Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a great alternative to smokers or dehydrators when making beef jerky. The length of time it takes to cook jerky in an air fryer depends on the cut and thickness of the meat, the temperature of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes around 2-6 hours to cook jerky in an air fryer, with temperatures ranging from 130°F to 175°F. It is important to ensure that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to be safe for consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat type | Lean beef |
| Meat cut | Eye of round, top round, bottom round, flank steak, minute steak, sirloin steak, round steak |
| Meat thickness | 1/4" thin strips |
| Marinade time | 2 hours to 24 hours |
| Air fryer temperature | 130°F-175°F |
| Air fryer time | 2-6 hours |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 1-2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Lean cuts of meat are best
When making beef jerky in an air fryer, it's important to select the right cut of meat. Lean cuts of meat are best for jerky because fat doesn't dehydrate like lean meat, and it can lead to spoilage. Fat can leave the jerky greasy or with a rancid flavour.
The best cuts of meat for beef jerky are Top Round, Bottom Round, Lifter and Pectoral. These cuts are economical, lean, and full of flavour. Top Round is the cut that most professional beef jerky makers use. It comes from the inside leg muscle, opposite the Bottom Round, and is very lean with a pronounced grain. It is also affordable and needs to be cooked at a low temperature or turned into jerky to avoid being excessively tough.
Eye of Round is another excellent choice for jerky. It is the most tender cut of the round primal and provides uniform-sized strips. It also comes with no external fat, so there is no extra trimming required. One or two Eye of Round steaks are the perfect quantity for one batch of air fryer jerky.
Other lean cuts that can be used for jerky include Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, Sirloin, and London Broil. When selecting any cut of meat for jerky, it is important to trim off as much fat as possible.
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Marinade for 18-24 hours
Marinating the meat is an important step in the process of making beef jerky in an air fryer. It is recommended that you marinate the beef for at least 18 to 24 hours. The longer the meat is left to marinate, the more flavourful the jerky will be. This is because the marinade needs time to penetrate the meat and impart its flavours.
There are many marinade recipes available, or you can purchase a pre-made marinade from the store. A basic marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, and onion or garlic powder. You can also add pineapple, which is a natural meat tenderizer and will affect the chewiness of the jerky. It is important to ensure that the marinade covers all the beef strips and that they are not sticking together.
When preparing the beef, it is recommended to use a lean cut, such as an Eye of Round steak, to minimize trimming. However, a tougher cut will result in chewier jerky, while a tender cut will produce softer jerky. The beef should be trimmed to remove any excess fat, and then cut into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch. Partially freezing the beef can make it easier to cut into thin strips.
After marinating the beef strips for the recommended time, remove them from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure that the beef strips are thoroughly dry before placing them in the air fryer.
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Air fry at 165-175°F
Air frying beef jerky is a simple and tasty way to make a high-protein, low-carb snack. It is also a great way to cut down on grease and fat content.
To make beef jerky in an air fryer, you should first trim your beef to remove any excess fat. Then, slice the beef into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch. Next, prepare a marinade in a bowl and add the beef strips, ensuring they are all covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 3 hours, although leaving it overnight is recommended.
After marinating, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and dry them thoroughly. Set your air fryer to 165-175°F and place the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry the beef jerky for around 2-4 hours, checking after 2 hours and then at 15-20 minute intervals until it is dehydrated and ready. It needs to reach 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume, so check with a meat thermometer if possible.
Once the jerky is ready, allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
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Cook for 2-6 hours
The cooking time for beef jerky in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of dehydration, the cut of meat, and the specific air fryer being used. It's important to monitor the jerky closely as it gets close to the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking or burning.
Some sources recommend cooking beef jerky in an air fryer for around 2-3 hours at a temperature of 175°F/80°C. It is advised to check the jerky after about two hours of cooking and then continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it is done, ensuring all the moisture has evaporated without the meat charring or burning. This low temperature is crucial to allow the moisture in the meat to evaporate slowly without burning the exterior of the beef strips.
Other sources suggest cooking beef jerky for a longer duration, ranging from 4 to 6 hours, at a slightly higher temperature of around 145°F/62°C. This longer cooking time is intended to achieve a more dehydrated texture, although it may result in meat that is more cooked than dehydrated.
It's worth noting that the duration and temperature settings can vary based on the specific air fryer model and its capabilities. Some air fryers have a dedicated dehydrator function, which can be useful for making jerky. Additionally, the cut and thickness of the meat can influence the cooking time, with thinner strips requiring less time to dehydrate.
After cooking, it is recommended to let the beef jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Properly dried and stored beef jerky can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
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Store in an airtight container
Once your jerky is cooked, it's important to let it cool for several hours so it's completely dry. If you see any grease on the jerky, blot it with paper towels. Removing the moisture and fat helps the jerky last longer when you store it.
When storing your jerky, always use an airtight container or bag. This will extend the life of the jerky more than if stored in a paper bag. Try to choose a container that's not much bigger than the amount of jerky you're storing. Too much oxygen will cause the jerky to spoil faster. Glass storage containers are also great at keeping unwanted odours from flavouring your jerky.
You can store your jerky at room temperature for up to 2 months. If you're concerned that your room temperature environment is too hot, you can store your jerky in the fridge, where it will last for 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep your jerky for longer than this, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. However, freezing can alter the taste of jerky. A better practice may be to make smaller batches and eat them within a month or two.
To further improve the shelf life of your jerky, add a couple of oxygen absorbers to the container, or vacuum seal it.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook jerky in an air fryer at 175°F/ 80°C for around 2-3 hours.
The temperature needs to be low, at 175°F/ 80°C, so that the moisture in the beef can evaporate before the beef strips start to burn.
The jerky is done when all the moisture has gone but before it chars. It needs to reach 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume.
Cut steaks into 1/4" thin strips, then place in a marinade and refrigerate for 18-24 hours.
