How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Beef Jerky at Home

Hey there, it’s Lisa! As a busy mom and food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for tasty snacks that are also easy to make. Today, I’m super excited to share one of my family’s favorites: air fryer beef jerky. Forget store-bought jerky loaded with preservatives and mystery ingredients.

With an air fryer, you can create delicious, healthy air fryer beef jerky right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and simple, no-fuss cooking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover steak you might have! I grew up in an Italian-American household where food was always central to everything. Now, as a mom, I’ve learned that meals don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Let’s get started on this flavorful adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Making air fryer beef jerky in the air fryer is a game-changer, and here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Quick and Easy: Forget spending hours using a dehydrator. The air fryer speeds up the process significantly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a protein-packed snack without the long wait.
• Healthier Option: Store-bought jerky often contains high amounts of sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. When you make it at home, you control exactly what goes in it. This means you can create a healthier, cleaner snack for yourself and your family.
• Customizable Flavors: The possibilities are endless! Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy, or sweet flavor, you can tailor the marinade to your exact liking. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
• Perfectly Tender: The air fryer ensures your air fryer beef jerky is perfectly chewy and tender, without being too dry or tough. You get that satisfying bite every single time.
• Budget-Friendly: Buying pre-made jerky can be expensive. Making your own in the air fryer is much more cost-effective, especially if you buy your beef in bulk.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect batch of air fryer beef jerky:

• Beef: I recommend using a lean cut like flank steak or top round. These cuts are ideal for jerky because they’re low in fat and slice easily. Look for cuts that are about 1/4 inch thick for even drying.
• Soy Sauce: This is the base of our marinade, adding a rich umami flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a tangy, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements and helps with the caramelization process.
• Liquid Smoke: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a wonderful smoky flavor that mimics traditional jerky methods. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
• Garlic Powder: For that classic garlic kick that complements the beef perfectly. Freshly minced garlic can also be used.
• Onion Powder: Another staple in jerky seasonings, adding a subtle oniony depth.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a bit of spice and enhances the other flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Optional Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of chili powder for extra complexity.

How to Make Air Fryer Beef Jerky: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make delicious air fryer beef jerky, step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Start by trimming any excess fat from your flank steak or top round. This is important because fat doesn’t dry out well and can make your jerky greasy.
• Slice the beef into thin, even strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Slicing against the grain will make the jerky more tender. If you’re having trouble slicing, you can partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes to make it firmer and easier to handle. I usually do this!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the brown sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef

• Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure all the strips are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your jerky will be.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 160°F (71°C). This low temperature is crucial for drying out the beef without cooking it too quickly. If your air fryer doesn’t go that low, use the lowest setting possible.

Step 5: Arrange the Beef in the Air Fryer

• Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them dry out more efficiently in the air fryer.
• Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. If your air fryer has a rack, you can use it to maximize space.

Step 6: Air Fry the Beef Jerky

• Air fry for 2-3 hours, flipping the strips every 30-60 minutes to ensure even drying. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your beef and the efficiency of your air fryer.
• Check the jerky periodically to see if it’s done. It should be dry and slightly flexible, but not brittle. It should crack when bent, but not break completely.

Step 7: Cool and Store

• Once the jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows any remaining moisture to evaporate.
• Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, it should last for about 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator.

Essential Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Beef Jerky

To ensure your air fryer beef jerky turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of the beef during the drying process. This helps prevent over-drying or under-drying.
• Don’t Overlap: Make sure the beef strips are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping will prevent even drying and result in some pieces being chewier than others.
• Pat Dry: Before placing the marinated beef in the air fryer, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the jerky to dry more effectively.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the jerky and adjust the cooking time as needed. Every air fryer is different, so yours might require slightly more or less time.
• Use a Jerky Gun: For perfectly uniform jerky, consider using a jerky gun. This handy tool helps extrude ground meat into consistent strips or shapes, ensuring even drying and a professional-looking result.
• Add a Cure: If you’re concerned about food safety, especially when making jerky in larger batches, consider adding a curing salt (like Prague powder #1) to your marinade. This helps inhibit bacterial growth and extends the shelf life of your jerky. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using curing salts.
• Monitor Moisture: Check the jerky’s moisture content as it cooks. You want it to be dry and leathery, but not brittle. The jerky should bend without breaking and have a slightly cracked surface.
• Consider a Dehydrator: If you plan on making jerky regularly and in large quantities, you might want to invest in a dedicated food dehydrator. Dehydrators are specifically designed for this purpose and can offer more precise temperature control and even drying.
• Experiment with Woods: If you have a smoker box attachment for your air fryer, experiment with adding wood chips (like hickory, mesquite, or applewood) for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Just be sure to follow your air fryer’s instructions for using wood chips safely.

