Air-Fryer Beef Jerky: Emeril 360'S Quick, Tasty Treat

Making beef jerky in an air fryer is a simple process that delivers great results. The air fryer method is a cost-effective way to make this snack, which is known for its strong taste and chewy texture. The process is straightforward: cut the beef into thin strips, marinate it, and then cook it in the air fryer at a low temperature for an hour or so. This technique is much quicker than using a dehydrator.

How to Make Beef Jerky in an Emeril 360 Air Fryer

Slicing the meat: cut beef into thin strips, freezing first can help

Slicing the meat is a crucial step in making beef jerky. The way you cut the meat will determine the texture of your jerky, so it's important to get it right. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you slice the meat like a pro:

Freeze the Meat for Easier Slicing:

Before you start slicing, it's a good idea to trim any visible fat from your cut of meat. Fat can make beef jerky spoil faster, so it's best to remove as much as possible. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away the fat. Then, place the trimmed meat in the freezer for about an hour or two. You don't want it to freeze completely, but chilling it will make the meat firmer and easier to slice thinly and uniformly. The perfect chilling time will depend on your freezer temperature and the thickness of the meat. Look out for ice crystals just starting to form on the surface of the meat, and then take it out of the freezer.

Slicing Against the Grain for Tender Jerky:

Now, let's talk about the "grain" of the meat. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibres run. If you look closely at your cut of meat, you'll see lines of pale fibres running along it, mostly straight and in the same direction. These are the muscle fibres, and their direction is the grain. When slicing the meat, you have two options: with the grain or against the grain. Slicing with the grain means cutting in the same direction as the muscle fibres, resulting in tougher, chewier jerky. On the other hand, slicing against the grain means cutting across or perpendicular to the fibres, breaking them up and making the jerky softer and easier to chew. Most people prefer more tender jerky, so it's generally recommended to slice against the grain. However, if you want a chewier texture, you can slice with the grain and then use a meat mallet to tenderise the meat by breaking up the muscle fibres.

Uniform Thinness for Even Drying:

Whether you're slicing with or against the grain, aim for thin, uniform strips of meat. This is important because thinner strips will dry more evenly and thoroughly. The ideal thickness is around 1/4-inch thick, and you can use a jerky slicer to get consistent results if you're having trouble slicing by hand.

Remember to use a sharp knife when slicing the meat to ensure clean cuts and better overall results. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to making delicious, perfectly textured beef jerky!

Marinade: combine ingredients and leave the meat to marinate overnight

Marinating the meat is a crucial step in making beef jerky, as it infuses the meat with flavour and helps to tenderise it. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your meat for the Emeril 360 air fryer:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A basic marinade typically includes salt and a selection of spices, but you can also experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique flavour combinations. For example, you could try using liquid smoke, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, onion powder, chilli powder, or black pepper.

Once you have chosen your ingredients, it's time to prepare the marinade. Combine all the ingredients in a large, wide bowl and mix well. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences and create a marinade that is perfectly tailored to your palate.

Next, cut the meat into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick and 1-inch wide. It is important to cut the meat against the grain to ensure the jerky is not tough. If you find it difficult to slice the meat thinly, you can place it in the freezer for up to 2 hours to firm it up before slicing. Make sure to trim any fat or sinew from the meat, as this can affect the texture and taste of the final product.

After the meat is prepared, place it in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring that all the pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. During this time, the flavours will penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste. For the best results, turn the meat occasionally to ensure it absorbs the maximum amount of flavour.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly marinated meat that is ready to be placed in the Emeril 360 air fryer. Remember, the key to successful beef jerky is in the preparation, so take your time with the marinating process and you'll be rewarded with a delicious, flavourful snack.

Preheat the air fryer: set to 160° F (70° C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the beef jerky-making process. While some recipes suggest that you can skip this step when cooking at a low temperature over a long period, it's generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure the best results.

To make delicious beef jerky, preheat your air fryer to 160° F (70° C). This temperature setting is crucial as it ensures that your beef jerky cooks slowly and evenly, resulting in that signature chewy texture. By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment, allowing the meat to dry properly and develop its distinct flavour and texture.

The preheat temperature of 160° F (70° C) is significantly lower than the typical cooking temperatures used in air fryers. This lower temperature is necessary because the goal is to dehydrate the meat slowly, removing moisture to extend shelf life and create that classic jerky texture. The preheat function on your air fryer ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature before you begin the cooking process, promoting even cooking throughout the entire batch of beef jerky.

By following this step and preheating your air fryer to the specified temperature, you're setting yourself up for success in crafting tasty beef jerky. This initial preparation lays the foundation for the transformation of ordinary beef into a savoury, shelf-stable snack that can be enjoyed for weeks or even months to come.

Air-frying: place beef slices on the rack, ensuring they don't overlap

When you're ready to cook, it's time to place your beef slices in the air fryer. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, take your marinated beef out of the refrigerator. You should have prepared this the night before, leaving it to marinate overnight. If you haven't done this step yet, your beef won't have that delicious flavour that comes from letting the meat absorb the spices or seasonings.

Now, take your air fryer and place the beef slices on the rack inside. Make sure that the slices aren't overlapping and are laid out in a single layer. This is important because you want the hot air to be able to circulate around each slice, drying it out evenly. If they overlap, you might end up with some slices that are still raw or undercooked, which isn't what you want for beef jerky!

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the beef in batches. If you have a lot of beef to cook and need to stack it, consider placing some foil in the bottom of the air fryer, then adding a layer of beef. You can then place a trivet inside and add another layer of beef on top. This way, you can cook more beef at once without the slices overlapping.

Once you've arranged the beef slices on the rack, you're almost ready to start cooking. Just make sure your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature—around 160° F (70° C)—and you're good to go!

Storage: store in an airtight container or jar

When storing your beef jerky, it is important to use an airtight container or jar to maintain freshness and prolong the shelf life of your homemade snack. This storage method will ensure your beef jerky stays edible and tasty for as long as possible.

Using an airtight container or jar creates an oxygen-deprived environment, which is essential for preserving the beef jerky. Without oxygen, bacteria have difficulty surviving and multiplying, thus slowing down the spoilage process. This simple storage method will keep your beef jerky fresh and delicious for weeks or even months.

If you plan to consume your beef jerky within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container or jar at room temperature. This option is convenient if you plan to enjoy your jerky soon after cooking. However, for longer-term storage, it is best to refrigerate or even freeze your beef jerky.

Refrigerating your beef jerky in an airtight container or jar can extend its shelf life to about one week. This option is ideal if you want to make a larger batch and enjoy it over a more extended period. Additionally, refrigeration helps keep the beef jerky fresh and flavourful, ensuring a consistent texture and taste.

If you want to store your beef jerky for an even longer period, consider freezing it. Freezing is an excellent option for those who make big batches and want to enjoy their jerky over several months. Properly stored in airtight containers or jars, your beef jerky can last up to six months in the freezer.

Whether you choose room temperature, refrigeration, or freezing, always follow good hygiene practices when handling the beef jerky. Wash your hands before reaching into the container or jar, and try not to touch the jerky directly with your hands. This way, you can ensure your homemade snack remains safe and delicious.

Frequently asked questions