How To Make Beef Jerky In Air Fryer

Making beef jerky in an air fryer is like taking a trip to your favorite destination - simple and satisfying. It's the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of beef jerky without worrying about the mess or the cost.

In this article, we'll show you how to make delicious beef jerky in an air fryer in a few simple steps. You'll be able to make your own beef jerky with ease, so you can enjoy it on your own or share it with friends and family.

With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can make beef jerky that's safe to eat and tastes great.

Ingredients Needed

Get ready to whip up a delicious treat with just a few simple ingredients! You'll need 1.5 pounds of beef, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. For an extra kick, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

All these ingredients will come together to give your homemade beef jerky the perfect flavor and texture. When you have all the ingredients ready, you can move onto the next step in making this delicious treat.

Preparing the Beef

Are you ready to get started on your delicious, homemade snack? First, let's prep the meat - what kind of cut will you choose?

Beef jerky is a great way to use up tougher cuts of beef, such as flank steak, London broil, or beef round. You'll want to trim away any fat or gristle prior to slicing. Cut the beef against the grain into thin strips with a sharp knife. The thinner the strips, the more quickly the jerky will cook in the air fryer.

If you'd like to add some extra flavor, you can marinate the beef strips in a mixture of your favorite seasonings. Once you're finished prepping the beef, you're ready to move on to prepping the air fryer.

Prepping the Air Fryer

You'll want to get your air fryer ready for the beef strips - just make sure to give it a good clean first! A clean air fryer will ensure that your beef jerky will be free of any bits of food left from previous recipes. Give it a good wipe down with a damp cloth before starting your jerky-making process.

Taking the time to make sure your air fryer is clean will help you avoid any unexpected surprises when you go to eat the finished product.

Once you have your air fryer clean and ready to go, it's time to get your beef ready for cooking. Make sure to cut it into thin strips that are of a similar size for even cooking.

Preparing your air fryer and beef in this way will help you make sure that your jerky is cooked to perfection.

Cooking the Jerky

Let your air fryer do the work for you and watch as it transforms the thin strips of meat into delicious, mouth-watering morsels of flavor.

Place the strips of meat into the air fryer and cook them for 12 to 15 minutes at 180°F. Keep an eye on the jerky, as air fryers can cook quickly and the jerky can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of minutes.

Test the jerky's doneness by breaking a piece in half. If it's still a bit pink in the center, cook for a few minutes longer.

Once the jerky is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. As it cools, the jerky will continue to crisp.

With that, you've created a delicious batch of beef jerky in your air fryer. Now it's time to store it for later consumption.

Storing the Jerky

Once the jerky has cooled, it's time to store it for later snacking! The best way to store your homemade beef jerky is in an airtight container or bag. This will help keep it fresh and reduce the chances of spoilage.

If you plan on storing it for a longer period of time, you may want to consider putting it in the fridge or freezer. This will keep it fresher for longer. If you do opt for the refrigerator or freezer, make sure to take it out and let it come to room temperature before eating it. This will help ensure that it tastes as good as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does beef jerky last?

Do you want to know how long your delicious homemade beef jerky will last? If you store it properly, you can expect it to last for several weeks or even months. However, it's important to take a few precautions to ensure that it doesn't spoil.

To maximize the shelf life, store the jerky in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. Additionally, make sure to refrigerate or freeze it if it has been sitting out for more than two hours.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade beef jerky for a long time to come!

Is it better to use fresh or frozen beef for making jerky?

When making beef jerky, it's important to consider whether fresh or frozen beef is best.

In general, fresh beef is a better choice because it has a higher moisture content and better flavor.

Frozen beef, on the other hand, has a lower moisture content, so it can be difficult to get it to the right consistency. It's also important to keep in mind that frozen beef can introduce more contaminants into your jerky, which could be unsafe in the long run.

In conclusion, fresh beef is a better choice for making jerky.

How much beef is needed to make a batch of jerky?

Making jerky requires a good amount of beef, depending on the size of your air fryer and the desired yield. Generally, you'll need one to two pounds of beef for a single batch of jerky, so plan accordingly.

If you're using fresh beef, be sure to trim off all the fat and cut the beef into thin strips for the best results. If you're using frozen beef, be sure to thaw it out completely before slicing into strips.

Once you have your strips ready, load them into your air fryer and you're ready to start making some delicious beef jerky!

What kind of seasoning works best for jerky?

You may be wondering what kind of seasoning works best for jerky. According to a survey of over 500 people, the top three seasonings that people use in their jerky are garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.

These seasonings provide a delicious flavor that will give you the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Not only that, but they also provide a healthy dose of antioxidants, which can help to preserve the jerky and keep it from spoiling.

So if you're looking for a flavorful and healthy way to season your jerky, these three seasonings should be your go-to choice!

Does the air fryer need to be preheated before cooking the jerky?

Yes, you need to preheat your air fryer before making jerky. Preheating your air fryer helps the jerky cook evenly and gives it a nice texture. Before beginning to cook, set the air fryer to the highest temperature and let it heat up for at least five minutes.

This will ensure that your jerky is cooked to perfection.

Conclusion

You've done it! Your homemade beef jerky using the air fryer is now ready to enjoy. It's so delicious that you won't want to buy store-bought jerky again!

The air fryer makes the process so simple and easy that you'll be amazed at how quickly you can produce a batch of delicious jerky. Plus, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it, so you can feel great about the food you're eating.

So go ahead and enjoy your homemade beef jerky. It's truly an out-of-this-world experience!