There are several different ways of making beef jerky. The top three are: Using your Oven, a Dehydrator, or a Smoker. I have detailed pages with ALL the information you could ever need to get started making jerky using these methods. Click on the links or pictures below to learn in more detail about how to make beef jerky!
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Dehydrator
The dehydrator is my second favorite way to make beef jerky. It is easy to use and has a quick clean up. You can still heat your jerky up to 160º to keep you and your loved ones safe from bacteria and it TASTES GREAT!
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Smoker
The smoker is my favorite method of making beef jerky. The smoke flavor you get from using real wood chips can not be fully re-created with any other method of drying. It does take longer to dry and requires more attention, but that's the fun of making jerky!
How to Make Beef Jerky in the Oven
Using the oven to make jerky is the best way to get started in the fun that is jerky making! Everyone already has an oven and it produces GREAT tasting jerky. If you do not already have a dehydrator or smoker, this is the place to start. After making several batches I bet you will upgrade to a dehydrator or smoker. Ha. That's just how it goes; Trust me!
VINCE SPARACIA says
DO U HAVE A MANGO HABANERO RECIPE???
Will says
I sure don't. I do have a couple jerky recipes that have habanero's in them. Check them out on my Recipe page.
John says
I found that my Air Fryer has a dehydrator setting. I've made jerky in it twice now, and it came out great both times (first time venison, second time beef). I can control the time and the temperature. On dehydrate mode, the fan is so quiet you can hardly tell it's running. I started out at 165 degrees for 2 1/2 hours (per this site), then I turned it down to 150 degrees (the temperature setting suggested in the air fryer book), for another 2 1/2 hours. I didn't think I could make much in the fryer, but fit a sliced 2 lb. eye of round in it. One layer on the bottom, a layer on the crisper rack, then 2 more small racks on top of those. Your Spicy Sweet Beef Jerky recipe came out great! I will be making jerky on a regular basis now! Glad I found your site! Thanks... John
Will says
Glad to hear John! Keep up the good work, I'm sure everyone is enjoying the jerky!
Rachel A Garnett says
How long to leave the ROUND sticks of beef in dehydrator? We prefer the round to the flat. Thank u.
Will says
They might take a little longer than strips, but start checking at 4 hours. Each dehydrator will be different.