Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe transforms tender beef sirloin or flank steak into delicious, savory jerky with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Marinated in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, then slow-cooked in the air fryer, it offers a homemade, healthier alternative to store-bought jerky with easy preparation and irresistible taste.
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 and make slicing easier. Then cut the beef into thin strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, slicing against the grain to ensure the jerky has the best chewy 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 if using. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips into the marinade and toss well so every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the lowest setting at 180°F (82°C) and allow it to preheat while you organize the beef strips for cooking.
- Arrange and Cook: Lay the marinated beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap or overcrowd. Air fry the beef strips for 2 to 3 hours, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until the jerky is dry, slightly chewy, and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cooked beef jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack or plate. Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the beef before slicing helps achieve uniform thin strips for even drying.
- Marinating overnight yields deeper flavor but a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Make sure beef strips do not overlap in the air fryer basket to ensure even drying.
- Jerky will continue to firm up as it cools, so avoid overcooking to retain chewiness.
- Store jerky in a cool, dry place and consume within 1-2 weeks for best quality, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
