Make Jerky In Your Instant Pot Air Fryer

Making jerky in an instant pot air fryer is a great way to make a tasty snack at home. You can use a variety of meats, including beef and deer, and there are several ways to season the meat to your liking. The process is simple: freeze and slice the meat, marinate it, and then place it in the air fryer for a few hours. The result is a delicious, healthy snack that is packed with flavor.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Lean and Flavorful Cuts

When making beef jerky, it's best to choose lean cuts of beef that have minimal fat content. Fat can lead to spoilage and affect the shelf life of your jerky. Look for cuts like top round, bottom round, or eye of round. These cuts are not only lean but also offer a good balance of flavour and tenderness.

Tender vs. Chewy Texture

The type of cut you choose will also determine the texture of your jerky. If you prefer a chewier jerky, opt for cuts like flank steak or sirloin tip. For a more tender and softer jerky, go for cuts like eye of round or top/bottom round. The direction in which you slice the meat will also impact the texture. Slicing against the grain will give you more tender jerky, while slicing with the grain will make it chewier.

Thickness of the Meat

For even cooking and dehydration, it's crucial to slice the meat into thin, uniform strips. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Freezing the meat slightly before slicing can make it easier to achieve thin, consistent slices. If you're having trouble, you can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you.

Marinade Options

While choosing the right cut is essential, don't underestimate the power of a good marinade. A marinade not only adds flavour but also helps tenderise the meat. You can go for a simple marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder or get creative with additions like liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, or brown sugar. Allow the meat to marinate for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight, for the best results.

In summary, when making beef jerky in an instant pot air fryer, opt for lean cuts like top or bottom round for the best flavour and texture. Choose thicker cuts and slice with the grain for a chewier jerky, or go for more tender cuts and slice against the grain for a softer bite. Don't forget to partially freeze the meat for easier slicing, and always give it a good marinade bath before cooking!

Marinating the meat

Firstly, select the appropriate cut of meat. Lean and flavourful cuts such as top round and bottom round steaks are ideal. If you desire a chewier texture, opt for a tougher cut of meat. For a tender and melt-in-the-mouth jerky, choose a cut like sirloin.

Next, prepare the marinade. A typical marinade includes soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke for an extra kick. Additionally, a sweetener like honey or brown sugar can be included to balance out the savoury flavours. If you're feeling adventurous, try a teriyaki marinade or add some chilli flakes for a spicy kick.

Now, slice the meat into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Freezing the meat for a few hours beforehand will make it easier to slice thinly. You can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you if you prefer.

Combine the meat strips and marinade in a bowl, ensuring that all surfaces of the meat are coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. The marinating process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how much time you have and how intense you want the flavours to be. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavourful it will become.

Once the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. It is important to remove any excess moisture before placing the meat in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and dehydrating.

Finally, thread the meat onto bamboo skewers or simply place the strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If using skewers, hang them along the top edges of the air fryer to increase ventilation and even cooking.

Now, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking your jerky in the instant pot air fryer!

Drying the meat

Preparing the Meat for Drying:

Before you start drying the meat, it's crucial to trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef. Fat can cause spoilage, so you want to remove as much as possible. Then, slice the meat into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch. Freezing the meat slightly before slicing can make it easier to cut thin strips. You can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you if you prefer.

Marinating the Meat:

Marinating the meat is essential for adding flavour and tenderizing the beef. Place the sliced meat into a sealable bag or a glass bowl. Prepare a marinade by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, or teriyaki sauce. Ensure the meat is fully coated in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavourful and tender the jerky will be.

Once the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If you're using bamboo skewers, thread the meat along the skewers so that the pieces don't touch, which will help improve air circulation. If you're not using skewers, simply place the meat strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap for even cooking.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 160°F and 180°F (70°C to 80°C). The ideal temperature may depend on your specific air fryer and personal preference. Cook the jerky for around 2 to 3 hours, but start checking it after about 2 hours. The jerky is done when it's firm and dry but not burnt or crispy. You can test a piece by bending it at a 90-degree angle; if any moisture seeps out, return it to the air fryer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Storing the Jerky:

Once the jerky is done, let it cool and then store it in airtight containers or sealable bags. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or frozen for up to 6 months.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making jerky in an instant pot air fryer will depend on the type of meat used, the thickness of the slices, and your personal preference for texture.

For beef jerky, the ideal temperature is around 160-180°F/70-80°C. The cooking time can vary from 2-4 hours, with thinner slices taking less time to cook than thicker ones. For example, slices of 1/8-1/4 inch thick will take around 2-3 hours to cook.

If you are using bamboo skewers, the cooking time can be reduced to 60-75 minutes at 180°F, as this improves air circulation and allows the meat to cook faster.

For deer jerky, the cooking time will be similar to that of beef jerky, depending on the thickness of the slices. Thinner slices may take 2-3 hours, while thicker slices may take 3-4 hours.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust as needed.

To check if your jerky is done, you can do a bend test. Bend a piece of jerky at a 90-degree angle. If it bends but does not crack, and no moisture seeps out, then it is done. If moisture seeps out, return it to the air fryer for an additional 15-30 minutes. If it cracks and breaks, it is overdone.

Additionally, to ensure food safety, the jerky should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this.

Storing the jerky

Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of beef jerky. By removing air from the packaging, you can prevent oxidation and slow down the degradation process. Vacuum-sealed jerky can last up to 6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use freezer-safe bags or containers and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Refrigeration

Refrigerating beef jerky is another effective method to prolong its freshness. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates, as room temperature can accelerate spoilage. Refrigeration not only extends the shelf life but can also enhance the texture and flavor of the jerky. It helps inhibit bacterial growth, ensuring each piece remains safe and delectable.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to store your jerky for an extended period. Frozen jerky can last for several months without losing its quality, as long as it is stored in freezer-safe, airtight containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Dry Canning

Dry canning is an alternative method to store beef jerky without the need for refrigeration. This process involves vacuum-sealing the jerky in food-grade cans, which can keep it fresh for extended periods. Dry canning captures the savory essence of the jerky and ensures convenience, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy their jerky without worrying about spoilage.

Paper Bags and Ziplock Bags

If you're looking for a short-term storage solution, paper bags and Ziplock bags can keep your jerky fresh for 3-4 weeks. This method is suitable if you plan to consume the jerky within a few weeks. To enhance moisture absorption, you can add a food-grade desiccant bag to the paper or Ziplock bag.

Storage Tips:

• Keep jerky in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Use airtight containers or bags to prevent air and moisture exposure.
• Trim visible fat from the meat before drying, as fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster.
• Consider adding a desiccant pack to the container to absorb any residual moisture.
• Check your jerky regularly for signs of spoilage or moisture and replace the container if needed.

Frequently asked questions