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Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes (includes 30 minutes freezing and 5 minutes prep)
  • Cook Time: 2.5 hours
  • Total Time: 6.5 to 14.5 hours (including marinade time of 4 to 12 hours)
  • Yield: 8, about 8-10 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe transforms lean beef strips into a flavorful, chewy snack using a simple marinade and an air fryer for drying. Perfect for a protein-packed treat, the beef is marinated overnight and gently cooked at a low temperature to achieve the ideal jerky texture without drying it out.


Ingredients

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 make slicing easier. Cut the beef into 1/8 to 1/4 inch strips against the grain for the best texture.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Coat the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring each strip is evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you arrange the beef.
  5. Arrange and Cook: Lay the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the jerky is dry, slightly chewy, and has a firm texture.
  6. Cool and Store: Remove the jerky from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Store the jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag for maximum freshness.

Notes

  • For best results, slice the beef as thinly and evenly as possible before marinating.
  • The marinating time can range from 4 hours to overnight depending on how intense you want the flavor.
  • Flip the jerky halfway through cooking to allow even drying.
  • Store jerky in a cool, dry place and consume within 1-2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the jerky.