Craving delicious, homemade beef jerky without the hassle? You’ve come to the right place! While traditional methods can be time-consuming, using an air fryer has become a game-changer for jerky enthusiasts. Air fryers offer a more compact, efficient way to dehydrate meat, giving you that perfectly chewy and flavorful snack right in your kitchen. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best air fryer for beef jerky?
We’ve rounded up and reviewed seven top contenders, focusing on features that make them ideal for meat dehydration, like precise temperature control, adequate capacity, and often, a dedicated dehydrate function. Let’s dive in and find your next jerky-making powerhouse!
Why an Air Fryer for Beef Jerky?
You might be wondering, “Can an air fryer really make good jerky?” The answer is a resounding yes! While air fryers are famous for “frying” with hot air, many models also boast low-temperature settings, making them surprisingly effective for dehydrating. They offer consistent heat and good air circulation, which are crucial for evenly drying meat. Plus, making homemade jerky means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sodium found in store-bought versions. It’s a healthier, more cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite savory snack.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer for Jerky
Before we jump into the reviews, here are a few key things to look for in the best air fryer for beef jerky:
- Dehydrate Function: This is a big one! A dedicated dehydrate setting typically operates at lower, consistent temperatures (around 130-160°F), perfect for slowly drying meat without cooking it.
- Temperature Range: Even without a specific dehydrate function, an air fryer with a wide temperature range that goes down to at least 130-150°F can work wonders.
- Capacity: How much jerky do you want to make at once? Consider basket size or overall capacity. Larger families or avid snackers might prefer bigger models.
- Airflow and Racks: Good air circulation is vital for even dehydration. Some models come with multiple racks or a design that promotes better airflow.
- Ease of Cleaning: Making jerky can be a bit messy. Dishwasher-safe parts are a huge bonus.
- User-Friendliness: Digital controls, pre-set functions, and clear displays make the process smoother.
Now, let’s explore our top picks!
Product Reviews
1. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is a versatile kitchen workhorse that doesn’t just air fry; its powerful air crisp technology and 4-in-1 functionality make it a strong contender for dehydrating. While primarily known for delivering super-crispy results, its ability to dehydrate at precise temperatures means you can easily turn thin slices of marinated meat into delicious beef jerky. The generous 5-quart capacity also ensures you can make a decent batch without multiple rounds.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 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 methods.
- SPACE SAVER: Compact design without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, 20 recipe book.
Pros:
– Dedicated Dehydrate function is excellent for jerky.
– Good capacity for family-sized batches.
– Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts.
– Versatile for other cooking tasks.
Cons:
– May require more monitoring for precise jerky texture if not using preset.
– Temperature range might not go as low as dedicated dehydrators for some ultra-low temp recipes.
User Impressions: Users love its overall versatility and ease of use, especially the dehydrate function for snacks like fruit and jerky. Many appreciate how quickly it cooks and how easy it is to clean up afterward.
2. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 stands out with its innovative TurboBlaze Technology and a whopping 9 functions, making it incredibly versatile. Its ability to maintain precise temperatures from 90°F to 450°F is a huge plus for beef jerky, as the lower end of that spectrum is perfect for slow dehydration. The whisper-quiet operation is an added bonus, meaning you can run it for hours without disturbing your household while your jerky dries.
- Taste Upgrade: TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉.
- Texture Upgrade: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for even cooking.
- Pro Upgrade: Unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control.
- Time Upgrade: Speeds up cooking for faster meals.
- Capacity Upgrade: 6-quart square basket for family meals.
- Experience Upgrade: Operates at less than 53 dB for quiet performance.
- 95% Less Oil: Enjoy crispy textures with significantly less oil.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Nonstick cooking basket and detachable accessories for easy cleanup.
- Customizable Preheat Function: Flexibility to preheat or skip.
- Included Resources: User manual, 30-recipe cookbook, cooking charts.
Pros:
– Extremely wide and precise temperature range (down to 90°F!) ideal for dehydrating.
– Quiet operation, great for longer dehydration times.
– Generous 6-quart capacity.
– Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze.
Cons:
– Might be overkill for someone only looking to make jerky.
– No explicit “Dehydrate” pre-set button, but the temperature control compensates.
User Impressions: Customers rave about its quiet operation and the consistent, excellent results across various cooking modes. The wide temperature range is frequently praised for its versatility.
3. Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick
The Chefman 6 QT Compact Airfryer is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of capacity and countertop efficiency. While it boasts a high 450°F Hi-Fry Technology for crisping, its digital touch screen allows for custom temperature and time settings, which is essential for adapting it for jerky. The LED shake notifications are a clever feature, though less critical for jerky, it shows attention to user experience. Its sleek, narrow design makes it a good fit for smaller kitchens.
- FAST AND EASY: Digital touch screen with customizable time and temperature, or 4 presets.
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve perfect finishing crunch.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: Sleek, narrow design maximizes 6-quart capacity while saving counter space.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Cook low-fat meals with little-to-no oil.
- LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Audible alarm reminds you to shake food for crispier results.
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: Dishwasher safe 6-quart nonstick basket and rack.
- SAFETY FIRST: Automatic shutoff technology.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with 1-year assurance.
Pros:
– Large 6-quart capacity in a compact design.
– Digital controls allow for temperature customization for jerky.
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.
– Stylish look for any kitchen.
Cons:
– No dedicated dehydrate function; requires manual temperature/time setting.
– Lower end of temperature range might not be ideal for very slow, low-temp jerky.
User Impressions: Users appreciate its compact size relative to its capacity and the ease of use. The touch screen controls are intuitive, and the cleanup is often highlighted as a major benefit.
4. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
For the serious jerky maker or a large family, the Ninja Foodi 10QT DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is a powerhouse. Its standout feature is the DualZone Technology, allowing you to cook two different things at once. More importantly for jerky, it has a dedicated “Dehydrate” program and a wide temperature range that dips down to 105°F, which is absolutely perfect for low-and-slow drying. The two independent 5-quart baskets mean you can dehydrate a massive batch of jerky simultaneously, making it arguably the best air fryer for beef jerky if capacity is your priority.
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminates back-to-back cooking with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
- SMART COOK SYSTEM: Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
- DUALZONE TECHNOLOGY: Smart Finish (cooks 2 foods to finish at the same time) or Match Cook (copies settings across zones for 10-qt capacity).
- IQ BOOST: Optimally distributes power across baskets.
- 6 VERSATILE COOKING PROGRAMS: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- XL 10-QT. CAPACITY AND 2 BASKETS: Cook main and side simultaneously or up to 8 lbs of chicken wings.
- 2 INDEPENDENT 5-QT. XL ZONES: Each with its own fan and heater.
- FASTER COOKING: Up to 30% faster than a traditional oven.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick cooking baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
Pros:
– Dedicated Dehydrate function with a fantastic low temperature of 105°F.
– Massive 10-quart capacity with two independent baskets for large batches.
– DualZone technology adds incredible versatility for other meals.
– Smart Thermometer can help monitor internal meat temperature (though less critical for jerky).
– Easy to clean.
Cons:
– Larger countertop footprint due to dual-basket design.
– Higher price point compared to single-basket models.
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by its ability to cook multiple items simultaneously and its sheer capacity. The dehydrate function is often highlighted as a favorite for making healthy snacks.
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
More than just an air fryer, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door unit is a multi-cooker combo that brings serious versatility to your kitchen. Its generous 26-quart capacity and French door design give it the feel of a compact oven, perfect for larger batches of jerky. With 25 cooking presets, including “Roast” and potentially low “Bake” settings, it offers flexibility for dehydration. The dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure even drying, which is paramount for quality beef jerky.
- VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Auto-off function for toast.
- 25 COOKING PRE-SETS: Including Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Roast, and Keep Warm.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping with 360º superheated air circulation.
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: Suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: Beautiful aesthetic with elegant French doors and interior light.
Pros:
– Massive 26-quart capacity for very large jerky batches.
– Excellent airflow and fan system for even dehydration.
– Extremely versatile with 25 presets for other cooking tasks.
– Elegant French door design with interior light for monitoring.
Cons:
– Very large footprint, requires significant counter space.
– No explicit “Dehydrate” preset, requiring manual temperature/time adjustment.
– Might go too high for proper low-temp dehydration without careful monitoring.
User Impressions: Customers love the oven’s large capacity and its ability to handle a wide range of cooking tasks. The French doors and interior light are often praised for convenience and aesthetics.
6. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil (AF101)
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a classic for a reason. It offers a solid set of core functions, including a dedicated “Dehydrate” mode, making it an excellent choice for crafting homemade beef jerky. Its wide temperature range, from 105°F to 400°F, provides the flexibility needed for proper meat dehydration. With a family-sized 4-quart capacity, it strikes a great balance between batch size and countertop presence.
