Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Overhead view of beef jerky in an air fryer basket.

Discover the ultimate snack with our simple air fryer beef jerky recipe! Say goodbye to store-bought, preservative-filled jerky and make your own delicious low-carb treat at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep work, you'll have mouthwatering beef jerky that you won't be able to resist.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 2

Marinate Time: 4

Servings:

Calories: 317kcal

Ingredients

1 pound beef (flank steak, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Start by placing the beef in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes. Chilling the meat helps firm it up, making it easier to slice thinly and evenly.
While the beef is chilling, make sure you have a sharp knife on hand. A sharp blade will allow you to slice through the partially frozen meat with precision.
Once the beef has chilled, remove it from the freezer and begin slicing it into thin strips. Aim for slices that are about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices will result in a crispier texture, while slightly thicker slices will have a chewier bite.
As you slice the beef, try to maintain uniformity in the size of the strips. This will help ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jerky.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to create a marinade.
Place the thinly sliced beef into the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your air fryer to 210°F (100°C) for about 5 minutes.
Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Arrange the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the beef slices at 210°F (100°C) for 2 hours, or until they reach your desired level of dryness and chewiness.
Once cooked, remove the beef jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. ***Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the beef slices and the model of your air fryer.

Notes

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use any type of beef for making jerky in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use a variety of beef cuts for making jerky in an air fryer. Lean cuts like top round, eye of round, or flank steak work well. I used Sirloin. Trim off excess fat for best results.
How long does it take to make beef jerky in an air fryer?
The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the beef slices and the model of your air fryer. On average, it takes around 2 hours to fully dehydrate the beef strips.
Do I need to marinate the beef before making jerky in the air fryer?
Marinating the beef before air frying is highly recommended. It adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. You can marinate the beef for a few hours or overnight.
How do I store homemade air fryer beef jerky?
Once the beef jerky has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag. It's important to ensure that the jerky is completely dry to prevent moisture and mold. Properly stored, homemade beef jerky can last for several weeks.
Can I customize the seasonings and flavors for my air fryer beef jerky?
Absolutely! The beauty of making jerky at home is the ability to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasonings, spices, and marinades to create unique flavor profiles.

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