Air Fryer Beef Jerky: The Ultimate Nuwave Guide

Beef jerky is a tasty, chewy treat that is perfect for snacking on the go. It is made by dehydrating thin strips of beef, a process that both preserves the meat and intensifies its flavour. You can easily make beef jerky at home in an air fryer, such as the Nuwave Oven, which uses infrared technology to cook food more quickly than a conventional oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to making beef jerky in a Nuwave Oven or similar air fryer.

Trimming the fat from the meat

Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Look for lean cuts of beef with minimal fat content, such as top round, bottom round, flank steak, or London broil. These cuts are ideal for jerky because they have less fat, making the dehydration process easier and resulting in a longer shelf life.

Now, let's get into the trimming process:

• Use a sharp knife: Always use a sharp paring or chef's knife when trimming the fat. This will help you make precise cuts and remove the fat more effectively.
• Trim away the excess fat: Carefully trim away any visible white fat, tendons, or gristle from the meat. Be thorough and try to remove as much fat as possible, as it can cause the jerky to spoil faster and affect its texture.
• Cut against the grain: For more tender jerky, identify the direction of the grain on the meat and slice across or against it. This will ensure that the jerky is easier to chew.
• Achieve uniform thickness: Aim for slices that are approximately 1/4 inch (0.32 cm) thick. Consistency in thickness is important to ensure even dehydration and prevent overcooking some strips.
• Partially freeze the meat: Consider placing the meat in the freezer for about 1-2 hours before trimming and slicing. This will make it easier to achieve thin and consistent slices.
• Wrap and chill: Once trimmed, wrap the meat in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a couple of hours. This will firm up the meat and make it easier to slice thinly.

By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively trim the fat from the meat and prepare it for the next steps in the beef jerky-making process. Remember, removing excess fat is crucial to ensuring your jerky has the right texture and a longer shelf life.

Marinating the meat

Firstly, decide on your marinade. You can either make your own at home by mixing various oils, herbs, citrus and spices, or you can buy a pre-made marinade such as teriyaki from your local store. A basic marinade recipe includes ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You can also add soy sauce, honey, red pepper, ginger, sesame seeds and sesame oil for extra flavour.

Once you have your marinade ready, submerge your beef strips in it, ensuring that all the meat is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and place it in the refrigerator. The longer you leave the meat to marinate, the more tender and flavourful it will be. It is recommended to leave the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

After the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps to speed up the dehydration process.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin preparing your beef jerky, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean. Give it a good wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any bits of food left from previous recipes. This will ensure your beef jerky is free of any unwanted flavours and help you avoid any surprises when you go to eat the finished product.

Once your air fryer is clean, it's time to prepare the beef for cooking. Cut the beef into thin strips, aiming for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch. The thinner the strips, the quicker the jerky will cook in the air fryer. Ensure the strips are of a similar size to allow for even cooking.

Now it's time to place the beef strips into the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping too much. This will allow the air fryer to dry out the meat evenly. If you have a small air fryer, you may want to use a rack to cook twice as much in one go.

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for jerky, which is around 165°F or 74°C. This temperature ensures proper dehydration without overcooking the beef. The timing will depend on the thickness of your beef strips and your desired level of chewiness. As a general guideline, thinner strips may take around 2-3 hours, while thicker ones may require 4-6 hours.

Cooking the beef

Now that your beef is prepared and your air fryer is ready, it's time to cook your beef jerky! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Place the beef strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much. This ensures that all surfaces of the beef are exposed to the hot air and will dry out evenly. If you have a small air fryer, consider using a rack to maximise space.
• Set the temperature and time: The ideal temperature for dehydrating beef jerky is around 160-175°F (71-74°C). The timing will depend on the thickness of your beef strips and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it will take 2-4 hours for the jerky to dehydrate properly.
• Flip the beef strips: During the dehydration process, occasionally flip the beef strips to ensure even drying and prevent sticking. This also allows you to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments.
• Check for doneness: To check if your beef jerky is ready, perform a bend test by gently bending one of the strips. It should be pliable but not break. You can also tear off a small piece and chew it; it should be chewy but not overly tough. Remember that the jerky will firm up slightly as it cools.
• Allow to cool: Once your beef jerky has reached the desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely before storing.

Tips for Cooking Beef Jerky in a Nuwave Oven:

If you're using a Nuwave Oven, follow these additional tips:

• Set the Nuwave oven to power level 2, which corresponds to 150°F, the ideal temperature for dehydrating beef.
• Leave the strips in the oven for about six hours. After three hours, carefully open the oven and use kitchen tongs to turn the beef strips over.
• Do not adjust the cooking time or temperature, as this can burn the beef instead of dehydrating it properly.

Storing the beef jerky

Cooling and Drying:

First, allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing. This step is crucial to prevent condensation, which can lead to spoilage. Do not cover the jerky while it is cooling, as you want to avoid trapping any moisture.

Air-Tight Container:

Once the jerky is cooled, place it in an airtight container or resealable bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to minimize exposure to moisture and oxygen. You can use a vacuum sealer to suck out the air from the bags if you have one. If using containers, opt for those with airtight lids.

Storage Location:

Store your beef jerky in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, as this can accelerate spoilage. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature, and beef jerky can be stored for one to two months without refrigeration.

Refrigeration or Freezing:

If you plan on storing the beef jerky for a longer period, you may want to consider refrigeration or freezing. This is especially important if you live in a warm climate or if your room temperature is consistently above the recommended range. Place the jerky in an airtight container or bag and then put it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help extend its shelf life. Remember to take the jerky out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before consuming it to enjoy the best flavour.

Frequently asked questions