Biltong is a flavorful and satisfying snack that originated in South Africa. Traditionally, it is made by air-drying thinly sliced pieces of meat, usually beef, until it becomes tender and flavorful. While the traditional method of making biltong can take several days, there is a more convenient way to make it using an air fryer. In this article, we will explore how to make biltong in an air fryer, providing you with a delicious and convenient method that will satisfy your taste buds.
Why Make Biltong in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to make biltong offers several advantages over the traditional method. Firstly, it significantly reduces the overall preparation and drying time. Unlike the time-consuming process of hanging the meat to dry for days, using an air fryer can yield delicious biltong in just a matter of hours. This means that you can enjoy your favorite snack more quickly and with less effort.
Another advantage of making biltong in an air fryer is the ability to control the flavor and texture of the meat. With an air fryer, you have full control over the temperature and cooking time, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance between tenderness and chewiness. This customization option ensures that you can make biltong to suit your personal preferences, whether you prefer it more on the tender or chewy side.
Ingredients Needed
To make biltong in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 to 2 pounds of beef (preferably cuts like topside, silverside, or eye of round)
2. 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt
3. 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
4. 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
5. 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
6. 1 teaspoon of paprika
7. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
8. 1 teaspoon of onion powder
9. Optional: Worcestershire sauce or vinegar for added flavor
Steps to Make Biltong in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. It’s important to ensure that the slices are consistent in thickness to promote even drying. You can also trim off any excess fat if desired, as it may impede the drying process.
Step 2: Season the Meat
In a bowl, combine the fine sea salt, brown sugar, ground coriander, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture will serve as the seasoning for your biltong. You can also customize the flavor by adding other spices or condiments like Worcestershire sauce or vinegar.
Take the sliced beef and coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring that all sides are covered. Allow the seasoned meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before placing the seasoned meat in the air fryer, preheat it to around 150°F (65°C). This temperature is ideal for drying the biltong while preserving its tenderness and flavor. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the drying process begins immediately and reduces overall cooking time.
Step 4: Arrange the Meat in the Air Fryer
Once preheated, arrange the seasoned meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper airflow and even drying. It may be necessary to work in batches if you have a large quantity of meat.
Step 5: Air Fry the Biltong
Place the loaded air fryer basket back into the preheated air fryer. Set the temperature to 150°F (65°C) and the cooking time to 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the desired level of dryness and the thickness of the meat slices. It’s recommended to check the biltong periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once the biltong has reached your desired level of dryness, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before storing. This cooling process ensures that any residual moisture is evaporated, prolonging the shelf life of the biltong.
Store the cooled biltong in an airtight container or resealable bags. It can be kept at room temperature for several weeks or refrigerated for even longer preservation.
Enjoy Your Air Fryer Biltong
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious biltong in an air fryer. This method provides a convenient and efficient way to satisfy your cravings for this South African delicacy. Experiment with different seasoning combinations and enjoy the flavorful results. Whether you’re snacking on it at home or sharing it with friends and family, your homemade air fryer biltong is sure to be a hit! So grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy this delectable treat.