Tillie Doyle
Air Fryer Jerky is a simple, tasty, and healthy snack recipe. It is a great low-carb, high-protein snack option that can be made easily at home. The best cuts of meat for jerky are lean and flavourful, such as top round and bottom round steaks. The meat should be sliced thinly, no thicker than 1/4 inch, and marinated for at least 3 hours, but preferably left overnight. The air fryer temperature should be set to around 165-180°F for 2-4 hours, depending on how chewy you like your jerky.
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What You'll Learn
Recommended temperature settings
The recommended temperature settings for cooking jerky in an air fryer vary depending on the desired texture and the size of the meat strips. For example, thicker strips may require a lower temperature to ensure that the moisture evaporates before the surface burns.
Most sources recommend a temperature between 165°F and 180°F. At 165°F, the jerky should be cooked for around 4 hours, while at 180°F, it should be cooked for 1-2 hours. One source recommends cooking at 175°F for 2-3 hours, checking the jerky after 2 hours and then every 15 minutes until it is done. This source also emphasizes the importance of the jerky reaching an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume.
The USDA recommends that beef jerky reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This can be achieved by cooking the beef on a steak setting at 350°F for 3 minutes or until there is no pink in the center of the strips.
It is important to note that the cook time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the size and wattage of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the meat strips. For example, thinner strips will cook faster and may require a lower temperature to prevent burning.
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Meat preparation
The first step in preparing meat for air fryer beef jerky is to select the right cut of beef. Lean cuts of meat are recommended, such as top round, bottom round, or eye of round steaks. These cuts have less external fat, which reduces the need for trimming and helps prevent spoilage during storage.
Once you have selected the appropriate cut of beef, trim any excess fat from the outside of the meat. This step is important because fat can cause spoilage. Then, slice the beef into thin strips, ideally no thicker than 1/4 inch (or 0.5 cm). Partially freezing the beef beforehand can make it easier to achieve these thin, even slices.
Next, prepare a marinade by whisking together your desired ingredients. Place the beef strips into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated and not sticking together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours. The longer the beef marinates, the more tender and flavourful it will become.
After marinating, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. It is important that the meat is thoroughly dried before placing it in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and dehydration.
Now, you are ready to place the beef strips into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the strips are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will impact the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 130°F to 180°F, depending on your preference and the capabilities of your air fryer.
Finally, air fry the beef jerky for approximately 2-3 hours at the chosen temperature. Check the jerky periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as the dehydration time will vary based on the thickness of the strips and the specific air fryer model. The jerky is ready when it has reached your desired texture, from firm and tender to chewy, and has dehydrated fully without burning.
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Marinades and seasonings
When marinating, it is essential to ensure that the meat is thoroughly coated and that it is left to marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. The longer the meat is left to marinate, the more flavour it will absorb. After marinating, pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess marinade or moisture. This step is crucial as it allows the meat to dehydrate properly in the air fryer.
You can also add additional seasoning after the jerky is cooked if you prefer a stronger flavour or want to experiment with different combinations. It is recommended to use dry rubs and avoid making the jerky too moist. It is important to be cautious and not over-season, as the jerky can become overwhelmingly salty.
For chicken jerky, common marinades include soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Lean cuts of chicken breast are ideal for making chicken jerky as they help in effective dehydration without excessive fat that can lead to spoilage.
When making beef jerky, it is recommended to use a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, and to trim off any excess fat. An Eye of Round steak is a great choice as it provides uniform-sized strips with no external fat. You can also opt for a Top Round Roast, but the strips may be slightly inconsistent in size.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for beef jerky in an air fryer depends on the consistency you want to achieve. For a firm but tender texture, 2 hours should be enough. However, if you prefer your jerky chewy, you will need to increase the cooking time. One recipe recommends 4 hours at 165°F (74°C), while another suggests 2.5 hours at 170°F (77°C).
The USDA recommends that beef jerky reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to consume. This is important to ensure any harmful bacteria are eliminated. You can check the temperature of your jerky with an instant-read meat thermometer.
The size of your air fryer will also impact the cooking time. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the jerky in batches or use a rack to maximise the space. The wattage of your air fryer may also affect the cooking time, as higher wattage appliances will cook faster. It is important to keep an eye on your jerky as it cooks, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent it from burning.
The thickness of the beef strips will also influence the cooking time. Thicker strips will take longer to dehydrate, so it is recommended to cut the beef into strips no thicker than 1/4 inch (0.5 cm). An Eye of Round steak is a good choice as it provides a uniform size and thickness, with no external fat. Partially freezing the beef before slicing can make it easier to achieve thin, even strips.
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Storage
Once you've cooked your beef jerky in an air fryer, you'll want to store it properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines for storing your homemade beef jerky:
Refrigeration
The USDA recommends that homemade beef jerky be stored in the refrigerator, especially if it doesn't contain curing salts. This will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure your jerky stays safe to consume. The recommended refrigeration time for homemade jerky is 1-2 months.
Airtight Containers
Place your cooled beef jerky in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and keep it from drying out further or absorbing excess moisture. Airtight containers also protect the jerky from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
Lean Cuts and Low Fat
When preparing your beef jerky, opt for lean cuts of meat with minimal external fat. Fat content can impact the storage life of your jerky. Trimming any excess fat before cooking and choosing leaner cuts will result in jerky that lasts longer in storage.
Marinade and Curing Salts
The type of marinade you use can also affect the storage life of your jerky. Some marinades, like teriyaki sauce, may have a shorter shelf life due to their sugar and salt content. Adding curing salts to your marinade, such as Prague #2, can help extend the storage life of your jerky by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Maintain a consistent refrigeration temperature to store your beef jerky optimally. Ensure your refrigerator is set to a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature range will help prevent bacterial growth and keep your jerky fresh for a longer period.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your air-fried beef jerky remains safe, fresh, and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage will also reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, so it is essential to prioritize food safety when storing your homemade jerky.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature to cook jerky in an air fryer is 175°F/80°C. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 165°F for 4 hours or 180°F for 2 hours.
The cook time depends on how you like your jerky. For chewy jerky, you will need a longer cook time. It takes around 2-3 hours to cook jerky in an air fryer at 175°F/80°C.
Lean cuts of beef with minimal external fat, such as Top Round, Bottom Round, or Eye of Round steaks, are ideal for making jerky in an air fryer.
