Air Fryer Jerky: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make jerky in an air fryer. It's a great alternative to using a dehydrator or smoker, offering speed, efficiency, and consistent cooking. The air fryer's technology ensures even heat distribution, reducing the chances of unevenly cooked jerky. It also intensifies the marinade's taste, imbuing the meat with deeper, more robust flavours.

Choosing the right cut of meat

The cut of meat you choose will depend on the type of jerky you want to make. If you want a chewy jerky, opt for a tougher cut of meat. For a softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky, go for a more tender cut.

It is also important to choose a lean cut of meat, as fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Ideal options include top round, bottom round, sirloin tip, or flank steak. Eye of round steak is also a great choice as it comes without external fat, meaning less trimming for you, and it provides a uniform size for the jerky strips.

If you're looking for convenience, you could use thin minute steak (Rouladen style beef), which is already sliced.

Before slicing the meat, it is recommended to freeze it for an hour or so to make slicing easier. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uniform thickness will ensure even drying.

Be sure to remove all excess fat from the meat before marinating.

Marinating your beef

Firstly, you'll want to gather your ingredients for the marinade. A classic jerky marinade typically includes soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of liquid smoke. If you like your beef jerky spicy, you can add red pepper flakes, hot pepper sauce, or cayenne pepper to the mix. For a sweeter variety, add some brown sugar or honey to the marinade.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until they are evenly combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Now it's time to add the beef. Place the meat in the bowl and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the meat and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. If you're using a ziplock bag, be sure to toss or flip the bag once or twice to ensure the meat marinates evenly.

After the meat has finished marinating, you'll want to drain off any excess liquid and pat the beef slices dry with paper towels. This step is important, as it removes surface moisture and ensures proper drying in the air fryer.

Now your beef is ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your preferred method.

Air fryer settings and preparation

To make jerky in an air fryer, you'll need to start with the right cut of meat. Lean cuts of meat are recommended, such as eye of round, London broil, or top round roast. You can also use flank steak or skirt steak, but keep in mind that different cuts of meat will result in different flavours and textures.

Before cutting the meat, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice into thin, uniform strips. The ideal thickness of the strips will depend on your preference, but aim for between 1/8" and 1/4" thick. You can also ask your local butcher to slice the meat for you.

Once you have your meat sliced, prepare a marinade using ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce, onion powder, teriyaki sauce, or brown sugar. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, liquid smoke, or chilli flakes to add extra flavour. Place the meat strips in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best results.

When you're ready to cook, remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much. Set the air fryer temperature to between 160°F and 175°F (70°C-80°C) and cook for 2-4 hours, checking regularly to ensure the meat doesn't burn. The jerky is ready when all the moisture has evaporated and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Allow the jerky to cool before serving or storing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cooking process and times

The cooking process and times for making beef jerky in an air fryer vary depending on the temperature and the specific cuts of meat. It is important to note that the lowest temperature setting on your air fryer might still be higher than what is traditionally used for dehydrating meat, so adjustments may be necessary to avoid overcooking.

To begin, set your air fryer to its lowest setting, ideally between 160°F and 180°F. If your air fryer does not go this low, simply set it to the lowest temperature available. For added convenience, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

The cooking time for beef jerky in an air fryer typically ranges from 2 to 4 hours. However, it is recommended to start checking the jerky after 2 hours and continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of dryness. It is crucial to ensure that the jerky is cooked thoroughly but not overdone.

Halfway through the drying process, be sure to flip the beef slices and rotate the racks if you are using multiple levels. This ensures even drying and prevents the jerky from sticking to the basket.

Once the jerky is done, turn off the air fryer and allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it. Proper storage is essential to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage. Use airtight containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible to prolong shelf life.

Storing your beef jerky

Cool it Down

Before storing your beef jerky, it is important to allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial in preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Once your jerky is cooked, turn off your air fryer and remove the tray. Let the jerky cool down to room temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Use Airtight Containers

To maintain freshness and prolong the shelf life of your beef jerky, it is best to store it in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. These containers will help keep out moisture and other contaminants that can affect the quality of your jerky. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to remove as much air as possible from the bags, further extending the shelf life.

Refrigerate or Freeze

For extended storage, it is recommended to keep your beef jerky in the refrigerator. At room temperature, air fryer beef jerky can last up to 2 weeks. However, by refrigerating it, you can 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 want to preserve it even longer, you can consider freezing your beef jerky. Freezing will help prevent spoilage and allow you to enjoy your jerky for several months.

Check for Spoilage

Even with proper storage, it is important to regularly check your beef jerky for any signs of spoilage. Beef jerky does eventually go bad, so always inspect it before consuming. Look for any visible signs of mould or discolouration, and if in doubt, discard the jerky. Trust your senses—if it smells or tastes off, it's best to throw it away.

Consume Within a Reasonable Time

While proper storage can extend the life of your beef jerky, it is still a perishable food item. For the best flavour and texture, aim to consume your homemade jerky within a reasonable timeframe. The longer it sits, the more it may dry out or lose its flavour. Enjoy your jerky at its freshest, and consider making smaller batches to ensure you can finish it before it starts to deteriorate.

Frequently asked questions