This recipe for Instant Pot Beef Brisket is finished in the air fryer to seal all the juices in! 

Brisket is such an amazing cut of beef to work with and cooking in an Instant Pot ensures that the meat comes out tender and juicy every time. Then with a quick finish in an air fryer (or a broil in the oven), it adds a crispy exterior with all the delicious juices sealed inside.

Instant Pot Beef Brisket sliced on a cutting board.

Instant Pot Beef Brisket

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Easy Instant Pot Beef Brisket

  • The best way to cook brisket is “low and slow” and the Instant Pot shaves hours off the more common methods like oven baking, grilling, or the Crockpot process.
  • This uber-easy recipe has only 4 ingredients and 4 steps, making it perfect for a busy home cook. Set it and forget it!
  • BBQ sauced brisket is a hearty stand-alone main dish or can be made as meal prep for dozens of other recipes throughout the week.
  • For a picnic, party, or buffet, Instant Pot brisket is a delicious main course! Simply cook, slice, and allow guests to help themselves.

Instant Pot Beef Brisket ingredients

4 Ingredient Instant Pot Brisket

BEEF BRISKET Brisket is one of the tougher cuts of beef that has a lot of connective tissue. Cooking it properly transforms it into a juicy roast that can feed the family or a crowd.

SEASONINGS BBQ sauce, water, and a BBQ rub, or seasoning mix can make a brisket that can easily be used in so many recipes. Don’t be afraid to use any sauce or dry rub that happens to be on hand. The real secret to beef brisket success is in the cooking method, and this recipe has the secret!

How to Cook Beef Brisket in an Instant Pot

This easy cooking method ensures a delicious and tender brisket every time.

Start in the Instant Pot

  1. Cut a 4 lb brisket into 2 pieces to ensure the Instant Pot isn’t overcrowded.
  2. Prepare brisket with seasonings and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Lay meat on top of a raft of onions in the Instant Pot and cook as directed in the recipe below.

Seasoned Beef Brisket in an Instant Pot

Finish in the Air Fryer

  1. Brush brisket with BBQ sauce and finish in the air fryer.
  2. Let brisket rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Beef brisket in an air fryer basket being brushed with bbq sauce

Tips and Tricks

  • Place the brisket fat side up on top of the onions in the Instant Pot to protect the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot and also to help the fat infuse into the meat.
  • Add cut-up potatoes and carrots, too!
  • Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasonings and sauce—for a brisket, there’s no such thing as too much!

Time Saving Tips

Cut the roast in half, prep, and keep in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the seasonings to permeate the meat and prepares it for cooking.

Cook in advance, slice, and keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to add to all kinds of delish dishes like these brisket nachos! Freeze slices between sheets of parchment paper for up to 8 weeks.

Instant Pot Beef Brisket being sliced on a cutting board.

More Beef Recipes in the Air Fryer & Instant Pot

Instant Pot Beef Brisket being sliced on a cutting board.
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Instant Pot Beef Brisket

This beef is cooked to tender perfection in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 57 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 17 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients  

  • 6 tablespoons BBQ rub or beef rub
  • 4 pounds beef brisket fat trimmed to ¼ inch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 onion thickly sliced
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions 

  • Cut brisket into two pieces.
  • Massage the spice rub over the brisket pieces and refrigerate overnight.
  • Place onions in the bottom of a 6QT Instant Pot. Place the trivet over the onions and add the water to the bottom of the pot. Place the brisket on the trivet.
  • Secure the lid and select MANUAL for 80 minutes.
  • Allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes. Release any remaining pressure.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place the brisket in an air fryer basket and brush with barbecue sauce. Air fry 5-7 minutes or until browned. Rest 10 minutes before cutting.

Video

Notes

  • Place the brisket fat side up on top of the onions in the Instant Pot to protect the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot and also to infuse the fat into the meat.
  • To use the oven instead of the air fryer, turn the broiler up to high (500°F) and place the brisket under the broiler for 5 minutes or until browned. Rest 10 minutes before cutting.
  • Add cut-up potatoes and carrots, too!
  • Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasonings and sauce—for a brisket, there’s no such thing as too much!

 

5 from 29 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 810mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner
Cuisine American

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Instant Pot Beef Brisket being sliced on a cutting board with writing.

Sliced Instant Pot Beef Brisket on a cutting board with writing.

Top image - sliced instant pot beef brisket on a cutting board. Bottom image - Seasoned beef brisket in an Instant Pot with writing

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About the author

Holly is a mom of 4 with a love for all things air fryer! Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making recipes for the everyday home cook!
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