Air Fryer Jerky: Perfect Temperature And Timing

Making beef jerky in an air fryer is a great way to make a tasty, high-protein snack. The ideal temperature to air fry beef jerky is between 160-180°F/70-80°C. The length of time it takes to cook will depend on the thickness of the beef strips and how chewy you want your jerky to be. On average, it takes 2-3 hours to cook beef jerky in an air fryer.

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Meat

Select a lean cut of beef with minimal fat. Good options include eye of round steak, top round roast, bottom round steak, or sirloin tip. These cuts provide a good balance between flavour and tenderness.

Preparing the Meat

Trim any excess fat from the outside of the beef. Then, cut the meat into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch. Freezing the beef for about 30 minutes beforehand can make it easier to cut into thin, uniform strips. Cut against the grain for easier-to-rip strips, or with the grain for longer, chewier jerky.

Making the Marinade

There are numerous options for marinades, ranging from store-bought options to homemade creations. A basic marinade might include Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, and onion powder. You can also experiment with different flavours like teriyaki, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, chilli flakes, or garlic powder.

Place the beef strips in a bowl or resealable bag, ensuring they are fully covered by the marinade and not sticking together. Refrigerate the marinating beef for at least 3 hours, but preferably for 18-24 hours. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavourful it will become.

Drying the Meat

After marinating, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure even cooking and dehydration in the air fryer.

Air Frying the Jerky

Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 160-180°F, and dehydrate for 2-3 hours. Check the jerky periodically to ensure it reaches your desired texture and doneness.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of the meat, and your preferred level of doneness. Always follow food safety guidelines and ensure the jerky reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.

Drying/dehydrating the meat

The key to getting the best results when drying/dehydrating meat in an air fryer is to ensure that the meat is sliced thinly and evenly. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch or less. You can use a sharp knife to cut the meat by hand, or ask your butcher to slice it for you. If you're having trouble getting uniform slices, try partially freezing the meat before cutting—this will make it firmer and easier to slice.

Once you have your thinly sliced meat, you'll need to marinate it. Place the slices in a resealable bag or bowl and cover them with your chosen marinade. Make sure all surfaces of the meat are coated. Then, place the meat in the refrigerator to marinate. The minimum marinating time is around 2-3 hours, but for the best results, leave it overnight or for up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate the meat, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

After marinating, remove the meat from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important, as any excess moisture on the surface of the meat can affect the drying/dehydrating process.

Now it's time to arrange the meat in your air fryer. Place the slices in the air fryer basket or on the tray, making sure they don't overlap. Overlapping pieces will prevent even drying/dehydrating. If your air fryer is small, you may want to use a rack to maximise space.

Set your air fryer to a low temperature, around 160-180°F (70-80°C). The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your meat, but plan for around 2-3 hours. The goal is to slowly evaporate the moisture from the meat without burning it. Check on your jerky periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking time. It's done when all the moisture has evaporated, but before it starts to char.

To ensure food safety, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the jerky. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to be safe to consume.

Meat temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking beef jerky in an air fryer is around 160-180°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F for 3 minutes, and then dehydrating at a lower temperature.

The meat needs to be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to be safe to consume. This is best checked with an instant-read meat thermometer.

The meat should be cut into thin strips, ideally about 1/4 inch thick, and marinated for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours. The longer the meat is marinated, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

After marinating, the meat should be dried thoroughly before placing it in the air fryer. It should be arranged in a single layer, with none of the strips overlapping, and cooked for around 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness, with chewy jerky requiring a longer cooking time.

It is important to monitor the jerky as it gets close to the end of the cooking time, as the dehydration process can cause the meat to burn. The jerky is done when all the moisture has been removed, but before it chars.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for making beef jerky in an air fryer is between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes recommend cooking at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours, while others suggest 180 degrees Fahrenheit for the same duration.

It is important to note that the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. For example, thinner strips of meat will cook faster and result in a more tender texture, while thicker strips may require a longer cooking time to achieve a chewier consistency.

Additionally, the type of air fryer and the specific model may also influence the temperature setting. Some air fryers have a dehydrate setting, which is ideal for making beef jerky. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model to achieve the best results.

Moreover, it is crucial to marinate the beef before air frying. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. The length of time required for marination can vary from a minimum of 30 minutes to overnight or up to 24 hours for more intense flavors.

In summary, the ideal temperature range for making beef jerky in an air fryer is 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooking times ranging from 2 to 3 hours or slightly longer, depending on the desired texture and the thickness of the meat strips.

Storage

Once your 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 beef jerky:

• Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing.
• Place the jerky in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure it is sealed tightly to prevent any moisture from getting in.
• Store the jerky at room temperature in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. It can be kept this way for up to 2 weeks.
• Alternatively, you can store the jerky in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge and will remain fresh and safe to consume.
• For longer-term storage, consider freezing the jerky. Place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• When storing in the freezer, it is important to ensure that sunlight is avoided as it can affect the quality of the jerky.
• Once the container or bag is opened, make sure to remove as much air as possible before resealing to maintain freshness.
• Proper storage will ensure that your homemade beef jerky stays tasty and safe to consume for an extended period.

Frequently asked questions