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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you arrange the beef.
- 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.
- 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.