To dehydrate meat in a food dehydrator, start by selecting lean cuts of meat such as beef, turkey, or chicken. Trim off any excess fat and slice the meat thinly and uniformly. Marinate the meat in your choice of seasonings and spices for added flavor.
Next, preheat your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions. Arrange the marinated meat slices on the dehydrator trays, making sure to leave space between each slice for proper air circulation.
Place the loaded trays in the dehydrator and set the temperature to around 145°F (63°C) for meat. Allow the meat to dehydrate for several hours, rotating the trays and checking for doneness periodically.
The meat is ready when it is fully dehydrated and has a firm, jerky-like texture. Once done, allow the meat to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Dehydrated meat can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or used in various dishes for added protein and flavor.
Best Food Dehydrators of 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Septree Large 8 Trays Food Dehydrator with 8.8ft² Drying Space for Big Family, 800W Stainless Steel Dehydrated Dryer, 24H Timer,190°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Dog Treats and Yogurt
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Versatile Drying Options: The Septree food dehydrator offers a variety of temperature and time settings, allowing you to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, flowers,nuts, spices, pet food without losing any nutrients.
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Large Capacity: This dehydrator is up to 8.8 ft² of drying space. Dehydrator machine Dimensions L*W*H 16.34*23.3*19.09inch.Its spacious trays can accommodate large quantities of food, making it perfect for families, gardeners, and food enthusiasts.
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Easy to Clean: Made with 304 food-grade stainless steel, the trays are safer, more durable, and dishwasher-safe. The removable trays and drip tray make cleaning a breeze, saving you time and effort.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
HOPERAN Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Dehydrator Machine with Digital Timer and Temperature Control, Overheat Protection, Recipe Book Included
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⏰ 【Precise Temp & Timer Control Panel】The dehydrator is equipped with an adjustable timer control, allowing you to set drying times in 30-minute increments, with a maximum duration of 24 hours. The digital temperature presets range from 86℉ to 194℉, enabling you to adjust the temperature in increments of 9℉. The timer will display when your dehydration is complete, and it will automatically shut off once finished. This intelligent system ensures that your delicious dehydrated foods are comple
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🍌 【8 trays Large Capacity】8 detachable stainless steel trays, each measuring 11" x 7.87", made from 304 food-grade stainless steel for safety and durability. Ideal for dehydrating various foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and flowers, effortlessly locking in minerals and vitamins. All trays are dishwasher safe, eliminating concerns about potential health risks associated with using plastic drying trays. Provide the whole family with plenty of healthy and delicious 100% natural food.
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🍋 【Premium Quality & Easy to Clean & Durable】The food dehydrator is crafted from 100% food-grade stainless steel without bisphenol A, featuring a glass front door for easy monitoring of the drying progress. The stainless steel body is durable and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. After the timer completes, the food and beef jerky dehydrator will shut off automatically. In case of overheating, the overheat protection will activate. Comes with practical recipes and instructions, allowi
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Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved
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REAR MOUNTED FAN FOR SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Dries food evenly, This electric dehydration machine is equipped with a rear-mounted drying fan and air flow circulation technology to ensure even drying, there is no need to rotate the shelves as needed by other brands, monitor the dryer process easily with the transparent door window
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SPACIOUS ADJUSTABLE 7 STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS – INCLUDED FRUIT ROLL TRAYS! Use the trays for regular food and the mesh trays for smaller food such as nuts and herbs, for fruit roll ups use the fruit leather sheet which can also be used for drip trays! you can do a lot in one batch with the Magic Mill dehydration machine, the dehydrator comes with 7 premium stainless steel trays.
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats
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POWERFUL FOOD DRYING PROCESS - Magic Mill Compact Food Dehydrator Machine streamlines 240W drying capacity that offers an efficient food drying process. It removes excess water from foods without compromising their natural juices, taste, and nutrients – boasting a 97% retention rate of vitamins and minerals.
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MULTI-LAYER AND ADJUSTABLE TRAYS - This Fruit and Herb Dehydrator features five (5) food-grade adjustable trays that allow you to dry different foods, fruits, and veggies at once. The standard height between the trays is 0.6 inches, but you can raise each to 1.1 inches – perfect for thick-cut ingredients.
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Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black
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ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE from 95ºF to 158ºF that foods are dehydrated at their optimal temperature and horizontal air flow distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
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FUN AND CRAFTS: Perfect for hobbyists to dry flowers, potpourri or dough crafts and pet lovers to prepare healthy and delicious 100% natural treats for their furry companions.
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EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: using a base mounted fan promotes even drying and air circulation. Large viewing window allows you to monitor the drying process.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included
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165°F MAX TEMPERATURE: Adjust the dehydrator between 95-165°F in 1°F increments. Higher temps ensure safer beef jerky. USDA recommends 165°F for safe jerky
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PERFECT RESULTS: With 350W power, the fan efficiently circulates hot air for even heating and drying of your foods
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ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Customize tray heights for larger foods (raised) or easier storage (lowered)
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EASY TO CLEAN: Trays are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning. Note: Accessories are hand wash only
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrator Machine with Food Air-Drying Function, 176℉ Temperature Control & 48H Timer, 600W Fruit Dryer for Meat,Beef,Herbs,Dog Treats, ETL Approved
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🥩48-HOUR TIMER & TEMPERATURE CONTROL: DIYAREA Food Dehydrator with smart LED touch screen control offers Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature control. When adjusted to Fahrenheit, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 95°F to 176°F in 9°F increments; when adjusted to Celsius, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 35°C to 80°C in 5°C increments and sets a timer in 30-minute increments from 0.5 hours to 48 hours.
