Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Freeze the Beef Slightly: Place the beef in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until it is firm but not frozen solid. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
- Slice the Beef: Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even drying.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
- Marinate: Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 160°F (70°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Dry the Beef
- Drain and Pat Dry: Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the beef to dry out properly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even drying.
Step 6: Air Fry the Jerky
- Initial Drying: Set the air fryer to 160°F (70°C) and cook the beef strips for 2-3 hours, checking every 30 minutes. Use tongs to turn the strips occasionally for even drying.
- Check for Doneness: The jerky is done when it is dry but still pliable. If the strips crack or break when bent, they are overdone. Aim for a chewy texture that is not too brittle.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Cool: Remove the beef jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store: Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container or resealable bag. It can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.
Tips and Tricks
- Uniform Slicing: Consistent thickness ensures even drying. Use a meat slicer if you have one for perfect slices.
- Flavor Variations: Customize your jerky by adding different spices or marinades, such as teriyaki sauce, hot sauce, or liquid smoke.
- Storage: Properly dried jerky should last 1-2 weeks at room temperature, longer if refrigerated.
Conclusion
Making beef jerky at home using Aldi’s beef and an air fryer is a simple and rewarding process. With a flavorful marinade and careful drying, you can create a delicious, protein-rich snack that’s perfect for on-the-go or a healthy treat at home. Enjoy your homemade jerky and feel good about your nutritious snack choice!