Air Fryer Beef Jerky: How Long Does It Take?

Beef jerky is a tasty, protein-packed snack that can be made easily at home in an air fryer. The process is simple and can be done in a few short steps. First, cut your beef into thin strips and marinate it in your choice of sauce. Then, place the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for around 2-4 hours, depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for texture. Finally, allow the beef jerky to cool and store it in an airtight container.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, select your marinade. There are many options available, from store-bought marinades to homemade creations. A simple marinade can be made by combining ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce, and onion powder. You can also experiment with different flavours, such as teriyaki, smoked paprika, or chilli flakes, to create unique variations of beef jerky.

Once you have chosen your marinade, it's time to prepare the beef. It is recommended to use a lean cut of beef, such as top round or bottom round, as it has less fat content and will result in more consistent strips of jerky. Cut the beef into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch. Freezing the beef for about an hour before slicing can make this process easier.

After the beef is cut, place the strips into a bowl or container with the marinade. Ensure that all the beef strips are fully coated and not sticking together. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. The beef should be left to marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the best results, it is recommended to marinate overnight or even up to 24 hours.

Once the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture before placing the beef in the air fryer.

Now your beef is ready for the air fryer! Remember to arrange the beef strips in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, for even cooking and drying.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively marinate the beef for your air fryer beef jerky, resulting in a delicious and flavourful snack.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature for making beef jerky is typically set within the range of 160-180°F (71-82°C). The temperature needs to be low to allow the moisture in the meat to evaporate without burning the beef strips.

Air Fryer Settings

If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, you can use this instead of the regular air fryer setting. Some models, such as the Ninja Foodi, have a steak setting that can be used initially to cook the beef, followed by the dehydration setting to dry it out.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef strips and the temperature of the air fryer. It usually takes around 2-4 hours to cook and dehydrate the beef jerky in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the meat. It is recommended to check the jerky after 2 hours of cooking time and then continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it is done.

Safe Consumption

To ensure safe consumption, the internal temperature of the beef jerky should reach 160°F (71°C). This can be checked using an instant-read meat thermometer.

Air fryer cooking time

The cooking time for making beef jerky in an air fryer depends on the weight of the beef, the thickness of the slices, and the temperature setting.

For example, if you are cooking 4 pounds of beef, thinly sliced, at 160°F (70°C), it will take around 3 hours. If you are cooking 1 pound of beef, sliced at 1/4-inch thickness, at 175°F (80°C), it will take around 2-3 hours.

It is important to note that the temperature needs to be low to allow the moisture in the beef to evaporate before the beef strips start to burn. The ideal temperature is between 160-180°F.

The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the jerky. It is recommended to check the jerky after 2 hours of cooking time and then continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it is done. The jerky is ready when all the moisture has gone but before it chars.

To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends that beef jerky reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Additionally, the type of air fryer you have may impact the cooking time. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you can use racks or hang the meat from bamboo skewers to ensure proper air circulation.

Some air fryers have a dehydration setting, which can be used to make beef jerky. This setting typically drops the temperature to around 160°F and takes about 2.5-3 hours to cook the jerky.

Overall, the cooking time for beef jerky in an air fryer can range from 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on various factors such as weight, thickness, temperature, and type of air fryer.

Beef cut and thickness

The type of beef cut and thickness will determine the texture and flavour of your jerky. For example, a tougher cut of beef will result in a chewier jerky, while a tender cut will give softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky.

The best beef for homemade jerky is lean and flavourful. Top round and bottom round steaks are ideal, but other cuts such as sirloin tip, London broil, and eye of round are also good options. If you want to save time on slicing, you can use thin minute steak (Rouladen style beef), which is already cut.

When it comes to thickness, the standard recommendation is to cut the beef into strips no thinner than 1/8 inch and no thicker than 1/4 inch. Freezing the meat before slicing will make it easier to get thin, even slices. You can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you.

If you prefer your jerky with a chewier texture, cut the beef with the grain. If you want it to be easier to rip apart, cut against the grain.

Storing the beef jerky

Cooling and Initial Storage

After air frying, allow the beef jerky to cool down to room temperature. It is important to let it cool completely before storing. Then, transfer the jerky to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the jerky is in a single layer and not overlapping to prevent any moisture buildup. You can also use a vacuum-sealed bag to remove all the air and ensure no moisture can get in.

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is the best way to store your beef jerky for the short term. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you plan to consume the jerky within a few days, refrigeration will keep it fresh and ready to eat.

Freezer Storage

If you want to store the beef jerky for longer periods, consider freezing it. Transfer the jerky to freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. Keep the bags in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, and avoid direct sunlight. Beef jerky can be stored this way for up to two months.

Thawing and Consuming

When you're ready to eat the frozen beef jerky, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, consume the jerky within a few days. It is important to note that the texture and taste may vary slightly after freezing, but it will still be safe to eat.

Food Safety

To ensure food safety, always follow the USDA guidelines for preparing and storing beef jerky. The beef jerky should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to consume. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature. Properly dried and stored beef jerky can last for several weeks to a couple of months, depending on the storage method.

Frequently asked questions