Air Fryer Jerky: Is It Possible?

You can definitely make jerky in an air fryer. It's a great option if you don't have a smoker or dehydrator, and it's faster than using a dehydrator. The air fryer's technology ensures even heat distribution, reducing the chances of unevenly cooked jerky. It's also more energy-efficient than using a full-size oven. However, air fryers typically have smaller capacities, so you'll be making jerky in smaller batches.

Lean cuts of meat are best

When selecting your meat, opt for select grade over choice, and purchase as lean as possible. If you're using beef, skirt steak is another option for a lean cut. You can also use elk, deer, or buffalo meat for your jerky.

Before cutting your meat, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will give the beef a firmer texture and make it much easier to cut into uniform strips. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uniform thickness ensures even drying. Cut against the grain for more tender jerky.

Once you've cut your meat, be sure to trim off any excess fat. Then, you can move on to marinating your meat. The marinade is crucial for flavour. Combine ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of liquid smoke for a classic jerky flavour. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

After marinating, dab off any excess liquid and pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture. This step is essential for proper drying in the air fryer.

Marinate for 2-24 hours

Marinating the meat is an important step in the process of making jerky in an air fryer. The meat should be marinated for 18 to 24 hours, or at least 3 hours if you're short on time. The longer the meat is left to marinate, the more intense the flavour will be.

To prepare the meat for marinating, cut the steaks into thin strips, no thicker than 1/4 of an inch. It's important to cut the meat against the grain for more tender jerky. You can also cut with the grain for a chewier texture. Partially freezing the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting will make it easier to slice thinly.

Once you have prepared the meat, place the strips into your chosen marinade, ensuring that all surfaces are covered. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. A simple marinade can be made by combining Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce and onion powder. Other flavour combinations to try include teriyaki beef jerky (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and ginger), smoked beef jerky (liquid smoke or smoked paprika) and spicy beef jerky (chilli flakes).

After the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. It's now ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked.

Use curing salt

Curing salt is an important ingredient when making beef jerky in an air fryer. It is a preservative that helps to ensure food safety and prolongs the shelf life of your jerky. Many store-bought jerkies that do not require refrigeration rely on curing salts to keep them edible at room temperature.

When making jerky at home, it is recommended to store your jerky in the refrigerator to be safe. However, curing salt can be used to extend the shelf life of your jerky and keep it edible at room temperature for longer. If you plan to consume your jerky within a few days, curing salt may not be necessary, but if you want to store your jerky at room temperature or extend its shelf life, it is a good idea to use it.

The type of curing salt commonly used for making jerky is Prague #2. This curing salt contains sodium nitrite, which is a preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and helps to prevent foodborne illnesses. It also gives cured meats their characteristic pink colour and flavour. When using Prague #2 curing salt, be sure to follow the directions on the package and use the correct amount, as excessive consumption of sodium nitrite can be harmful.

To use curing salt when making beef jerky in an air fryer, simply add the specified amount to your marinade or curing solution. Massage the mixture into your beef strips and ensure they are fully coated. Then, proceed with the rest of your recipe as usual.

Check and rotate meat during cooking

Checking and rotating the meat during cooking is an essential step in ensuring your jerky is cooked evenly and achieves the desired texture and taste. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this process:

After placing the marinated meat slices in your air fryer, set a timer for 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip and rotate the meat slices. This prevents the jerky from sticking to the trays or racks and promotes uniform drying.

Close the air fryer and set the timer for another 30 minutes. Repeat the process of flipping and rotating the meat slices. Continue doing this every 30 minutes until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness. It is important to be consistent with the timing of these checks and rotations to ensure even cooking.

While checking the meat, keep an eye out for any signs of burning or over-drying. If you notice that certain areas are drying out faster than others, you can adjust the placement of the meat slices within the air fryer to ensure even drying.

If you are using multiple racks or layers in your air fryer, it is also important to rotate the position of the racks or layers halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure that all the meat slices are exposed to the same heat distribution and dry evenly.

In addition to rotating the meat slices, you can also use this opportunity to check the air fryer's temperature and make any necessary adjustments. Remember that the ideal temperature range for cooking jerky is between 140°F to 160°F. Adjust your air fryer's settings accordingly.

Finally, use your senses to evaluate the progress of the meat. After the first hour of cooking, you can determine whether the meat is drying at the desired rate. If you feel it is drying too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly. If it seems too moist, you can increase the temperature or consider rotating the meat slices more frequently.

Store in the fridge

Storing your beef jerky correctly is critical to preserving its freshness and maximising its shelf life. While air fryer beef jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, refrigeration is recommended for extended storage.

When storing your beef jerky in the refrigerator, use airtight containers or zip-lock bags. Removing as much air as possible will help prolong its shelf life. The USDA recommends that home-dried jerky be refrigerated for one to two months.

If you're looking for even longer storage, vacuum sealing your jerky is an option. This method can extend the shelf life for several months. Additionally, freezing beef jerky is also possible, but it's important to regularly check for signs of spoilage.

It's worth noting that the type of meat and marinade used can also impact the storage duration. Lean cuts of meat, such as eye of round, tend to have a longer shelf life due to their lower fat content.

Regardless of the storage method, always allow the jerky to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage.

Frequently asked questions