Love the idea of sinking your teeth into tender, chewy, and flavorful jerky but hate the high price tag or questionable ingredients of store-bought options? You’re not alone! Making homemade jerky is incredibly satisfying, and thanks to modern kitchen appliances, it’s easier than ever. If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer for jerky, you’ve come to the right place.
Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries and chicken wings anymore. Many models come equipped with a dehydrate function, making them surprisingly efficient for turning lean cuts of meat into delicious, protein-packed snacks. Plus, a good air fryer offers excellent temperature control and optimal airflow, which are crucial for safe and evenly dehydrated jerky.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the top air fryer options and a few must-have accessories that will elevate your jerky-making game. Let’s find your next kitchen powerhouse!
1. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Crisp Technology
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a versatile powerhouse that brings incredible crispiness to your favorite foods, and yes, that includes delicious homemade jerky! Its dedicated “Dehydrate” function is a game-changer for meat lovers, allowing you to dry out lean cuts evenly and safely. With its powerful 400℉ superheated air and generous 5-quart capacity, you can whip up substantial batches of your favorite protein-packed snacks with little to no oil. It’s perfect for whipping up everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken wings, and, of course, your very own batches of delicious jerky.
Key Features:
– AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
– LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
– 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
– GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
– FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
– SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
– EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
– WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
Pros:
– Dedicated dehydrate function is excellent for jerky.
– Powerful air crisp technology ensures thorough cooking/drying.
– Large enough capacity for family-sized batches.
– Easy to clean with nonstick components.
– Space-saving design fits well on most countertops.
Cons:
– May require purchasing separate racks for optimal jerky stacking.
– Temperature control for dehydrating might be less granular than dedicated dehydrators.
User Impressions:
Users rave about the Ninja Air Fryer Pro’s versatility and how quickly it cooks food. Many appreciate its dehydrate function, noting that it produces surprisingly good jerky and dried fruits. The ease of cleaning also gets high marks, making it a beloved appliance for daily use.
2. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze Technology
When it comes to professional-grade versatility and speed, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 stands out. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology, featuring a powerful 3600 rpm fan and temperatures up to 450℉, ensures your food is not just cooked, but perfected. While not explicitly named “dehydrate,” its “Pro Upgrade” with precise 90°–450°F temperature control and a 5-fan speed system makes it ideal for the low and slow cooking required for excellent jerky. Plus, its 6-quart square basket offers ample space for family meals, including larger batches of those savory meat snacks.
Key Features:
– 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving beyond-crispy, juicy perfection in every main dish.
– 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control deliver evenly cooked side dishes with perfectly balanced texture in every bite.
– 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control deliver professional-grade versatility, creating exceptional dishes across all functions with just one basket.
– 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking to save time and deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy weekdays.
– 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wider, deeper design for family meals in one go while saving kitchen counter and storage space.
– 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Enjoy a quieter and more comfortable kitchen environment as it operates at less than 53 dB even on high fan speed, delivering whisper-quiet performance.
– 𝟗𝟓% 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙞𝙡: Enjoy the same crispy textures as traditional deep frying with up to 95% less oil. Enjoy all your favorite fried foods without the guilt.
– 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚: The nonstick cooking basket and detachable accessories make cleaning a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meals.
– 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Enjoy flexibility with the Preheat function, which adjusts time based on temperature. Easily choose whether to preheat for optimal results, or skip it as the default setting for a hassle-free experience.
– 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙪𝙩 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙚: Included user manual, chef-created 30-recipe cookbook with pictures, cooking charts. Please be sure to check before discarding the box so you don’t miss out on these helpful resources.
Pros:
– Wide temperature range and precise control are great for dehydrating.
– Larger 6-quart capacity allows for bigger jerky batches.
– Quiet operation makes for a more pleasant kitchen experience.
– Dishwasher-safe parts ensure easy cleanup.
– TurboBlaze Technology offers faster and more even cooking.
Cons:
– Doesn’t explicitly state “dehydrate” as a function (but capabilities suggest it’s possible).
– Might be a higher price point due to advanced features.
User Impressions:
Customers are consistently impressed by the COSORI’s speed, efficiency, and quiet operation. They frequently mention how evenly food cooks and appreciate the large capacity for family meals. Many find it replaces multiple appliances, making it a fantastic all-in-one choice for various cooking tasks, including low-temp drying.