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🍖OVERHEAT PROTECTION: Beef jerky food dehydrator with thermostat ensures accurate and safe food processing. Meat Dryer The timer automatically shuts off when it expires. Thermal protection activates if the dehydrator overheats, giving you peace of mind throughout the process
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🥝UPGRADED 8-LAYER STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS: Beef dehydrator comes with 8 stainless steel trays, compared with other dehydrator stainless steel trays, our trays have been upgraded: thickened and reinforced. The trays are not easy to deform and dent, scratch resistant and more durable. Our dehydrator trays measure 12 x 12 inches, which has a larger capacity than regular dehydrator trays and can dry more food at once.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Food Dehydrator Machine Detachable, 8 Stainless Steel Trays, LED Display, 48H Timer & 86℉-167℉ Temperature Control, 600W Dryer for Jerky, Herb, Meat, Veggies, Fruit, Dog Treats, Recipe Book Included
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Digital Temperature&Time Control: An enclosed thermostat from 86ºF to 167ºF in 9ºF increments. At the same time, the time can be set from 0.5-48 hours in 30-minute increments. It allows you to achieve the best results when drying different foods. We have prepared 6 optional drying function modes. You can adjust the time and temperature according to actual needs.
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Easy to Clean&Safty: Each stainless steel tray is dishwasher safe or washed with warm soapy water. When the timer ends, the dehydrators for jerky will automatically shut off. If the machine overheats, the overheat protection will turn on.
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Customer Service: KEENSTAR provides 24-hour friendly customer service. If you have any issues related to KEENSTAR food dehydrator, please feel free to contact us. You can dry fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, herbs, and flowers, and also can be used to make snacks for your pets.
What is the shelf life of dehydrated meat from a food dehydrator?
Dehydrated meat from a food dehydrator can have a shelf life of several months to a year if stored properly in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It is important to ensure that the meat is dehydrated thoroughly and properly to prevent the growth of bacteria or spoilage. Additionally, vacuum-sealing the dehydrated meat can help extend its shelf life even further. It is always best to check for any signs of spoilage such as a strange odor, color changes, or mold before consuming the dehydrated meat.
What is the importance of properly drying meat in a food dehydrator before storing?
Properly drying meat in a food dehydrator before storing is important for several reasons:
- Shelf life: Drying meat removes moisture, which helps prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. This extends the shelf life of the meat, allowing it to be stored for longer periods of time without spoiling.
- Portability: Dried meat is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store and transport. This makes it a convenient option for camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities where refrigeration is not available.
- Flavor: Drying meat concentrates its flavors, giving it a rich and intense taste. Properly dried meat can be a delicious and satisfying snack or ingredient in various dishes.
- Nutritional value: Dried meat retains most of its nutrients, making it a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be a healthy and convenient snack option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Overall, properly drying meat in a food dehydrator before storing is important for maintaining its quality, safety, and nutritional value.
What is the history of dehydrating meat using a food dehydrator?
Dehydrating meat using a food dehydrator is a centuries-old practice that dates back to ancient times. The process of preserving meat by removing its moisture content to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage has been used by various cultures around the world for thousands of years.
One of the earliest examples of dehydrated meat is jerky, which is believed to have originated in South America with the Inca people. They would dry strips of llama and alpaca meat in the sun to make it last longer and provide a portable source of protein for their long journeys.
In North America, Native American tribes also used the sun and air drying methods to preserve buffalo and other game meats for consumption during the winter months when fresh food was scarce.
With the invention of the food dehydrator in the late 19th century, the process of dehydrating meat became more efficient and accessible for home cooks. Food dehydrators use a controlled heat source and airflow to slowly remove the moisture from meat, fruits, and vegetables, allowing them to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration.
Today, dehydrated meat is still a popular snack and ingredient in many cuisines around the world. In addition to jerky, other dehydrated meat products like biltong (South African dried meat) and pemmican (Native American dried meat and fat mixture) are enjoyed by people looking for convenient, long-lasting sources of protein.
What is the benefit of using a food dehydrator for dehydrating meat?
Using a food dehydrator for dehydrating meat offers several benefits, including:
- Preservation: Dehydrating meat helps to preserve it by removing moisture, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents spoilage. This extends the shelf life of the meat and allows you to store it for longer periods without refrigeration.
- Portability: Dehydrated meat is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and ideal for camping, hiking, or travel. It is a convenient and nutritious snack option on-the-go.
- Flavor and Nutrition: Dehydrating meat retains its natural flavors and nutrients, providing a tasty and healthy snack option. It can also be used to make jerky, a popular dried meat snack high in protein and low in fat.
- Cost-effective: Dehydrating meat at home using a food dehydrator is a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive store-bought dried meat products. It allows you to control the ingredients and quality of the meat, ensuring a fresh and flavorful end product.
- Variety: Using a food dehydrator gives you the flexibility to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to customize the flavor of your dehydrated meat. You can also dehydrate different types of meat, such as beef, poultry, or fish, to create a variety of snack options.
How to marinate meat before dehydrating in a food dehydrator?
To marinate meat before dehydrating in a food dehydrator, follow these steps:
- Choose a marinade that complements the type of meat you are using. Some popular marinade ingredients include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, oil, herbs, spices, and citrus juice.
- Place your meat in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Make sure the meat is cut into thin, uniform slices for even drying.
- Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before dehydrating, remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the meat dehydrate more quickly and evenly.
- Arrange the meat slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure they are not touching or overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator to the recommended temperature for the type of meat you are drying. The temperature can vary depending on the type of meat and thickness of the slices.
- Dehydrate the marinated meat for the recommended time, usually between 4-12 hours, or until the meat is dried to your desired consistency. Enjoy as a snack or add to recipes for extra flavor!
