If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions on how to make homemade beef jerky in a dehydrator, look no further because you can find them right here. This includes selecting the meat to use, slicing the meat, marinating the meat using a fantastic recipe, dehydrating the jerky, and testing it to see when it is done. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
How Long for Jerky in Dehydrator: The Basics
To be clear, when we discuss “how long in dehydrator for jerky,” we are speaking of the drying time required to transform raw meat into a delectable, long-lasting snack. Let’s further explore this subject since there are various variables that can affect this duration.
How Long Should You Dehydrate Beef Jerky?
To start, you should focus on getting the right cut of meat. While you can dehydrate any kind of meat (or anything, really!), you’re going to have the best results using low-fat, lean meats.
For a dehydrated beef jerky recipe, the sirloin tip, bottom round, top round, and flank steak are all well-liked cuts. Then you’ll need to prepare your meat for the dehydrator.
Preparing Your Beef For The Food Dehydrator
After choosing your meat cut, you should trim off as much fat as you can. The meat should then be cut as thinly as possible. If you have access to a meat slicer, you can use it or a sharp chef’s knife.
Slice with the grain of the meat for tougher jerky. If you want beef jerky that is tender and chewier, cut against the grain.
After cutting your meat into slices, place it in the freezer for one to two hours. This results in easier to handle, more even, uniform slices. After that, you should marinate and season your jerky however you like.
Now you’re ready for the food dehydrator.
How Long To Dehydrate Beef Jerky?
Remember to give the slices of beef in the dehydrator as much space as you can when doing so. This allows air to flow freely, which helps the meat dry more evenly.
Beef jerky can be made in most types of food dehydrators, so any model will do. But if you’re serious about your dry meat snacks, you might want to get your hands on a Nesco dehydrator since they’re especially well-liked by fans of beef jerky.
Next, set your food dehydrator to 160 degrees. A good rule of thumb is that it will take about 4 hours to dry completely; this is the ideal time for a beef jerky dehydrator.
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. When the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, it’s done!.
And there you have it, even if you don’t have much cooking experience, you can easily make the most delectable beef jerky you’ve ever tasted. Not only will you have wholesome snacks for a very long time, but you’ll also save a ton of money in the process!
How Long for Beef Jerky in a Dehydrator: Factors to Consider
- Meat thickness: The amount of time that your meat slices take to dehydrate will depend on their thickness Thicker pieces will dry better. For the best drying time and texture, aim for slices that are 14 inch thick.
- Temperature range for dehydrators: Most dehydrators operate between 80°F and 160°F. Higher temperatures will hasten the drying process, but exercise caution not to raise them too much, as this could produce a tough, disagreeable end product.
- Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air can affect how quickly something dries. You might need to allow for a longer dehydration period if you reside in a humid area.
- Although the focus of this article is beef jerky, you might also be curious about how long deer jerky should be dehydrated for. The process is similar, which is good news; however, leaner meats, like deer, may dry a little bit more quickly than beef.
How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Meat in A Food Dehydrator?
Trim off all fat and cut the dehydrated meat into bite-sized (1/2 inch) cubes before cooking and enjoying. Spread them out on trays and allow them to slowly dehydrate at 145 F for 6 to 12 hours, or until they are completely dried out and ready for consumption.
How long it takes to dehydrate beef jerky in a food dehydrator depends on a number of variables, including the cut’s size and thickness, the temperature setting, and even the surrounding humidity. It will typically take four hours for thin slices of beef jerky to completely dry and dehydrate. In order to achieve the ideal texture each time, you should experiment with your food dehydrator and use the appropriate settings for your recipes for beef jerky.
Looking For More Food Dehydrator Tips?
We bring you everything you need to make your own delectable dehydrated snacks because we are passionate about drying food, from the best recipes to instructions on how to make beef jerky.
Check out the rest of our food dehydrator advice today to learn how to make beef jerky on your own!
Pam’s Jerky
FAQ
Can you dehydrate jerky at 160?
To safely make jerky, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline currently advises heating meat to 160 °F and poultry to 165 °F before dehydrating it. This procedure guarantees that any bacteria will be killed by wet heat.
How long to dehydrate beef jerky at 165?
According to USDA recommendations, set the dehydrator to 165° and let it run for about 4 hours until the internal temperature of the jerky reaches a safe 160°. The length of time it takes to finish dehydrating will depend on how thick your slices are; for example, this beef jerky took 5 hours to dry.
What is the best temperature to dehydrate beef jerky?
Tip: Dehydrate beef jerky at 165°F for the best results. A dehydrator’s ability to remove moisture from the cooking environment is its second benefit. This allows the meat to dry as it cooks.