Air Fryer Pork Jerky: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Making pork jerky in an air fryer is a simple, cost-effective way to create a delicious snack. Requiring just a few ingredients and some patience, air-fried pork jerky is a great homemade alternative to store-bought options. The air fryer dries the meat evenly, resulting in a chewy texture and intense flavour. This method is also healthier than traditional frying, as it reduces the need for added grease.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When selecting pork for jerky, it's best to choose a lean and flavourful cut. Lean pork ensures that your jerky will not be overly greasy, allowing the natural flavours of the meat and your marinade to shine through. Look for cuts such as pork tenderloin or loin, which are relatively lean and tender. These cuts will give you a softer, melt-in-the-mouth texture for your jerky. If you prefer a chewier variety, opt for a tougher cut, such as pork shoulder or neck. These cuts have more connective tissue, which leads to a heartier bite.

Another factor to consider is the fat content. Excess fat can affect the drying process and the shelf life of your jerky, so it's best to choose a leaner cut or trim any visible fat from your pork before preparing it. This step ensures that your jerky will dry evenly and have a longer storage life.

When preparing your pork for jerky, it's essential to slice it thinly and uniformly. Aim for slices no thicker than ¼ inch. Freezing the pork slightly can make it easier to achieve thin, even slices. By choosing the right cut and preparing it properly, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, flavourful pork jerky in your air fryer.

Marinating the meat

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple marinade can be made with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, honey, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, and vinegar. You can also experiment with different seasonings and flavours like teriyaki, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or brown sugar.

Next, prepare the pork by slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Aim for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch. You can use a sharp knife or a meat mallet to get the desired thickness. If you find it difficult to cut the meat thinly, try partially freezing it first, as this can make the process easier.

Once you have your meat prepared, it's time to make the marinade. Simply whisk or mix all your chosen ingredients together in a bowl. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences, but make sure there is enough liquid in the marinade to coat the meat.

Place the pork strips into a large bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated and not sticking together. Seal the container or cover the bowl, and place it in the refrigerator. The meat should be left to marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the best results, it's recommended to leave it overnight.

After the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. It's important to remove any excess moisture before placing the meat in the air fryer, as this will help it cook evenly and prevent sogginess.

Now your pork is ready for the air fryer! Arrange the strips in a single layer on the racks or baskets, making sure they don't overlap too much so that the air can circulate around them. Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen air fryer pork jerky recipe, and enjoy your homemade snack!

Preparing the meat for the air fryer

Firstly, choose the right cut of pork. Opt for a lean and flavorful cut, such as ground pork, which is commonly used in pork jerky recipes. If you want a chewier texture, go for a tougher cut of meat, or select a tender cut for softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky.

Next, trim any excess fat from the pork. This step is important as too much fat can affect the texture and taste of the final product. Aim to cut the pork into very thin slices, no thicker than ¼ inch. Partially freezing the meat before slicing can make this process easier. You can also ask your local butcher to slice it for you.

Once you have your thinly sliced pork, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, Sriracha, onion powder, black pepper, and curing salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. You can adjust the spices and seasonings to your preference or add other flavors such as garlic powder, liquid smoke, or brown sugar.

Now, it's time to marinate the pork. Place the thinly sliced pork into a resealable bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring that all surfaces of the pork are coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight, to ensure the flavors really penetrate the meat.

After the pork has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat the slices dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture before placing the meat in the air fryer. Ensure the pork slices are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step.

Now you're ready to arrange the pork in the air fryer. Place the pork slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much. This arrangement ensures that all surfaces of the meat are exposed to the hot air, allowing it to dry out evenly. If you have a small air fryer, consider using a rack to maximize space and cook more pork at once.

With these steps, your pork is now prepared and ready for air frying!

Air frying the pork

Air-frying the pork is a simple process, but it does require some patience. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by slicing your pork into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Aim for a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch. You can use a meat mallet to beat the pork and make it thinner and easier to slice. Freezing the pork for an hour beforehand can also help with this process.

Step 2: Marinade

Once you have your pork sliced, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, rice vinegar, onion powder, black pepper, curing salt, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, or brown sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Place the pork strips into a resealable bag or a large bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all the pieces are well coated, and then cover and refrigerate. The pork should be left to marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for a more intense flavour.

Step 3: Air-Frying

After the pork has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat the pieces dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture before air-frying.

Preheat your air fryer to between 160-175°F (70-71°C). Place the pork strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. This is to ensure that the air fryer can dry out the meat evenly.

Air-fry the pork for around 2-4 hours. Check the jerky periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as the exact time will vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the pork. The jerky is done when all the moisture has evaporated, but before it starts to char.

Step 4: Cooling and Storing

Once the jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely. Blot any excess moisture with paper towels, and then transfer the jerky to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover it with another layer of paper towels and let it sit out until it is completely dried, which may take a few hours.

Finally, store your homemade pork jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 30 days.

Storing the pork jerky

Cooling and Packaging:

• Allow the freshly made pork jerky to cool down to room temperature before packaging. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the container.
• Blot the jerky with paper towels to remove any excess grease or oil.
• Place the cooled jerky in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Try to choose a container that is just large enough to hold the amount of jerky you have. Too much empty space can lead to faster spoilage.
• You can also use glass storage containers, which are effective at keeping unwanted odors from affecting the flavor of your jerky.
• Consider adding oxygen absorbers to your container or bag. These small packets help remove oxygen, creating a more favorable environment and extending the shelf life of your jerky.
• For maximum longevity, you can vacuum seal your jerky using a vacuum sealing machine. This method removes almost all the oxygen from the package, significantly increasing the storage time.
• Label your container or bag with the type of jerky and the date of packaging. This helps you keep track of how long the jerky has been stored.

Storage Options:

• Room Temperature Storage: You can store your pork jerky at room temperature for up to 2 months if it has been properly dried and packaged. However, check the jerky regularly for any signs of moisture buildup, as this can lead to spoilage.
• Refrigeration: For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, store your jerky in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, consume the jerky within a week to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Storage: For long-term storage, you can freeze your pork jerky. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer. Freezing may alter the flavor and texture of the jerky slightly, so consider freezing small batches to test before committing to freezing large quantities.

Remember to inspect your jerky for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off odors, before consuming it. Enjoy your delicious homemade pork jerky!

Frequently asked questions