Crispy Air Fryer Corned Beef Recipe (With Video)

Air fryer corned beef is an easy method for tender, flavorful brisket. This version cooks in the air fryer instead of boiling or braising and yields juicy slices that can be served on their own or used in other dishes. The recipe is low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-friendly.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Corned Beef

This recipe uses just three ingredients. For best results, choose corned beef that includes the spice packet.

• Corned beef with spice packet
• Mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

How To Make Corned Beef In The Air Fryer

After a brief prep, the corned beef cooks in the air fryer. Because brisket is a tough cut, it needs almost two hours to become tender. That time is shorter than some oven or slow-cooker methods, and the texture differs: slow-cooker or pressure-cooked corned beef tends to be fall-apart tender, while air-fryer corned beef is very juicy but typically holds together more when sliced.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. Place the prepared corned beef wrapped in foil into the air fryer basket.
3. Cook 60 minutes.
4. Carefully unwrap the foil, spread another layer of the mustard mixture on top, re-tent the foil, and cook an additional 40 minutes.
5. Let the meat rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

What Is Corned Beef

Corned beef is beef brisket cured in a seasoned brine. When cooked, the outside may look dull gray — that’s normal and indicates the meat is done. The interior retains a pink hue from curing agents like sodium nitrite or similar preservatives used during processing.

What Size Corned Beef To Use

Choose a corned beef size that fits your air fryer. This recipe is written for a 2 1/2 to 3 pound brisket. For reference, the author used a 6-quart air fryer with a 2.75-pound piece.

What Type Of Mustard To Use

Use your favorite prepared mustard. Spicy brown, Dijon, or stone-ground mustard all work well — a mustard with a bit of heat pairs nicely. The photos show stone-ground mustard.

Other Air Fryer Beef Recipes

Roast Beef

Tri-Tip

Steaks

Kofta Kebabs

Kalbi Short Ribs

How To Serve Corned Beef

Slice corned beef against the grain for the best texture. After cooking, allow the meat to rest at least 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute before slicing thin.

Storing Leftover Corned Beef

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooked slices in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

Tips For This Recipe

• Buy corned beef that includes the spice packet.
• Air fryers vary in heat and circulation. Use the suggested cook time as a guideline; thicker or larger cuts may need extra time, and smaller pieces may finish sooner.
• Always let the corned beef rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Crockpot Corned Beef Recipes

• Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Low-Carb Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Corned Beef & Cabbage Soup
• Corned Beef & Hash Breakfast Casserole

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