Air Fryer Beef Jerky: A Tasty Treat?

Beef jerky is a popular snack, but it can be expensive to buy regularly. Luckily, you can make it at home in an air fryer. Air-frying is a great way to make jerky as the air fryer dries the meat evenly, resulting in the perfect chewy texture and intense flavours. It's also more energy-efficient than using a full-size oven. However, there are some challenges to be aware of, such as the smaller capacity of air fryers, which means you'll be working with smaller batches.

Choosing the right cut of meat

• Top round
• Bottom round
• Flank steak
• Eye of round

These cuts are ideal because they have a low fat content, which makes them easier to dehydrate and results in a longer shelf life. A lean cut of meat will also give you more consistent results, as there won't be any external fat that needs trimming. If you opt for a cut with fat marbling, you will need to trim the excess fat before slicing the meat.

When selecting your meat, consider the type of jerky you want to make. A tougher cut of meat will result in chewier jerky, while a more tender cut will give softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky.

To make slicing the meat easier, it is recommended to freeze the beef for about an hour before slicing. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick, or no less than 1/8 inch and no greater than 1/4 inch. Uniform thickness is important to ensure even dehydration and to prevent overcooking.

Marinating your beef

Marinating the beef is a crucial step in the beef jerky process, as it ensures that the meat absorbs the full depth of flavours. The marinade ingredients can be whisked together in a bowl, with the beef strips added to the bowl and covered by the marinade. The bowl should then be covered and placed in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, although it is recommended to leave it overnight for a more intense flavour.

There are many different marinade recipes to try, depending on your taste preferences. A basic marinade can be made using soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and onion powder. For a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Alternatively, you can try a teriyaki marinade, which is a popular choice for beef jerky, or a smoked beef option with liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

After the beef strips have been marinated, they should be removed from the refrigerator and patted dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure the beef dries properly in the air fryer.

The beef strips should then be arranged in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with none of the strips overlapping. This ensures that all surfaces of the beef are exposed to the air fryer, allowing it to dry out evenly. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may want to use a rack to cook twice as much beef in one go.

Once the beef strips are arranged in the air fryer, they are ready to be cooked!

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, which should ideally be somewhere between 160°F and 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, simply set it to its lowest temperature.

Before placing the beef inside, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the meat from sticking and make cleaning up afterward a lot easier.

Cooking Process and Times

Place the beef slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping slices may cause uneven drying. As a general rule, the drying process will take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature and the specific cuts of meat used.

It's a good idea to start checking on the jerky after the first 2 hours and then continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of dryness. If you're using multiple racks, be sure to flip the beef slices and rotate the racks halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying.

Cooking process and times

The cooking process and times for making beef jerky in an air fryer vary depending on the thickness and size of your meat strips, the marinade used, and the specific model of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Marinating the Beef:

Before cooking, it is important to prepare the beef by marinating it. The marinade adds flavour to the meat and can be as simple as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and onion powder, or you can add spices like chilli flakes for a kick. Place the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered, and leave them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer does not go this low, set it to its lowest temperature. You can also lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Beef:

Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping can cause uneven drying, so it is important to cook the strips in batches if necessary. Depending on the temperature and thickness of the meat, the cooking time will vary from 2 to 4 hours.

Checking for Doneness:

After 2 hours, start checking the jerky regularly to ensure it does not overcook. The jerky is done when all the moisture has evaporated, but before it chars. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check.

Storing the Beef Jerky:

Once the jerky is done, turn off the air fryer and remove the tray. Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage. Store the jerky in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible to prolong its shelf life.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef before cutting it into strips.
• Aim for consistent, thin slices of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
• If you want chewier jerky, cut the meat with the grain; for softer jerky, cut against the grain.
• If your air fryer has a steak setting, cook the beef on this setting for 3 minutes first, and then switch to the dehydrate setting.
• Halfway through the drying process, flip the beef slices to ensure even drying.

Tips on storing beef jerky

Use Airtight Containers

Storing your beef jerky in airtight containers is crucial to preserving its freshness. Oxygen is the enemy of fresh beef jerky, so it's important to minimise its contact with air. This will help improve the shelf life and maintain the flavour and texture of the jerky. Ziplock bags, vacuum seal bags, and mason jars are all great options for airtight storage.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

It's best to keep your beef jerky at room temperature, ideally between 40°F and 75°F. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can negatively impact the taste, texture, and colour. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is an ideal storage location.

Remove Excess Fat

Fat is the enemy when it comes to preserving beef jerky. It spoils quickly and can cause the jerky to go rancid. Choose lean cuts of meat and trim any visible fat before drying your jerky. This will help extend its shelf life.

Use Curing Salts

Using curing salts like sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite can help extend the shelf life of your beef jerky by a year or more. These salts prevent bacterial growth and also give the jerky a redder colour and a distinctive flavour. However, it's important to follow the recommended amounts, as using too much can be dangerous.

Dry Thoroughly

The key to long-lasting beef jerky is ensuring it's thoroughly dried. The longer you dry your jerky, the longer it will last. Just be careful not to over-dry it, as this will make it extremely chewy. Aim for a desired texture and focus on proper storage techniques to extend its shelf life.

Store in the Fridge or Freezer

If you want your beef jerky to last longer, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Homemade jerky can last between 1-2 months in the fridge, while freezing can extend its shelf life to 6-12 months. However, freezing may alter the taste and texture of the jerky.

Frequently asked questions