Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe offers a quick and easy way to make flavorful, chewy beef jerky at home using an air fryer. Marinated in a savory mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices, the beef strips are slowly cooked to perfection, providing a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go or anytime craving.
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
- Slice the Beef: Freeze the beef for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then slice the beef into 1/8 to 1/4 inch strips against the grain to ensure a tender texture for your jerky.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the beef strips for cooking.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through the cooking time until they become dry, slightly chewy, and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jerky from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Freezing the beef slightly before slicing helps achieve thin and even slices.
- Marinating overnight will give the jerky a deeper, more developed flavor.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check doneness starting at 2 hours.
- For a spicier jerky, increase cayenne pepper or add chili flakes to the marinade.
- Store jerky in a cool, dry place and consume within 1-2 weeks or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
