Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Making teriyaki beef jerky in an air fryer is a simple and cost-effective way to create a delicious snack. With just a few ingredients, an air fryer, and a bit of patience, you can make tender, flavourful beef jerky at home. This method is a great alternative to using a dehydrator or oven, offering speed, consistent cooking, flavour enhancement, and energy efficiency. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make your own teriyaki beef jerky in an air fryer.

Choosing the right cut of meat

When selecting the meat, look for cuts with consistent marbling and a good amount of muscle. The meat should be slightly frozen to make slicing easier. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uniform thickness is important to ensure even drying.

If you are unable to find lean cuts, don't worry! You can always trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef before slicing it into thin strips.

Additionally, consider the type of jerky you want to make. A tougher cut will result in chewier jerky, while a tender cut will give softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky.

For those who prefer convenience, thin minute steak (Rouladen-style beef) is a great option as it is already sliced.

Remember, the right cut of meat will not only impact the taste and texture of your jerky but also the dehydration temperature, time, and preparation.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, prepare the marinade by combining the ingredients in a large bowl. For teriyaki beef jerky, the typical ingredients include soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. You can also add other ingredients like onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a touch of liquid smoke to enhance the flavour. If you want your jerky to have a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes, chilli flakes, or hot sauce in the marinade. Whisk the ingredients until they are completely blended.

Next, prepare the beef by slicing it into thin strips. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You can use flank steak, top round, bottom round, or sirloin steak. If you're using flank steak, freeze it slightly beforehand to make slicing easier. Cut the beef against the grain to ensure more tender jerky.

Once you have prepared the marinade and sliced the beef, it's time to combine them. Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring that all surfaces of the meat are coated. You can mix or turn the beef strips a few times during the marination process to make sure that everything is evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For the best results, it is recommended to marinate the beef overnight or for at least 3-4 hours. This allows the meat to fully absorb the flavours of the marinade.

After the beef has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid. It is important to pat the beef slices dry with paper towels to remove any surface moisture. This step is crucial for proper drying in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings and preparation

When preparing your air fryer, it's important to note that air fryers typically have smaller capacities than dehydrators or ovens. This means you'll be working with smaller batches of jerky. Additionally, air fryers have limited space for air circulation, so it's crucial to arrange the meat in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even drying.

Before placing the meat in the air fryer, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

For the air fryer settings, preheat the air fryer to the lowest setting, ideally around 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to the lowest temperature available. The temperature needs to be low to allow the moisture in the beef to evaporate before the beef strips start to burn.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your meat strips, but it generally takes about 2 to 4 hours. Start checking the jerky after 2 hours and continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of dryness.

Cooking process and times

The cooking process for teriyaki beef jerky in an air fryer is relatively simple, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Slicing the Meat:

Start by slicing your chosen cut of beef into thin strips, aiming for a consistent thickness of around 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You can use a meat mallet to pound the steak to an even thickness before slicing, which will help ensure uniform drying during the cooking process.

Marinating the Beef:

Next, prepare your teriyaki marinade by mixing together ingredients such as soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Submerge the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to its lowest setting, ideally around 160°F to 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to its lowest temperature. You may also want to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Jerky:

Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to 165°F- 180°F and cook for around 2-4 hours, depending on the thickness of your meat. Check the jerky regularly, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as the timing will vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the meat. The jerky is ready when all the moisture has evaporated, but before it starts to char.

Cooling and Storing:

Once the jerky is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before storing. Proper storage is critical to ensuring your jerky stays fresh. Use 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.

Customization and Tips:

You can customize your teriyaki beef jerky by adding ingredients like liquid smoke, chili flakes, or honey to the marinade for a smoky, spicy, or sweeter flavor profile.

Additionally, consider the following tips for optimal results:

• Partially freezing the beef before slicing can make it easier to cut thin, uniform strips.
• The marinade is crucial for flavor, so ensure the beef is well coated and marinated for a sufficient amount of time.
• Pat the beef dry with paper towels after removing it from the marinade to remove excess surface moisture before placing it in the air fryer.
• Flip the beef strips and rotate the racks halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying.
• Check the temperature of the jerky with an instant-read meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume.

Storing the beef jerky

Cooling the Jerky:

Before storing your beef jerky, it is essential to let it cool completely. Place the freshly cooked jerky on a tray or wire rack and allow it to cool down to room temperature. Do not cover the jerky during this process, as trapping the heat can promote moisture buildup, leading to spoilage.

Choosing the Right Container:

Once the jerky is cooled, it's time to select an appropriate storage container. Opt for airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. If using bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids can also be used.

Refrigeration:

For extended storage, it is recommended to keep your beef jerky in the refrigerator. The USDA guidelines suggest that home-dried jerky be refrigerated to maximize its shelf life. It can last in the fridge for up to one week, or even up to a month if properly dried and stored.

Vacuum Sealing:

If you want to extend the shelf life of your teriyaki beef jerky even further, consider vacuum sealing. This method can help keep your jerky fresh for several months. Vacuum sealing removes all oxygen from the package, significantly slowing down the deterioration process caused by oxygen exposure.

Freezing:

Freezing is another option to preserve your beef jerky for an extended period. While beef jerky can be frozen, it is important to note that it may alter the texture slightly. Transfer the jerky to freezer-safe bags or containers and store it in the freezer for several months.

Monitoring for Spoilage:

Regardless of the storage method, it is crucial to monitor your beef jerky for any signs of spoilage. Check for any changes in colour, texture, or odour. If you notice any mould growth, discard the jerky immediately. Proper storage can significantly prolong the shelf life of your homemade teriyaki beef jerky, but it will not last indefinitely.

Frequently asked questions