Air Fryer Jerky: A Quick, Easy, Tasty Treat

Making beef jerky in an air fryer is a surprisingly simple process that yields great results. It's a cost-effective way to make a delicious, protein-packed snack with a great flavour. While there are challenges, such as space and temperature control, these can be overcome with the right guidance. So, if you're looking to make beef jerky in your power air fryer, read on for a step-by-step guide to achieving homemade jerky perfection.

Choosing the right cut of meat

When selecting your meat, consider the texture and tenderness you desire. For instance, sirloin tip is extremely lean but not as tender, while flank steak can be tough if cut with the grain. If you want a more tender jerky, cut the meat against the grain, which will also make it easier to rip apart. On the other hand, cutting with the grain will result in longer, chewier jerky.

To make slicing easier, freeze the beef slightly before cutting. Aim for consistent, thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uniform thickness is important to ensure even drying. If you're unsure about cutting the meat yourself, you can always ask your butcher for help.

Marinating your beef

Firstly, select a lean cut of beef, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin tip, or flank steak. Avoid fatty cuts as fat doesn't dry out and can cause spoilage. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can freeze the beef for an hour or so to make slicing easier.

Next, prepare your marinade. A classic jerky marinade includes soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of liquid smoke. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. You can also add brown sugar to enhance the flavour and help preserve and tenderise the meat. Combine all your ingredients in a bowl and whisk until evenly mixed.

Now, it's time to marinate the beef. Place the beef slices in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. You can use a large bowl or a ziplock bag for this. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Remember to toss or flip the meat occasionally to ensure even marination.

Once the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the marinade and pat the slices dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it removes excess surface moisture, helping the meat dry properly in the air fryer.

Your beef is now ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally around 160°F to 180°F, and arrange the beef slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer settings and preparation

Now that your jerky has been marinated, it's time to prepare your air fryer. Start by plugging in your air fryer and preheating it to its lowest setting, which should ideally be somewhere between 160°F and 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, simply set it to its lowest temperature.

Before placing your meat inside, it's recommended to lightly coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the meat from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up afterward much easier.

Cooking Process and Times

When it comes to placing the beef slices in the air fryer basket, ensure they are arranged in a single layer without any overlapping. Overlapping pieces may result in uneven drying. Depending on the temperature and specific cuts of meat used, the dehydration process can take around 2 to 4 hours.

It's a good idea to start checking on the jerky after the first 2 hours and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of dryness. For optimal results, flip the beef slices halfway through the drying process and rotate the racks if you're using multiple levels.

Cooking process and timings

The cooking process and timings will depend on the type of meat and marinade used, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on the cooking process and indicative timings:

Preparation:

Before you begin cooking, it is important to prepare your meat. Choose a lean cut of beef, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin tip, or flank steak. Freeze the meat slightly to make slicing easier, and cut it into thin, uniform slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Marinade:

Combine your chosen ingredients for the marinade. Classic jerky flavour can be achieved with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of liquid smoke. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Submerge the beef slices in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to its lowest setting, ideally around 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer does not go this low, set it to its lowest temperature. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking:

Place the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. The cooking time will depend on the temperature and the specific cuts of meat used. As a guide, check the jerky after 2 hours and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of dryness. For example, one source recommends cooking at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours.

Halfway through the drying process, flip the beef slices and rotate the racks if using multiple levels. This ensures even drying.

Cooling and Storing:

Once the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness, turn off the air fryer and remove the tray. Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Store the jerky in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible to prolong its shelf life. For extended storage, keep the jerky in the refrigerator.

Storing your jerky

Cooling the Jerky:

Once your jerky is done cooking in the air fryer, it's important to let it cool completely before storing it. This is a crucial step to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Remove the jerky from the air fryer and place it on a tray or a wire rack to cool down to room temperature.

Choosing the Right Container:

Always use airtight containers or zip-lock bags to store your jerky. Airtight containers will help keep moisture and air out, prolonging the shelf life of your jerky. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. You can also use vacuum sealing, which can further extend the shelf life of your jerky for several months.

Refrigeration and Freezing:

For extended storage, it is recommended to keep your jerky in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, home-dried jerky can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. Additionally, you can freeze your jerky to preserve it even longer. However, always check for signs of spoilage before consuming frozen jerky, as it can still go bad over time.

Shelf Life:

At room temperature, air fryer beef jerky can last up to 2 weeks. However, for longer-term storage, refrigeration is recommended. With refrigeration, your jerky can last for several weeks to a couple of months. If you choose to freeze your jerky, it can be preserved for even longer, but it's important to periodically check for any signs of spoilage.

Portioning:

Consider portioning your jerky into smaller batches before storing. This way, you only need to remove a portion at a time, reducing the exposure of the entire batch to air and moisture each time you want to enjoy your jerky.

Storage Temperature:

Maintain a consistent storage temperature. Jerky is best stored in cool, dry conditions. Avoid placing it in areas with fluctuating temperatures or high humidity, as this can impact its texture and freshness.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your homemade jerky stays fresh, safe to consume, and delicious!

Frequently asked questions