3. BYKITCHEN 8 inch Square Air Fryer Rack, 3pcs Stackable Dehydrator Rack
While not an air fryer itself, the BYKITCHEN stackable dehydrator rack is an absolute must-have accessory if you’re serious about making jerky in your air fryer! This ingenious three-piece set significantly increases your air fryer’s cooking space, allowing you to dehydrate multiple layers of meat simultaneously without them touching. The grid design ensures optimal air circulation, which is vital for achieving that perfectly crispy and evenly dried jerky. It’s a true game-changer for maximizing your air fryer’s potential for food preservation.
Key Features:
– BAKING MULTIPLE FOOD ONE TIME & MORE EVEN COOKING: Three stackable air fryer racks can increase air fryer cooking space, allow you cook multiple food one time without touching each other. And grid design can achieve the better air circulation to make food crispier and cooking more even.
– STACKABLE AIR FRYER RACKS WITH SIDE DESIGN: No need installation required, easy to use. And the shelf is surrounded to make sure food won’t drop when frying or take out. Before using your air fryer, choose the number of layers of air fryer racks you use based on your needs.
– PREMIUM FOOD GRADE MATERIAL: Made of high quality food grade 304 stainless steel, sturdy, durable, rust-proof and high heat resistant, dishwasher safe, 100% safe for daily use. And the entire air fryer rack has been carefully polished, smooth and free of burrs, safe to use and nice touch.
– COMPATIBLE WITH 6-8 QT AIR FRYER: Compatible with square air fryer with inner size>8.7inch& Dinagonal≥11inch, perfectly fit for Cosori 6 QT air fryer, Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6.5 QT AF181, Chefman XL 8-Qt Airfryer, Ninja Foodi Grill AG300/AG400 and more.
– MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DEHYDRATOR RACK: Not only can be used for grilling bacon or chicken wings, but also great for using as dehydrator rack to make various of dehydrated fruit or meat, jerky, lock in the nutrients. Suitable for air fryer, oven, microwave, pot, steamer and more.
Pros:
– Dramatically increases dehydrating capacity in your air fryer.
– Promotes even cooking and drying with optimal airflow.
– Made from durable, food-grade stainless steel.
– Easy to use, no assembly required.
– Dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
Cons:
– Must be compatible with your specific air fryer’s dimensions.
– Not a standalone dehydrator; requires an air fryer to function.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise this rack for its sturdy build and how well it fits into compatible air fryers. They love being able to make larger batches of jerky, dried fruits, and even crispy bacon, noting that the multi-tier design significantly improves the overall dehydration process.
4. SICHEER Dehydrator Rack Stainless Steel Stand Accessories, 4 Stackable Layers
Another fantastic accessory for your air fryer jerky adventures is the SICHEER Dehydrator Rack. Specifically designed to fit the Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer, this four-layer stackable rack takes your air fryer’s capabilities to the next level. It’s built from high-quality food-grade 304 stainless steel, ensuring safe food contact and durability. If you own a compatible Instant Vortex Plus, this rack is the perfect way to make delicious jerky and dried fruits efficiently and safely.
Key Features:
– 【DESIGNED TO FIT】Customized size design is the perfect size to compantible with Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer.
– 【DEHYDRATE FOODS】Four stackable layers make it easier than ever to dehydrate fruits and meats, lock in the nutrients and create delicious batches in one go.
– 【FOOD GRADE SAFETY】Featuring stainless steel food grade 304 (18/8), you can serve your family much-loved healthy meals every day. Of course you can also use it to make pet food.
– 【EASY TO USE】Stackable design offers exceptional convenience to save you precious countertop space, dishwasher safe design makes clean up a breeze.
– 【SAFE HANDLING】Hand sanded，ensure safe handling with burr-free edges. Rigid diamond mesh reducing the risk of the dents.
Pros:
– Four stackable layers for maximum dehydrating capacity.
– Made from premium food-grade stainless steel for safety and durability.
– Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
– Hand-sanded for safe handling with no burrs.
Cons:
– Highly specific compatibility (only for Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer).
– Not a standalone appliance.
User Impressions:
Users who own the compatible Instant Vortex Plus air fryer find this rack to be an indispensable accessory. They highlight its perfect fit and the ability to dehydrate large quantities of food, from jerky to pet treats, praising its quality and ease of cleaning.
