How to Cook Beef Brisket to Perfection in an Air Fryer

Beef brisket is a tough, flavorful cut of meat that becomes fall-apart tender when cooked low and slow Traditionally, brisket is smoked or braised for hours to break down the connective tissues But did you know you can also make amazingly tender brisket in an air fryer in just a fraction of the time?

As a busy home cook and recipe blogger, I’ve experimented with cooking brisket in my air fryer and achieved incredible results. With the right techniques, you can enjoy fork-tender brisket with a crispy bark straight from your air fryer. Here’s my complete guide to cooking beef brisket in an air fryer.

Benefits of Cooking Brisket in an Air Fryer

Before we get into the nitty gritty let’s look at some of the benefits of using an air fryer for brisket

• Fast cooking time – Brisket can be done in just 2-3 hours instead of 8+ hours.

• Juicy and tender – The circulating hot air bastes the meat while cooking.

• Adds a crispy bark – The high heat of the air fryer crisps and browns the exterior.

• Beef flavor that is very strong—the meat cooks in its own fat and juices.

• Moist interior – Cooking at a lower temp prevents drying out.

• Versatile machine – Most air fryers have settings beyond just “air fry” for more control.

For fast weeknight dinners or impressing dinner guests, air fryer brisket delivers on all fronts!

Tips for Choosing a Brisket for the Air Fryer

These things should help you choose a brisket to cook in your air fryer:

• 3-4 lbs – Choose a medium sized brisket to fit air fryer capacity. Too large won’t fit.

• Uniform thickness – Helps ensure even cooking. Avoid odd shapes.

• Well marbled – Intramuscular fat bastes the meat and keeps it tender.

• Flexible flat cut – The flat cut fits air fryers better than whole packer brisket.

• Pasture raised – Higher quality beef for better flavor and tenderness.

Ask your butcher for a 3-4 lb brisket flat with nice marbling throughout. Now let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Beef Brisket in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for foolproof brisket every time:

1. Trim and Season

• Trim off any large fatty areas or silver skin.

• Generously season all over with salt, pepper and other dry rub spices.

2. Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheat air fryer to 275°F which will gently cook the brisket.

3. Add Brisket

• Place brisket in air fryer fat-side up to baste the meat.

• Insert meat probe thermometer into thickest section if your machine has one.

4. Cook for 2-3 Hours

• Cook brisket for roughly 1 hour per pound, 2-3 hours for a 3 lb brisket.

• Temp should reach 195°F-205°F for slicing tender brisket.

5. Rest, Slice and Serve

• Allow brisket to rest 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.

• Slice and serve with your favorite sauces and sides!

The air fryer does all the hard work for juicy, fork-tender brisket in a fraction of the traditional time.

Handy Time and Temperature Tips

• For a 3 lb brisket, cook at 275°F for 2-3 hours until 205°F internal temp.

• For a 5 lb brisket, increase time to 4-5 hours. Monitor temp with a meat thermometer.

• If brisket starts to get too dark, tent with foil but keep uncovered for last hour for crispy bark.

• Always let brisket rest 15 minutes before slicing for the juices to redistribute.

• The thicker the brisket, the more time needed. Add roughly 30 mins per lb.

Getting the timing and temp right is key for brisket with the ideal tenderness.

Tricks to Keep Air Fryer Brisket Tender

Here are my top tips to keep your brisket moist and tender:

• Cook at lower temps between 250°F–275°F to gently break down tissue.

• Spritz with broth every hour to keep the meat from drying out.

• Tent with foil if top gets too dark but uncover for last hour to crisp bark.

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness.

• Let the brisket rest before slicing for the juices to redistribute.

• Slice very thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

When brisket is done right, it should shred easily with your fingers or a fork.

Ideas for Seasoning and Flavoring Brisket

Brisket loves big, bold flavors! Consider these ideas:

• Dry rubs – Salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika

• Wet marinades – Soy sauce, Worcestershire, beef broth, red wine vinegar, mustard

• Brines – Soak brisket overnight in a salt, sugar and spice brine

• Barbecue sauce – Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce during last 30 mins of cooking

• Injections – Inject brisket with broth, wine or sauce for added moisture and flavor

• Wood smoke – Add hardwood chips to the air fryer for smoked brisket flavor

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to seasoning brisket for the air fryer!

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Brisket

Brisket tastes amazing on its own but pair it with these recipes for a complete meal:

• Cornbread or rolls to soak up the delicious pan juices

• Coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad

• Baked beans, cowboy beans or chili beans

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Corn on the cob

• Greens like collard greens, spinach or kale

A simple salad or vegetable side dish balances the richness of the brisket. And don’t forget the BBQ sauce!

Leftover and Freezer Tips

• Allow brisket to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Slice and freeze leftovers in freezer bags for 2-3 months.

• Reheat frozen brisket in the oven until warmed through. Add broth or sauce to prevent drying out.

With proper storage, you can enjoy brisket for days!

Mastering Air Fryer Beef Brisket

Cooking brisket in an air fryer may seem intimidating if you’ve only ever made it in a smoker or slow cooker. But I promise, you can absolutely make the most insanely juicy, fork-tender brisket with an air fryer. Just follow these tips:

• Choose a 3-4 lb brisket flat with nice marbling.

• Trim excess fat and generously season the brisket.

• Cook at 275°F for roughly 1-1.5 hours per lb until 205°F internal temp.

• Monitor temps and tent with foil to prevent overcooking.

• Allow the brisket to rest before slicing against the grain.

• Play with flavors using rubs, sauces and injections.

• Pair with classic BBQ sides and enjoy!