Make Spicy Beef Jerky In Your Air Fryer

Making spicy beef jerky in an air fryer is a simple process that delivers a tasty, high-protein snack. The air fryer dries the meat evenly, resulting in a chewy texture and intense flavour. It is also a great way to save money, as store-bought jerky can be expensive. The process is straightforward: cut the beef into thin strips, marinate, place in the air fryer, and then store in an airtight container.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Lean Cuts

It is recommended to opt for lean cuts of beef when making beef jerky in an air fryer. Lean cuts, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin, or eye of round, have minimal fat content, which is important because fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Lean cuts also provide a good balance of flavour and tenderness in the final product.

Tenderness and Texture

The tenderness and texture of the beef jerky depend on the cut of meat you choose. A tougher cut of meat will result in chewier jerky, while a more tender cut will give you softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky. If you prefer a more traditional, chewy texture, go for cuts like flank steak, which can be tough if cut with the grain, or opt for cuts like top round or eye of round for more consistent, uniform strips. For a tender chew, cut the meat against the grain.

Thickness

The thickness of the meat slices will impact the texture and cooking time of your beef jerky. For air fryer beef jerky, it is recommended to slice the meat thinly, usually between 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Thicker strips will result in a chewier product, while thinner strips will be more tender.

Freezing for Easier Slicing

To achieve thin, uniform slices, it is helpful to partially freeze the beef before cutting. Freezing the meat for about 30 minutes to an hour will give it a firmer texture and make it easier to slice into thin, consistent strips. Alternatively, you can ask your local butcher to slice the meat for you.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of meat for air fryer beef jerky, opt for lean cuts like top round, bottom round, sirloin, or eye of round for the best flavour and texture. Consider the desired tenderness and texture of the final product, and slice the meat thinly for the best results. Partially freezing the meat can make slicing easier and ensure more consistent strips.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, you'll want to trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef. This is important as fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Next, slice the beef into thin strips, no thicker than 1/4 inch. You can use a very sharp knife to cut the beef or, for ease, ask your butcher to slice it for you. Alternatively, freeze the beef for around an hour before slicing to make the process easier.

Once you have your beef strips, it's time to make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together your chosen ingredients. A simple marinade might include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, and onion powder. If you want to make your jerky spicy, add some chilli flakes. You can also buy pre-made marinades, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce.

After preparing your marinade, add the beef strips, ensuring all the meat is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. For the best results, leave the beef to marinate for at least three hours, although eight hours or overnight is ideal. This will give the flavours time to fully penetrate the meat.

Once the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. It's now ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The timing will depend on the thickness of your meat slices and the capacity of your air fryer. For thinly sliced beef, the cooking time can range from 2 to 3 hours. However, it's important to keep an eye on your jerky as it gets close to the end of the cooking time, as you don't want it to burn or char. The jerky is done when it bends and cracks but doesn't break completely, and it should feel dry and firm to the touch.

If you're using an air fryer with a steak setting, you can start by cooking the beef strips at 350°F for about 3 minutes, or until there's no pink left in the centre. Then, switch to the dehydrate setting for the remainder of the cooking time.

After removing the jerky from the air fryer, it's important to let it cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which could lead to spoilage. Store your spicy beef jerky in airtight containers or freezer bags, and keep it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life to several weeks.

Preparing the beef for the air fryer

Firstly, choose the right cut of beef. Opt for a lean cut, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin, or flank steak. Leaner cuts have less fat, which is ideal as fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. If you want a chewier texture, go for a tougher cut of beef. For a softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky, choose a more tender cut.

Next, trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef. This step is important to ensure the jerky has a longer shelf life.

Then, slice the beef into thin strips. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch or less. For more tender jerky, cut the strips against the grain; for a chewier texture, cut with the grain. Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes to an hour can make slicing easier and result in more uniform strips.

After slicing, prepare a marinade. While you can purchase pre-made marinades, it is simple to make your own by combining ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, and spices like onion powder, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.

Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Once the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and pat the strips dry with paper towels. This step will help ensure the jerky dries evenly in the air fryer.

Storing the beef jerky

Storing your homemade beef jerky is an important step to ensure it stays fresh and edible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your spicy beef jerky made in an air fryer:

Cooling the Jerky:

Before storing your beef jerky, it is important to let it cool down completely. After air frying, place the jerky on a wire rack or a clean plate and let it sit at room temperature until it is no longer warm. This step helps prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container.

Choosing a Storage Container:

It is recommended to use airtight containers made of glass or plastic with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the jerky. Avoid using paper bags or containers that are not airtight, as they can compromise the quality and freshness of the jerky.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

Beef jerky made in an air fryer can be stored in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container with the cooled jerky inside and store it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume the jerky within one week to ensure optimal freshness. However, the USDA advises that properly dried jerky can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 months.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage:

If you want to store your beef jerky for longer periods, consider freezing it. Place the airtight container in the freezer, where it can last for several months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the jerky in the refrigerator before consuming it.

Ensuring Food Safety:

It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene and food safety practices when storing beef jerky. Always wash your hands before handling the jerky and ensure all utensils and surfaces are clean. Additionally, regularly check the condition of the jerky. If you notice any signs of mold or an unpleasant odour, discard the jerky immediately.

Portioning and Packaging:

Consider portioning your beef jerky into smaller quantities before storing. This way, you can easily grab a single serving without exposing the entire batch to moisture and air each time you open the container. You can use smaller containers or resealable plastic bags to portion out the jerky.

Frequently asked questions