5. Air Fryer Rack Compatible with Ninja DZ201 DZ401 PowerXL Air Fryer
Rounding out our list of essential jerky-making tools is this versatile air fryer rack, specifically designed for popular models like the Ninja DZ201, DZ401, and various PowerXL air fryers. Like other dehydrator racks, this accessory is crucial for anyone looking to maximize their air fryer’s capacity for homemade jerky. Its multi-layer design ensures that each piece of meat receives optimal air circulation, leading to perfectly and evenly dried results, making it another excellent companion to your best air fryer for jerky.
Key Features:
– Stackable design for increased cooking space, allowing for multiple layers of food.
– Made from durable, food-grade stainless steel for safety and longevity.
– Promotes optimal air circulation for even cooking and dehydrating.
– Dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup.
– Specifically compatible with Ninja DZ201, DZ401, and PowerXL air fryers.
Pros:
– Maximizes the amount of jerky you can make in a single batch.
– Sturdy stainless steel construction ensures durability.
– Easy to clean, often dishwasher safe.
– Tailored fit for specific popular air fryer models.
Cons:
– Compatibility is limited to the listed air fryer models.
– Not a standalone appliance for dehydrating.
User Impressions:
Customers with compatible Ninja and PowerXL models frequently appreciate the perfect fit and the extra space this rack provides. They mention that it’s a game-changer for making larger quantities of jerky and other dehydrated snacks, saving them time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryers and Jerky
Making jerky in an air fryer can be a bit different from traditional methods. Here are some common questions to help you get started:
1. Can you make jerky in any air fryer?
Not all air fryers are created equal for jerky. The best air fryer for jerky will typically have a dedicated “Dehydrate” function or at least the ability to maintain very low temperatures (ideally around 130-170°F or 55-77°C) for extended periods. Standard air fryers that only go up to high temperatures aren’t suitable for dehydrating.
2. What’s the ideal temperature and time for making jerky in an air fryer?
Generally, for food safety and optimal texture, you’ll want to dehydrate jerky at a low temperature, usually between 160-170°F (70-77°C), for about 3-6 hours. Some recipes might suggest starting higher (e.g., 200°F for 30 minutes) to kill bacteria, then dropping to a lower dehydrating temperature. Always follow a reputable recipe and ensure the jerky reaches a safe internal temperature and is fully dehydrated.
3. What kind of meat is best for air fryer jerky?
Lean cuts of meat are best for jerky to prevent spoilage from fat. Good options include top round, bottom round, flank steak, or even turkey and chicken breast. Trim off all visible fat before marinating and slicing.
4. Do I need special accessories for making jerky in an air fryer?
While you can make small batches without, specialized dehydrator racks are highly recommended. They allow you to stack multiple layers of jerky, significantly increasing your batch size and ensuring even airflow around each piece. This prevents overcrowding and promotes consistent drying.
5. How do I store homemade air fryer jerky?
Once your jerky is cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag. For best quality and safety, keep it in a cool, dark place or refrigerate it. Properly dried and stored jerky can last for several weeks, or even months in the freezer.
6. Is air fryer jerky safe to eat?
Yes, homemade air fryer jerky is safe if prepared and dried correctly. Ensure your meat is sliced thinly and evenly, marinated properly, and dehydrated at temperatures that are safe for meat (typically starting high to kill bacteria, then lowering). The goal is to remove enough moisture to prevent microbial growth.
7. How does an air fryer compare to a dedicated dehydrator for jerky?
Air fryers are more compact and versatile appliances that can handle jerky as one of their many functions. They often dehydrate faster due to stronger fans. Dedicated dehydrators, however, are typically designed for larger capacities, offer more precise low-temperature control, and might be more energy-efficient for very large batches. For casual jerky makers, an air fryer with a dehydrate function is a fantastic, space-saving choice.
Conclusion
Creating your own delicious, healthy, and customizable jerky has never been easier, especially with the right air fryer in your kitchen. Whether you opt for a versatile unit like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro or the high-tech COSORI 9-in-1, or supercharge your existing appliance with a dedicated dehydrator rack, you’re well on your way to becoming a jerky pro.
Ultimately, picking the best air fryer for jerky (or the right accessories to enhance your existing one) comes down to your needs, budget, and counter space. Happy dehydrating, and enjoy those protein-packed homemade snacks!