- LESS FAT: Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F for gentle moisture removal or quick crisping.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- DEHYDRATE: Create flat, chip-like dehydrated foods with low fan speed and low temperature.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher safe basket and crisper plate.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 4 Quart Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate, and 20 Recipe Booklet.
Pros:
– Dedicated Dehydrate function with ideal low-temperature setting (105°F).
– Good 4-quart capacity for single households or small families.
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
– Compact and efficient.
Cons:
– Smaller capacity compared to some larger models.
– Fewer advanced features than the DualZone Ninja.
User Impressions: This model is highly rated for its simplicity, efficiency, and consistent results. Users frequently praise the dehydrate function for making healthy snacks.
7. Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick
If you’re looking for a compact and efficient air fryer primarily for single servings or smaller batches of beef jerky, the Chefman 4 QT Compact Airfryer is a great option. It shares many features with its 6QT sibling, including customizable digital touch screen controls and a stylish design. While it doesn’t have a specific “Dehydrate” button, its ability to set precise temperatures allows you to adapt it for low-temperature jerky making. Its small footprint makes it perfect for dorms, apartments, or kitchens with limited space.
- FAST AND EASY: Digital touch screen for custom time/temperature or 4 presets.
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: For achieving the perfect crisp.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: Sleek, narrow design maximizes 4-quart capacity while minimizing countertop footprint.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Cook low-fat meals with little-to-no oil.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Audible alarm reminds you to shake food.
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: Dishwasher safe 4-quart nonstick basket and rack.
- SAFETY FIRST: Automatic shutoff technology.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with 1-year assurance.
Pros:
– Very compact and space-saving, ideal for smaller kitchens.
– Digital controls allow for manual temperature adjustments suitable for jerky.
– Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
– Affordable entry point into air frying.
Cons:
– Smaller 4-quart capacity means smaller jerky batches.
– No dedicated dehydrate function.
– Temperature range might not go as low as models designed specifically for dehydrating.
User Impressions: Users love this Chefman model for its small size and powerful performance. It’s often recommended for individuals or couples who want healthy, quick meals without a bulky appliance.
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for beef jerky really comes down to your priorities. If a dedicated dehydrate function and a low-temperature setting are crucial, the Ninja Foodi 10QT DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer or the Ninja Air Fryer AF101 are excellent choices, with the DualZone offering unparalleled capacity. For those who prioritize a wide temperature range and quiet operation, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a fantastic pick. If versatility and overall capacity are key, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven might be for you, despite its size. And for compact efficiency, the Chefman models are solid contenders.
No matter which you choose, you’re on your way to enjoying delicious, homemade beef jerky with the convenience of an air fryer. Happy dehydrating!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can all air fryers make beef jerky?
A1: Not all air fryers are equally suited for making beef jerky. The key features to look for are a wide temperature range that includes low settings (ideally 130-160°F) and good air circulation. Some air fryers even come with a dedicated “dehydrate” function, which is ideal.
Q2: What temperature should I use for making beef jerky in an air fryer?
A2: For safe and effective beef jerky, you generally want a temperature between 130°F to 160°F (55°C to 70°C). This range is low enough to dehydrate the meat without cooking it, which helps prevent spoilage and preserves the jerky texture.
Q3: How long does it take to make beef jerky in an air fryer?
A3: The cooking time can vary significantly based on your air fryer model, the thickness of your meat slices, and your desired jerky texture. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. It’s best to check frequently after the first few hours to ensure it’s drying evenly.
Q4: Do I need special racks for making jerky in an air fryer?
A4: While some air fryers come with multi-tier racks that are perfect for dehydrating, you can often use the standard air fryer basket. Just ensure that the meat slices are not overlapping for optimal airflow. If your air fryer doesn’t have multiple levels, you might need to dry jerky in smaller batches.
Q5: What kind of meat is best for air fryer beef jerky?
A5: Lean cuts of beef are best for jerky, as fat can go rancid. Top round, bottom round, flank steak, or sirloin tip are excellent choices. Make sure to trim off any visible fat before slicing.
Q6: How do I store homemade beef jerky?
A6: Once your jerky is completely dry and cooled, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly dried and stored jerky can last for several weeks at room temperature, and much longer in the fridge or freezer.
Q7: Why is a “dehydrate” function important for jerky?
A7: A dedicated “dehydrate” function is important because it’s specifically designed to maintain the low, consistent temperatures and optimal airflow necessary for removing moisture from food without actually cooking it. This ensures your jerky has the correct chewy texture and a longer shelf life, while reducing the risk of bacterial growth that can occur at too-low or fluctuating temperatures.