Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe offers a quick and convenient way to make flavorful, homemade beef jerky using lean sirloin or flank steak. Marinated in a savory mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices, then dried to a chewy, tender texture in the air fryer, it’s a perfect high-protein snack 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 firm it up, making it easier to slice thinly. Cut the beef into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick strips against the grain; this ensures the jerky is tender and easier to chew.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss them thoroughly so each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to a low temperature of 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the beef strips for cooking. This low heat is key to drying out the jerky gently without cooking it too fast.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd which allows for even drying. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through the cooking time. The jerky is done when it is dry, slightly chewy, and holds a firm texture without being brittle.
- Cool and Store: Remove the beef jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely at room temperature. Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag to maintain freshness and chewiness for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Freezing the beef before slicing will make it much easier to cut uniform thin strips.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor absorption and tenderizes the meat.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even drying.
- Cooking time can vary slightly based on thickness of beef strips and individual air fryer models.
- Store jerky in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
