Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 65 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes (including freezing and slicing)
  • Cook Time: 2.5 hours (average)
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (including marinating minimum 4 hours separately)
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make homemade jerky using lean beef sirloin or flank steak. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices, the beef strips are cooked slowly at a low temperature in an air fryer to achieve the perfect chewy texture with a hint of smoky flavor. Ideal as a protein-packed snack, this jerky is easy to prepare and yields about 8 to 10 servings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or flank steak

Marinade

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Beef: Freeze the beef for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to slice thinly. Cut the beef into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick strips against the grain to ensure a tender texture once dried.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a well-blended marinade.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss well so each strip is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the beef for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the beef strips for cooking. This low temperature is key to drying out the jerky slowly without cooking it too fast.
  5. Arrange and Cook: Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even air circulation. Avoid overlapping or crowding the strips. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through cooking, until the jerky is dry, slightly chewy, and firm to the touch.
  6. Cool and Store: Remove the jerky from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Store the cooled beef jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag to maintain freshness and chewiness for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Freezing the beef before slicing helps create uniform thin strips that dry evenly.
  • Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the jerky.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness in the jerky.
  • Keep the air fryer basket in a single layer; overcrowding will result in uneven drying.
  • Store jerky in a cool, dry place; refrigeration can prolong shelf life.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://whisksweetly.com/air-fryer-beef-jerky-recipe/