Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to make homemade beef jerky with minimal effort. Using lean beef sirloin or flank steak, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, then slowly dehydrated in the air fryer to achieve a perfectly chewy and tender texture.
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. Cut into 1/8 to 1/4 inch strips against the grain to ensure the jerky has the best texture.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the brown sugar fully dissolves for a balanced marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Coat the beef strips thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 180°F (82°C) and allow it to 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, taking care not to overcrowd them. Cook at 180°F for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through the cooking process. The jerky should become dry, slightly chewy, and firm when done.
- Cool and Store: Remove the 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 extend shelf life.
Notes
- Freezing the beef slightly before slicing helps achieve uniform thin strips which dry evenly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness or omit if preferred.
- Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer models and thickness of beef strips. Check for desired dryness and texture after 2 hours.
- Store jerky in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
