Beef Jerky For Dogs: Air Fryer Style

Making beef jerky for dogs in an air fryer is a simple and cost-effective way to treat your furry friend. With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a delicious and healthy snack that your dog will go crazy for! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making beef jerky for dogs, covering everything from the type of beef to use, marinade options, and the air fryer settings to ensure perfect results.

Choosing the right beef cut

Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for making delicious and chewy beef jerky for dogs in an air fryer. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the beef:

Lean and Flavorful Cuts

Lean and flavorful cuts of beef are ideal for making beef jerky. Top round and bottom round steaks are excellent choices as they are lean, tasty, and produce a chewier texture. These cuts are also reasonably priced and easily accessible. Alternatively, sirloin tip is an extremely lean option, but it is less tender and tends to be more expensive.

Tougher Cuts for Chewier Jerky

If you prefer a chewier jerky, opt for tougher cuts of beef. Flank steak, for example, can be a good choice, but be aware that slicing it against the grain is crucial to achieving the desired texture. London broil is another option for a tougher cut.

Tender Cuts for Softer Jerky

For a softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky, choose a tender cut of beef. While it will result in a more delicate texture, it might not be ideal if you're looking for a chewy jerky.

Pre-Sliced Options

If you want to save time and effort, consider using thin minute steak (Rouladen style beef), which is already sliced. This option eliminates the need to slice the beef yourself, making the preparation process faster and more convenient.

Thickness and Consistency

Regardless of the cut you choose, aim for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch for the beef slices. This ensures even cooking and faster dehydration. Freezing the beef slightly before slicing can make it easier to achieve thin, consistent slices.

In summary, when choosing the right beef cut for making jerky in an air fryer, opt for lean and flavorful options like top round or bottom round steaks. Consider the desired texture, with tougher cuts resulting in chewier jerky and tender cuts yielding softer jerky. Don't forget to pay attention to the thickness and consistency of the slices for the best results.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, you'll want to select a suitable cut of beef. Lean and flavourful cuts such as top round and bottom round steaks are ideal. If you prefer a chewier jerky, opt for a tougher cut of beef. For softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky, go for a more tender cut. Alternatively, thin minute steak (Rouladen style beef) is a good choice as it is already sliced.

Next, trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef and slice it into very thin strips, aiming for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch. If you're having trouble slicing the beef thinly, try partially freezing it first or ask your local butcher to slice it for you.

Now it's time to make the marinade. A simple yet effective marinade can be made by whisking together ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, and onion powder. You can also add ingredients like chili flakes, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to give it a spicy or smoky kick. If you're short on time, you can also use a bottled marinade or your favourite sauce, like teriyaki.

Once you have your marinade ready, mix the beef strips into it, ensuring that all surfaces of the beef are coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, let the beef marinate overnight, but if you're short on time, three hours is the minimum recommended time.

After the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade. It's important to ensure that the beef strips are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer, so use paper towels to pat them dry.

Now your beef is ready for the air fryer! Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much so that all surfaces can be exposed to the hot air. If you have a small air fryer, consider using a rack to maximise space.

And that's it! You've successfully marinated your beef and can now move on to the next step of making beef jerky for dogs in your air fryer.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, removing any residue or leftover food from previous uses. This step is crucial as it ensures your jerky is free from any unwanted flavours or bacteria that could affect the taste and safety of your dog's treat.

Next, you'll want to prepare the air fryer basket or tray. Line it with a wire rack or a crisper plate, if your air fryer comes with one. If not, you can use a baking sheet with a wire cooling rack on top. Spray the rack or tray with a non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking.

Now, it's time to lay out your beef strips. Place them in a single layer on the rack or tray, ensuring they do not overlap. This is important as you want all surfaces of the beef exposed to the hot air, allowing it to dry out evenly. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the jerky in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once your beef strips are arranged, you're almost ready to start cooking. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to the highest temperature for at least five minutes. Otherwise, simply set the temperature to 165°F-180°F (some recipes suggest as low as 175°F) and let it heat up.

With your air fryer prepared, you can now move on to the cooking process, confident that your jerky will be cooked evenly and safely.

Cooking the beef

Now it's time to cook the beef! If you're using an air fryer, you can simply place the beef slices directly into the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you're using an oven, you'll want to place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the beef slices on that. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the beef and dehydrate it evenly.

Set your air fryer to 175°F/80°C or your oven to 275°F. The lower temperature is necessary to allow the moisture in the beef to evaporate before the beef starts to burn. Depending on your air fryer or oven, you may need to experiment with the temperature to find the sweet spot that dehydrates the beef without burning it.

For an air fryer, the cooking time will be around 2-3 hours. For an oven, the cooking time will be about 2 hours. However, it's important to monitor the beef during the cooking process, as the time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the specific appliance being used.

You'll know the beef jerky is done when all the moisture has been removed, but before it starts to char. It should be hard and not spongy to the touch. To ensure food safety, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the beef has reached 160°F/71°C.

Once the beef jerky is cooked, allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storing the beef jerky

Homemade beef jerky can be stored in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, it's best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When storing in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent spoilage.

Storing the beef jerky

Choosing the Right Container

It is essential to store the beef jerky in an airtight container or bag. This helps to keep the jerky fresh and reduces the chances of spoilage. You can use an airtight container or a ziplock bag, preferably one with a double zipper to ensure a tight seal.

Refrigeration and Freezing

If you plan on storing the beef jerky for a more extended period, it is recommended to refrigerate or freeze it. Beef jerky can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. When freezing, use a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Room Temperature Storage

If you opt for room temperature storage, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines. Beef jerky can be stored at room temperature for several weeks or even months if properly stored. Choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Ensure the container is tightly sealed, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Additionally, if you open the container, it is advisable to consume the jerky within two hours to minimize the risk of spoilage.

Checking for Spoilage

Before serving the beef jerky to your dog, always check for any signs of spoilage. If the jerky starts to look or smell strange, discard it immediately. Trust your senses, and if something seems off, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Storage Duration

The duration for which you can store beef jerky depends on various factors, including the preparation method, storage conditions, and the quality of ingredients used. Homemade beef jerky typically has a shorter shelf life than store-bought varieties due to the absence of preservatives. When stored properly, your homemade beef jerky for dogs can last for about a week in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions