Air Fryer Turkey Jerky: A Quick, Easy Treat

Turkey jerky is a tasty, high-protein snack that can be made at home in an air fryer. It's a great alternative to store-bought jerky, which can be expensive and full of additives. Making turkey jerky in an air fryer is simple and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a delicious, healthy snack. The process involves marinating thin slices of turkey in a flavourful mixture, then air-frying at a low temperature until the meat is dried to perfection.

Choosing the right turkey cut

Firstly, opt for turkey breast or tenderloin. The breast is ideal because it is lean, with very little fat. Fat spoils faster than meat, so using a lean cut will ensure your finished jerky has a longer shelf life. The tenderloin, a cut from the breast, is also an excellent choice as it is very tender, resulting in tender and chewy jerky. You can easily find turkey breast or tenderloin at most supermarkets, sold separately from the whole turkey.

When selecting the turkey breast, look for a cut that has a consistent thickness throughout. This is important because you want your jerky strips to be of uniform size so they dry evenly in the air fryer. Aim for a thickness of ⅛" to ¼" thick strips. You can also cut the turkey breast into long strips as the length of the strips is not as important as the thickness.

Before slicing the turkey, partially freeze it by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for about an hour. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to slice into thin, even strips. A sharp knife is also crucial for achieving nice, consistent slices. If your knife is dull, sharpen it before slicing the turkey.

Once you've selected and prepared the turkey cut, follow the steps for making turkey jerky in your air fryer, including marinating, drying, and cooking at the right temperature and time. Enjoy experimenting with different marinades and seasonings to create your perfect turkey jerky!

Marinating the meat

Preparing the Meat

Before you begin marinating, it is important to prepare the turkey breast by trimming off any visible fat. Fat can spoil the meat faster, so removing it ensures your jerky will have a longer shelf life. You can purchase turkey breast or tenderloin from most supermarkets.

To make slicing easier, partially freeze the turkey breast by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for about an hour to an hour and a half. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to cut into thin, even strips.

Slicing the Meat

Using a sharp knife, cut the turkey breast into thin slices, about 1/8" to 1/4" thick. The length of the strips does not matter, but it is important that they are of consistent thickness to ensure even drying later in the process.

Preparing the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your chosen marinade ingredients and mix well. A typical marinade includes soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke (optional). You can also add curing salt to help prevent bacteria. Mix until the sugar has dissolved, and then pour the marinade into a large ziplock bag.

Place the sliced turkey strips into the ziplock bag with the marinade, ensuring that all the strips are evenly coated. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours, shaking the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade. The longer the meat marinates, the more intense the flavour will be.

Once the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and allow the excess marinade to drip off. It is now ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your preferred method.

Air fryer temperature

The temperature settings for making turkey jerky in an air fryer are crucial to achieving the right texture and ensuring food safety. Here is a step-by-step guide to the temperature settings:

• Low Temperature for Slow Cooking: Set the air fryer to its lowest setting, typically around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial low-temperature cooking will help tenderize the meat and slowly evaporate moisture without burning the surface. Cook the turkey slices at this setting for about 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Increase Temperature for Food Safety: After the initial low-temperature cook, increase the air fryer temperature to 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature boost is essential to kill microbes and ensure the safety of your jerky. Cook at this setting for 10-15 minutes, or until there are no signs of rawness.
• Final Drying Stage: For the final drying stage, lower the temperature again to 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will continue the drying process without burning the jerky. Cook at this setting for 5-10 minute intervals, checking regularly, until the jerky is dry enough to break apart. It should not be crispy like a potato chip but rather dry enough to break instead of tear.

It's important to note that the cooking times and temperature settings provided are general guidelines. The specific timing and temperature adjustments may vary depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of your turkey slices, and your desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your jerky to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking time

The cooking time for making turkey jerky in an air fryer will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the turkey strips. It is important to note that the temperature needs to be low to allow the moisture in the meat to evaporate before the meat burns.

Set your air fryer to its lowest setting, typically around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the turkey for 40 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through. Then, increase the temperature to 180–185 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 10–15 minutes. Finally, reduce the temperature to 150–160 degrees Fahrenheit and cook in 5–10-minute intervals until the jerky is dry. The jerky is ready when it can be broken apart rather than torn.

In total, the cooking process should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the meat. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria.

Storing the jerky

Once your turkey jerky is cooked, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your homemade turkey jerky:

Air-tight containers: Place the cooled-down jerky in airtight containers or jars. Make sure the containers are dry and clean before adding the jerky. You can use glass jars, plastic containers with airtight lids, or even ziplock bags.

Storage location: Store the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect the quality and taste of the jerky. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is usually a good option.

Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of your turkey jerky, consider storing it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 7-10 days in the fridge. However, some sources suggest that it can be stored for up to two weeks.

Moisture absorption: To maintain dryness and prevent spoilage, you can include a desiccant packet or a piece of bread in the container. The desiccant packet will absorb any excess moisture, while the bread will help keep the jerky dry by absorbing the moisture.

Consumption period: It is recommended to consume the turkey jerky within a reasonable period. Homemade jerky without preservatives is best consumed within 7-10 days. If you plan to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing it.

Freezing: If you want to store the jerky for more than two weeks, you can freeze it. Place the jerky in freezer-safe containers or bags and store it in the freezer. It can last for several months when frozen.

Proper handling: Always use clean utensils when handling the jerky, and avoid touching it with your bare hands. Wash your hands before and after handling the jerky to prevent contamination.

Labeling: Label the containers with the date of preparation and the expiration date. This will help you keep track of how long the jerky has been stored and when it needs to be consumed or discarded.

By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your homemade turkey jerky remains fresh, safe to consume, and full of flavor. Proper storage will also help extend the shelf life of your jerky, allowing you to enjoy your delicious snack for a more extended period.

Frequently asked questions