of the time of traditional smoking, meaning you can enjoy delicious brisket in under an hour

Tips for Cooking Brisket in an Air Fryer

Follow these handy tips to achieve air fryer brisket success:

Choose the right cut: Look for a quality beef brisket cut that will fit nicely in your air fryer basket without overcrowding it. About 1-3 lbs works well depending on air fryer size.
Trim excess fat: Trim off any thick areas of hard fat before cooking for more even cooking. Leave a thin layer of fat intact to keep the brisket moist.
Apply a dry rub: Coat the brisket in a flavorful dry rub of your choice. Try spices like smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Preheat properly: Always preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking any food. This allows it to reach the proper temperature.
Don’t overcrowd: Avoid overfilling the air fryer basket which can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there is adequate space around the brisket for air circulation.
Flip halfway: Flipping the brisket halfway through the cooking time ensures it browns evenly on both sides.
Check temps: Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Brisket is perfectly cooked when it reaches 195°F internally.
Let rest before slicing: Give brisket at least 10 minutes to rest after cooking so juices can redistribute. Then slice across the grain for tender bites.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Brisket Recipe

Follow this simple recipe for flavorful, tender brisket every time:

Ingredients:

1-3 lbs beef brisket
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

Trim excess fat from brisket. Mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Rub spice mix all over brisket. Place brisket in air fryer basket.
Set air fryer temperature to 370°F and cook brisket for 15 minutes.
Remove basket and flip brisket. Return to air fryer and cook 15 minutes more.
Check internal temperature, cooking longer in 5 minute increments if needed until 195°F.
Remove brisket from air fryer and let rest 10 minutes.
Slice brisket against the grain. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking brisket in an air fryer is an easy, convenient way to enjoy deliciously moist and tender brisket with a nice crispy exterior. Follow the tips and recipe above for brisket success! Adjust cook times as needed for the size of your brisket.

Common Air Fryer Brisket Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making brisket in an air fryer:

How long does it take to cook brisket in an air fryer?

Cook time depends on size of brisket, but estimate 15-20 minutes per pound at 370°F. A 3 lb brisket takes 45-60 minutes.

Should you flip the brisket during cooking?

Yes, flipping halfway during air frying ensures the brisket browns evenly on top and bottom.

What temperature should brisket reach when done?

Cook brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F for tender, pull-apart meat.

Can you put brisket in an air fryer frozen?

It’s best to thaw brisket completely before air frying for food safety and even cooking.

What wood chips can you use in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air rather than smoke. Wood chips shouldn’t be used in an air fryer.

What sauce is best on air fryer brisket?

Opt for thicker, sticky sauces that cling well to the meat after air frying rather than thin, runny sauces.

Cooking brisket in the air fryer is quick, easy and delicious. With the right cut, seasoning and cooking method, you’ll enjoy tasty brisket with crispy bark and tender, juicy meat. Give it a try!

how to cook a beef brisket in an air fryer

Brisket in Air Fryer

We love our oven-baked brisket, but I’m not going to bring more sweat into the house when it’s already so hot outside. Using your Ninja Foodi or other hot air machine brand is the answer right about now. You may have only thought it was meant for the grill or smoker but oh no my friends.

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket in Air Fryer

Ok here we go my friends. This is a quick step-by-step, but you can also print the recipe card at the bottom.

Mix together spices and brown sugar and rub on brisket. Set the air fryer to 350° and put the brisket in it with the fat cap facing up. Cook for 30 minutes.
Lift out meat at this time. Place brisket in foil, fat cap side up. Putting two pieces of foil that cross over each other is the best way to wrap the brisket. Pour in broth. Fold the sides in so the beef stock or broth doesn’t leak out.
Put the brisket back in the air fryer and cook at 300° for two hours, or until the thickest part of it registers 195°. (timing will vary depending on size and thickness of meat).
Take it out and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, cut it across the grain and serve it with broth on top.

Right now I’m working on the “other brisket,” which is corned beef brisket. I’ll share that soon too, in case you want to make both. St. Patricks Day just isn’t right without either one of these with air fryer cabbage on the side.

how to cook a beef brisket in an air fryer

Beef Brisket in the Air Fryer

FAQ

What is the best way to cook brisket?

Bake the Brisket Place the seasoned brisket in your pan or Dutch oven and pour the cooking liquid over the meat. Cover and bake as directed. How long to bake brisket: Allow 3 to 4 hours for a 3- to 4-pound brisket. Let meat stand for 15 minutes before slicing across the grain to serve.

How long to heat brisket in air fryer?

Place the meat on a large piece of aluminum foil. Pour leftover juices, gravy or beef broth over the meat and wrap it. Step 3: Put the brisket packet in the air fryer basket. Cook it for about 35 minutes, or until the brisket is heated all the way through.

Can you slow cook meat in an air fryer?

Yes, you can slow roast pork in an air fryer. In fact, it’s a great way to cook pork because it results in tender, juicy meat with crispy crackling.