This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is a delicious, homemade snack that’s perfect for on-the-go munching or satisfying your cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can make tender, flavorful jerky right at home. Customize the spice level to your liking and enjoy this protein-packed treat anytime!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Marinating Time
- 3 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Cook Time
- 2–2.5 hours
Total Time
- 3–4 hours
Servings
- About 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin, round steak, or flank steak), sliced against the grain
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, or adjust to taste for spiciness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Slice the Beef
- If not pre-sliced, place the beef in the freezer for 30–60 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the beef into thin strips (about ⅛-inch thick), cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. Aim for even sizes to ensure consistent drying.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
- Place the beef strips into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Use tongs or your hands to massage the marinade into the beef.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the beef and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours , or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Dry the Beef
- Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and pat each strip dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the jerky dry out properly.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 210°F (100°C) (if your model allows for this temperature setting).
- Arrange the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring no pieces overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Air Fry the Jerky
- Set the air fryer to 210°F (100°C) and cook the beef for 2 hours , checking periodically for doneness.
- After 2 hours, check the jerky. It should be dry but still slightly pliable. If it’s not fully dehydrated, continue cooking in 15–20 minute intervals until the desired texture is achieved.
- Ensure the jerky reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Once the jerky is fully dried, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the jerky firm up further.
- Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. For longer freshness, place a small piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips
- Thin Slicing: Ask your butcher to slice the beef thinly for convenience. Alternatively, use a meat slicer if available.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes or add cayenne pepper, black pepper, or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Sweetness: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the marinade for a sweeter jerky.
- Storage: Properly stored jerky can last up to 1–2 weeks at room temperature, or up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months ) in a freezer-safe bag.
- Batch Cooking: Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven drying.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is a healthier, customizable snack that’s easy to make at home. The air fryer ensures even drying without the need for a dehydrator, while the marinade infuses the beef with bold, savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, road trip fuel, or a gift idea, this jerky is sure to impress.
Ready to make your own batch of chewy, flavorful jerky? Grab your ingredients and get started—it’s a snack you’ll want to make again and again!
