Air Fryer Jerky: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make beef jerky in an air fryer. It is a great alternative to using a smoker or dehydrator, offering speed, efficiency, consistent cooking, flavour enhancement, and energy efficiency. The process is simple: select a lean cut of meat, marinate, and then air fry.

Air fryer jerky cooking times and temperatures

Preparing the Meat

Before cooking, trim the beef to remove any excess fat from the outside. Then, slice the beef very thinly, aiming for no thicker than ¼ inch. You can use a very sharp knife to slice with the grain, or ask your local butcher to slice it for you. Partially freezing the beef can make it easier to cut thinly.

Marinating the Meat

Once you have prepared the meat, it is time to marinate it. Whisk together your chosen marinade ingredients, and add the beef strips, ensuring they are all covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Air Frying the Meat

After marinating, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Air fry the beef jerky at 175°F/80°C for around 2-3 hours. Check the jerky after 2 hours, and continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it is done. It needs to reach 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume, so check with an instant-read meat thermometer to be sure.

Alternative Methods

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 180°F/70°C before placing the beef inside. At this temperature, the jerky should be cooked for around 2 hours. Other recipes suggest cooking the beef on the steak setting at 350°F for 3 minutes, or until there is no pink in the centre of the strips, before switching the air fryer to the dehydrate setting for 2 hours.

How to prepare meat for air fryer jerky

Preparing meat for air fryer jerky involves several important steps, including choosing the right cut of meat, slicing it correctly, marinating for flavour, and drying it thoroughly. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve delicious results.

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat

The first step is crucial, as it influences the final taste, texture, and preparation of your jerky. Lean cuts of beef are ideal for jerky as they have less fat, which can cause spoilage. Recommended options include top round, bottom round, sirloin tip, or flank steak.

Slicing the Meat

For uniform drying, aim for consistent thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can freeze the meat slightly before slicing to make it easier to cut uniformly. Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes to an hour will give it a firmer texture.

Marinating the Meat

The marinade adds flavour to your jerky. Combine classic ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, chilli flakes, or hot sauce. You can also experiment with different flavours like honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, or even beer.

Marinate the beef slices for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This allows the meat to fully absorb the flavours. After marinating, remove excess liquid and pat the beef slices dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture, which is essential for proper drying.

Air Fryer Settings and Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to its lowest temperature. You may also want to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.

Arranging the Meat in the Air Fryer

Place the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping can cause uneven drying. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a rack to cook more meat at once.

Cooking and Drying the Jerky

The cooking time will depend on the temperature and specific cuts of meat. Generally, it takes about 2 to 4 hours to dehydrate the meat. Check the jerky after 2 hours and continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of dryness. Remember, the jerky should be bendy but not immediately snap when cooled.

Halfway through the drying process, flip the beef slices and rotate the racks if using multiple ones to ensure even drying.

Marinades and seasonings for air fryer jerky

Marinades and seasonings are essential to making delicious air fryer jerky. Here are some tips and flavour combinations to try:

Choosing the Right Marinade

You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own by mixing different ingredients. A good marinade will enhance the flavour and texture of your jerky. A simple marinade can be made by combining Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, and onion powder. You can also experiment with different ingredients like liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or chilli flakes to create unique flavours.

Recommended Marinade Flavours

• Teriyaki Beef Jerky: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger for a sweet and savoury flavour profile.
• Smoked Beef Jerky: Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika to give your jerky a smoky flavour.
• Spicy Beef Jerky: Kick things up a notch with the addition of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper.

Seasonings

In addition to marinades, you can also season your jerky with various spices and herbs. According to a survey, the top three seasonings used in jerky are garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. These seasonings not only add flavour but also act as natural preservatives due to their antioxidant content.

Tips for Preparing the Meat

When preparing the meat, it's important to trim away any excess fat or gristle. The amount of beef you'll need depends on the size of your air fryer and the desired yield, but a good rule of thumb is to use 1-2 pounds of beef for a single batch of jerky. Cut the beef into thin, uniform strips, as this will impact the texture and cooking time. Freezing the meat for about an hour before slicing can make the process easier and result in more consistent pieces.

Storing air fryer jerky

Cooling the Jerky:

Before storing your jerky, it is important to let it cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage. Allow the jerky to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container.

Choosing the Right Container:

To store your air fryer jerky, choose an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Airtight containers will help keep the jerky fresh and prevent it from drying out or becoming soggy. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the jerky. You can also use freezer bags if you plan on storing the jerky for an extended period.

Refrigeration and Shelf Life:

It is recommended to store your air fryer beef jerky in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. According to the USDA, home-dried jerky can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 months. If you plan to consume the jerky within a few days, you can keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place. However, refrigeration is the best option for long-term storage.

Absorbing Moisture:

To help absorb any excess moisture and maintain dryness, you can place a small food-safe desiccant packet or a paper towel inside the container or bag. This is especially useful if you live in a humid environment or if your jerky is not fully dried.

Portioning and Consumption:

When storing your air fryer jerky, consider portioning it into smaller quantities or serving sizes. This way, you can easily grab a snack without exposing all of the jerky to air and moisture each time you open the container. It is also important to practice good hygiene when handling the jerky. Wash your hands before reaching into the container, and avoid touching the jerky with your bare hands to prevent contamination.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage:

If you have made a large batch of jerky and want to store it for an extended period, consider freezing it. Place the jerky in freezer-safe bags or containers and label them with the date. Frozen jerky can last for several months. When ready to consume, thaw the jerky in the refrigerator before serving.

Advantages of using an air fryer for jerky

There are several advantages to using an air fryer to make jerky. Here are some of the key benefits:

Efficiency and Speed

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, resulting in a quicker drying process compared to traditional dehydrators or ovens. This means your jerky will be ready in a shorter time, making it a convenient option for quick snacking.

Consistent Cooking

The technology used in air fryers ensures even heat distribution, reducing the likelihood of unevenly cooked jerky. Each piece of meat receives an equal amount of heat, resulting in a uniformly dried batch.

Flavor Enhancement

Air fryers are excellent at retaining and intensifying flavours. The rapid air movement enhances the taste of the marinade, infusing the meat with deeper, more robust flavours that may be less pronounced with other drying methods.

Energy Efficiency

Compared to using a full-size oven, air fryers are more energy-efficient. They require less electricity and heat up quickly, resulting in lower energy consumption for preparing jerky.

Convenience

Air fryers are a convenient option for making jerky, especially for those who don't have access to a smoker or dehydrator. They are also useful for making small batches of jerky, as you can easily adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your needs.

While there are some considerations and limitations to using an air fryer for jerky, such as size and temperature control, the advantages make it a compelling option for those looking for a quick, easy, and flavourful way to make jerky at home.

Frequently asked questions