Air Fryer Beef Jerky: A Quick, Easy Guide

Beef jerky is a delicious snack, perfect for road trips, outdoor activities, and long hours at the office. While it's convenient to grab a bag of beef jerky from the store, making it at home in an air fryer is a fun and rewarding experience. In this guide, we'll teach you how to make beef jerky in an air fryer, covering everything from selecting the right cut of meat to marinating and cooking it to perfection. So, get ready to make your own delicious, chewy, and tender beef jerky at home!

Choosing the right cut of meat

• Top round
• Bottom round
• Sirloin
• Flank steak
• Eye of round steak
• London broil

When selecting your meat, keep in mind that a tougher cut will result in chewier jerky, while a tender cut will yield softer, melt-in-your-mouth jerky. If you're looking for convenience, consider using thin minute steak (Rouladen-style beef), which is already sliced.

Before slicing the meat, it's recommended to freeze it for about an hour to make slicing easier. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, with uniform thickness to ensure even drying.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, trim any excess fat from the beef. Then, slice the beef into thin strips, aiming for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch. You can use a very sharp knife to slice with the grain, or for easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for about an hour first.

Next, prepare your marinade. A simple marinade might include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, onion powder, and soy sauce. You can also add chilli flakes for a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made marinade such as teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce. Place the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring that all surfaces are covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, although overnight is best.

After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess marinade and surface moisture, which will help achieve the best texture in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings and preparation

Now that your beef has been sliced and marinated, it's time to prepare your air fryer. Start by plugging in your air fryer and preheating it to the lowest setting, which should be around 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go as low as 160°F, simply set it to its lowest temperature. This is important because air fryers typically have higher temperatures than what is traditionally used for dehydrating meat, and a low temperature will allow the meat to dry slowly, which is crucial for creating the right jerky texture.

Before placing the beef inside, it's recommended to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

When it comes to arranging the beef, place the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping can cause uneven drying, so it's crucial to give each piece enough exposure to the hot air. If you're using multiple racks, rotate their positions halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying.

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

During the drying process, it's a good idea to regularly check and flip the jerky strips every 30 minutes to ensure even drying.

Cooking process and timings

The cooking process for making beef jerky in an air fryer is straightforward and can be adjusted to your desired level of dryness. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Meat: Start by slicing your chosen cut of beef into thin strips, aiming for a consistent thickness of around 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You can freeze the meat for about an hour first to make slicing easier.
• Marinate: Combine your chosen ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but preferably 3-24 hours or even overnight for the best flavour infusion.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to its lowest setting, ideally around 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to its lowest temperature.
• Arrange the Meat: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying.
• Air Fry: Set the air fryer temperature to 160°F-180°F and air fry for 2-4 hours. The timing will depend on the thickness of your meat and your desired level of dryness. Check the jerky regularly, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent overcooking. It's done when it bends and cracks but doesn't break completely.
• Flip and Rotate: Halfway through the drying process, flip the beef slices over and rotate the position of the racks if using multiple racks. This ensures even drying.
• Final Drying and Cooling: Once the jerky has reached your desired level of dryness, remove it from the air fryer and let it sit for about an hour to cool down and finish drying.

Tips and Tricks

• Temperature Control: Keep in mind that air fryers have higher temperatures than typically used for dehydrating meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
• Moisture Management: Regularly check the jerky during the cooking process to achieve your desired texture. Air fryers excel at removing moisture, but this can result in overly dry jerky if not monitored.
• Single Layer: Arrange the meat in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even drying. Air fryers have limited space for air circulation.
• Trial and Error: Each air fryer model is different, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on factors like meat thickness and air fryer capacity.

Storing your beef jerky

After your beef jerky has been cooked and cooled, it's time to store it properly. Here are some key steps to follow:

• Container: Use an airtight container to store your beef jerky. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out too much or becoming exposed to moisture.
• Cooling: Allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing. This is important to prevent the growth of bacteria. Leave it out on a wire rack or a plate for an hour or two to ensure it's at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Beef jerky can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps extend its shelf life and keeps it safe to consume.
• Longer-Term Storage: If you want to store your beef jerky for longer, consider freezing it. You can freeze beef jerky in resealable plastic bags for up to 1-2 months. This is especially recommended if you've made a large batch.
• Consume Within a Few Days: If you don't plan on storing your beef jerky for longer than a few days, simply keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, consume it within 3 days if you're not refrigerating it.
• Moisture Control: Ensure your beef jerky is thoroughly dried before storing. Any excess moisture can cause spoilage. If your beef jerky feels sticky or moist, return it to the air fryer for a shorter drying session.
• Labeling: If you plan on storing your beef jerky for a while, label the container or bag with the date it was made and the date it needs to be consumed by. This helps ensure you eat it while it's still fresh and at its best quality.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade beef jerky for a good amount of time while maintaining food safety and optimal freshness. Remember to adjust your storage method based on how long you plan to keep your beef jerky, whether it's for a few days, a week, or a few months.

Frequently asked questions