Make Beef Jerky In An Air Fryer

Beef jerky is a tasty, protein-packed snack that's easy to make in an air fryer. It's also a great alternative to store-bought jerky, which can be expensive. Making your own beef jerky in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few ingredients. All you need is a lean cut of beef, a marinade of your choice, and some patience!

Choosing the right cut of meat

Lean Cuts

It is recommended to opt for a lean cut of beef when making beef jerky. Lean cuts, such as top round, bottom round, sirloin, or eye of round, tend to have less fat, which is important because fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Lean cuts also provide a good amount of meat for your jerky, and you won't have to worry about any extra trimming. If you're looking for uniform-sized strips, an eye of round steak is a great choice.

Thickness

The thickness of your meat will impact the texture of your jerky. Thicker strips will give you a chewier product, while thinner strips will result in more tender jerky. As a general guideline, aim for a thickness between 1/8" and 1/4". If you're looking for easy slicing, consider partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. This will give the beef a firmer texture and make it easier to achieve uniform strips.

Texture and Taste

The type of cut you choose will also impact the texture and taste of your jerky. A tougher cut of meat will result in chewier jerky, while a tender cut will give you softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky. So, choose your cut according to the type of jerky you want to make. For example, thin minute steak (Rouladen style beef) is already sliced and saves you a preparation step, but flank steak will require more work but can also make chewy jerky.

Convenience

If you're looking for convenience, consider asking your local butcher to cut the meat for you. This will save you time and ensure that you have uniform strips for your jerky.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of meat for your air fryer beef jerky, opt for lean cuts like top round or sirloin, consider the thickness of the meat for your desired texture, and don't be afraid to ask your butcher for help if you want to save time and ensure uniform strips.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, select your beef cut. It is recommended to opt for lean cuts of beef, such as top round, sirloin, or flank steak. These cuts minimise fat content, which can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Trimming any excess fat is an important step before you begin marinating.

Next, prepare your marinade. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, and onion or garlic powder. You can also add spices like chilli flakes or ground black pepper for an extra kick. For a more complex flavour profile, try a teriyaki marinade by adding soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. If you want a smoky flavour, add liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Once you have prepared your marinade, trim your beef to remove any excess fat, and slice it into thin strips, no thicker than 1/4 inch. Partially freezing the beef beforehand can make slicing easier. You can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you.

Now, it's time to combine the beef and marinade. Place the beef strips into a bowl or bag with the marinade, ensuring each strip is well coated. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. The beef should be left to marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave it overnight or for up to 24 hours.

After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat each strip dry with paper towels. This step ensures any excess marinade is removed, creating the ideal texture for the air fryer.

Your beef is now ready for the air fryer!

Drying the beef

Slicing the Meat

Firstly, select a lean cut of beef with minimal fat, such as top round, sirloin, or flank steak. Fat does not dry well and can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Trim any excess fat from the meat, then slice it into long, thin strips, no thicker than 1/4 of an inch. For easier slicing, consider freezing the beef for about 1-2 hours first. Slice against the grain for a tender chew, or with the grain for a more traditional, chewy texture.

Marinating the Beef

Prepare a marinade using ingredients such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add spices like chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or liquid smoke for a spicy or smoky flavour. Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, then add the beef strips, ensuring they are fully coated by the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavour.

Preparing the Air Fryer

After marinating, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. You want to remove any excess marinade for the best texture. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the beef strips inside in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to unevenly dried jerky.

Air Frying the Beef

Set the air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to dry out the meat slowly. Air fry the beef for 2-4 hours, checking regularly and flipping the strips every 30 minutes to ensure even drying. The jerky is done when it bends and cracks but does not break completely, and should feel firm and dry without any sogginess.

Cooling and Storing

Once the jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming and spoiling the jerky. Store your beef jerky in airtight containers or freezer bags, and keep it in the refrigerator where it can last for several weeks.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making beef jerky in an air fryer will depend on the type of finish you want for your jerky, the thickness of your meat slices, and the type of air fryer you are using.

For a chewy finish, you will need to air fry for longer. A tough and chewy finish will also require thicker slices of meat. If you want a softer, more tender jerky, opt for thinner slices of meat and a shorter cooking time.

Most recipes recommend air frying at a low temperature for a long time to allow the moisture in the beef to evaporate before the beef strips start to burn. Recommended temperatures range from 160-180°F (71-82°C).

One recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 160°F (70°C) and air frying for 3 hours. Another recommends 175°F (80°C) for 2-3 hours. A third suggests 180°F (82°C) for 45 minutes to an hour.

However, it is important to monitor the jerky as it cooks, as the time it takes to dehydrate will vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your meat slices. The jerky is done when it bends and cracks but does not break completely. It should feel firm and dry to the touch without any sogginess.

To ensure the jerky is safe to consume, it needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this with an instant-read meat thermometer.

Storing the beef jerky

Cooling the Beef Jerky

Before storing, it is important to let the beef jerky cool down completely. Place the cooked jerky on a wire rack or a clean plate and allow it to cool to room temperature. Do not cover the jerky while cooling, as it needs airflow to finish the dehydration process.

Choosing a Storage Container

For short-term storage, choose an airtight container such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the jerky. If using a resealable bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Refrigeration

For optimal freshness, it is recommended to store your beef jerky in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container or bag in the fridge and consume within one week. Refrigeration helps to prolong the shelf life of the jerky and maintain its texture.

Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store the beef jerky for an extended period, consider freezing it. Transfer the jerky to freezer-safe bags or containers and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Frozen beef jerky can be thawed and enjoyed at a later date.

Food Safety

Proper storage is crucial to prevent food spoilage and ensure food safety. Always use clean utensils and containers when handling the jerky. Wash your hands before preparing or consuming the jerky. Inspect the jerky before eating—if it shows any signs of spoilage, discard it immediately.

Consuming the Jerky

When you're ready to enjoy your beef jerky, simply take it out of the refrigerator or freezer and open the container. Beef jerky is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat it. You can eat it as a snack on its own or incorporate it into other dishes, such as salads or sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions