Make Beef Jerky In Your Air Fryer Xl

Beef jerky is a high-protein snack that is usually dried in a dehydrator or oven. However, it is possible to make beef jerky in an air fryer, which offers several benefits such as efficiency, speed, consistent cooking, flavour enhancement, and energy efficiency. When making beef jerky in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size and capacity of the air fryer, temperature control, moisture management, and limited space for air circulation. The process of making beef jerky in an air fryer includes selecting the right cut of meat, marinating the beef, setting up the air fryer, and cooking the beef. The cooking time may vary depending on the temperature and thickness of the meat but generally takes about 2 to 4 hours.

Choosing the right cut of meat

The most popular cuts used in commercial beef jerky are the Top Round and Bottom Round. Top Round, also known as London Broil, is the most common cut used by commercial jerky producers due to its large size and consistent shape, which makes large-scale production efficient. Bottom Round is similar but tends to be a bit tougher. Both are lean cuts with minimal fat content, which is important because fat cannot be fully dehydrated and can cause spoilage.

Eye of Round is another excellent choice for beef jerky. It is the most tender cut among the Round cuts and has a long, cylindrical shape that makes slicing against the grain easy. It also produces nice, consistent rounds of meat for jerky.

If you're looking for a more tender jerky, go for cuts with more intramuscular marbling like Lifter or Pectoral meat. These cuts have more fat content, which contributes to a richer flavour and helps keep the jerky tender and juicy.

Other cuts worth considering include Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, and Tri Tip. Flank Steak offers a lot of flavour but can be expensive. Skirt Steak is known more for its flavour than texture, and Tri Tip is on the pricier side but has the desired leanness for jerky.

When choosing a cut of meat for beef jerky, focus on lean cuts with minimal fat content to ensure a long shelf life. Tougher, economical cuts are ideal as the jerky-making process transforms them into tender jerky.

Marinating the beef

Once you have gathered and mixed your desired ingredients, whisk the marinade in a bowl. Then, add the beef strips, ensuring that they are fully covered by the marinade and not sticking together. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. The beef should be left to marinate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the meat to absorb the flavours fully.

After marinating, remove the beef from the refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid. It is important to pat the beef slices dry with paper towels to remove any surface moisture. This step is crucial for proper drying in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings and preparation

With your jerky marinated and ready to go, it's time to set up your air fryer. Preheat it to its lowest setting, somewhere between 160°F and 180°F (70°C and 80°C). If your air fryer doesn't go this low, simply set it to its lowest temperature.

It is recommended to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.

Cooking Process and Times

Place the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping slices may cause uneven drying.

The dehydration process will vary depending on the temperature and the specific cuts of meat used, but it generally takes around 2 to 4 hours. Start checking the jerky after 2 hours and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of dryness.

Cooking process and timings

The cooking process for making beef jerky in an air fryer is relatively simple, but it does require some preparation and patience. Here is a detailed guide on what to do:

Firstly, it is important to select the right cut of meat. Lean cuts of beef are recommended, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin tip, or flank steak. The fat content should be minimal as it can cause the jerky to spoil faster.

Once you have your chosen cut of meat, freeze it slightly to make slicing easier. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, with uniform thickness to ensure even drying.

Next comes the marinating process. Combine ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of liquid smoke for a classic jerky flavor. For a spicier option, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Place the beef slices in the marinade and ensure they are fully coated. Marinate the beef for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for the drying process in the air fryer.

Now you are ready to start cooking. 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 the lowest temperature available. You may want to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping can cause uneven drying. The cooking time will vary depending on the temperature and the specific cuts of meat, but it generally takes about 2 to 4 hours.

Check on your jerky halfway through the drying process, and if necessary, flip the beef slices and rotate the racks for even drying. You may need to cook in 15-minute intervals towards the end of the cooking time to achieve the desired level of dryness.

Once the jerky is done to your liking, turn off the air fryer and remove the tray. Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing.

Tips for Storing Beef Jerky

Proper storage is critical to ensure your beef jerky stays fresh. Use airtight containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible to prolong its shelf life.

For extended storage, keep the jerky in the refrigerator. Air fryer beef jerky can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature, but refrigeration can extend its life. You can also consider vacuum sealing, which can further extend the shelf life for several months.

Additionally, you can freeze beef jerky to preserve it for even longer. However, always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Storing the beef jerky

Once you have prepared your beef jerky in the air fryer, it is important to let it cool down before storing it. Place the jerky on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined baking sheet to cool completely. This step helps prevent moisture buildup in the container you will store it in.

After the jerky has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid any bacterial growth or spoilage. You can use glass or plastic containers, but ensure they are airtight to keep out moisture and maintain freshness.

Store the airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. The beef jerky will remain fresh and safe to consume for up to one week in the refrigerator. If you plan to consume the jerky within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh and ready to eat.

If you want to store the beef jerky for a longer period, consider freezing it. Transfer the jerky to freezer-safe bags or containers and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Freezing is an excellent option if you have made a large batch and want to enjoy it over a more extended period.

Proper storage is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. Always label your containers with the date of preparation and use airtight storage methods to maintain freshness.

Additionally, it is important to note that homemade beef jerky does not contain curing salts, which are often used in store-bought varieties to extend their shelf life. As a result, homemade beef jerky has a shorter shelf life and requires refrigeration for optimal freshness and food safety.

Frequently asked questions