If you love tender, flavorful corned beef but want to save time and effort, the Ninja Foodi is your new best friend. This versatile kitchen appliance combines pressure cooking and air frying, making it perfect for cooking corned beef quickly while locking in all those savory flavors. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make corned beef in the Ninja Foodi with easy steps, tips, and some tasty serving ideas.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Ninja Foodi Corned Beef
Before you start, gather these ingredients to make a classic and mouthwatering corned beef meal:
– 1 corned beef brisket (about 2 to 3 pounds)
– 1 tablespoon pickling spices (often comes with the brisket)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced or whole
– 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
– 4 cups beef broth or water
– 1 head of cabbage, quartered
– 8 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
– Potatoes (optional), peeled and quartered
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Corned Beef in Your Ninja Foodi
1. Prep Your Corned Beef
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water to wash off excess brine and salt. This prevents the finished dish from being too salty. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and set it aside.
2. Set Up Your Ninja Foodi Pot
Pour 4 cups of beef broth or water into the Ninja Foodi pot. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and pickling spices. Place the metal trivet or rack inside the pot to keep the brisket elevated above the liquid. This helps the meat cook evenly without sitting directly in the broth.
3. Add the Brisket
Place the corned beef brisket on top of the trivet, fat side up. This allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it juicy and tender.
4. Pressure Cook the Corned Beef
Secure the Ninja Foodi lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Cook the brisket on high pressure for about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of your brisket. For a 2 to 3-pound brisket, 60 minutes usually results in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Larger cuts may need closer to 90 minutes.
5. Natural or Quick Release?
After cooking, you can either do a natural pressure release for about 10 to 20 minutes or carefully perform a quick release. Natural release helps the meat stay moist, but quick release is fine if you’re short on time.
6. Add Vegetables (Optional)
If you want to cook vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes alongside your corned beef, you can add them after removing the brisket. Place the vegetables in the pot with some of the cooking liquid, then pressure cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes depending on your preferred tenderness.
Optional Step: Air Crisp for a Perfect Finish
For a crispy exterior, you can use the Ninja Foodi’s Air Crisp function after pressure cooking. Place the cooked corned beef and vegetables in the air fryer basket and air crisp at 400°F for 15 to 25 minutes. This step adds a lovely texture contrast to the tender meat and veggies.
Tips for the Best Corned Beef in Ninja Foodi
– Rinse the brisket well to reduce saltiness.
– Use beef broth instead of water for richer flavor.
– Add pickling spices and aromatics like garlic and onion to infuse the meat.
– Cook low and slow under pressure for tender, juicy results.
– Rest the meat for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain to keep it juicy.
– Don’t skip the trivet—it prevents the meat from boiling and helps even cooking.
What to Serve with Your Ninja Foodi Corned Beef
Corned beef is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Here are some ideas:
– Garlic mashed potatoes or smashed potatoes
– Steamed or roasted carrots
– Irish soda bread or crusty rolls
– Sautéed or steamed cabbage
– Roasted acorn squash or other seasonal vegetables
These sides complement the savory, tender corned beef perfectly and make for a satisfying meal.
Corned beef made in the Ninja Foodi is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful and tender. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a classic comfort meal any time of year. Give it a try and impress your family with this delicious, fuss-free recipe!