Storage Options for Your air fryer beef jerky

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade beef jerky fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it:

• Airtight Container: The best way to store air fryer beef jerky is in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from getting in and keeps the jerky from becoming stale.
• Room Temperature: You can store beef jerky at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks. Make sure the container is tightly sealed and kept in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep beef jerky in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it should last for about 2-3 weeks. The colder temperature helps inhibit bacterial growth and keeps the jerky fresher for longer.
• Freezer: If you want to store beef jerky for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the jerky in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Vacuum Sealing: For the best long-term storage, consider vacuum sealing your beef jerky. This removes all the air from the packaging, preventing oxidation and keeping the jerky fresh for months. Vacuum-sealed jerky can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.
• Silica Gel Packs: Adding a silica gel pack to your storage container can help absorb any excess moisture, keeping your jerky dry and preventing mold growth. These packs are especially useful if you live in a humid climate.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Beef Jerky

air fryer beef jerky is a fantastic snack on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other foods. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Trail Mix: Combine beef jerky with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a protein-packed trail mix that’s perfect for hiking, camping, or road trips.
• Cheese and Crackers: Serve beef jerky alongside a selection of cheeses (like cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack) and crackers for a simple yet satisfying snack platter.
• Salads: Add chopped beef jerky to salads for a boost of protein and flavor. It works particularly well in salads with hearty greens like kale or spinach.
• Sandwiches: Use beef jerky as a sandwich filling, along with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments. It adds a chewy, savory element that’s hard to resist.
• Soup and Stew Topping: Crumble beef jerky over soups and stews for added flavor and texture. It’s especially delicious on chili or bean soups.
• Beer Pairing: Enjoy beef jerky with a cold beer. The savory, salty flavor of the jerky complements many different types of beer, from lagers to IPAs.
• Charcuterie Board: Include beef jerky on a charcuterie board alongside other cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artisanal bread. It adds a unique and flavorful element to the board.
• Avocado Toast: Top your avocado toast with crumbled beef jerky for a protein-rich breakfast or snack. It’s a surprisingly delicious combination!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Here are some of the most common questions I get about making air fryer beef jerky:

• Can I use ground beef to make jerky in the air fryer?Yes, you can! You’ll need a jerky gun to extrude the ground beef into strips. Make sure to use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to avoid greasy jerky. Follow the same marinating and drying process as with sliced beef.
• How do I know when the jerky is done?The jerky is done when it’s dry, leathery, and slightly flexible. It should crack when bent, but not break completely. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef and the efficiency of your air fryer. Start checking it after 2 hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Can I make jerky without soy sauce?Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari (for a gluten-free option), coconut aminos, or even a homemade teriyaki sauce. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients in the marinade to balance the flavors.
• How long does homemade air fryer beef jerky last?Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade beef jerky will last for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature, 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, or 2-3 months in the freezer. For best results, vacuum seal the jerky to extend its shelf life.
• Do I need to use a dehydrator for making air fryer beef jerky?No, you don’t need a dehydrator. An air fryer works just as well, and in some cases, even better. It’s faster and more convenient for small to medium batches of jerky.
• Can I add a cure to my beef jerky?Yes, adding a curing salt (like Prague powder #1) to your marinade can help inhibit bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of your jerky. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using curing salts and be sure to use the correct amount.
• What’s the best temperature for making jerky in the air fryer?The ideal temperature for making jerky in the air fryer is 160°F (71°C). This low temperature helps dry out the beef without cooking it too quickly. If your air fryer doesn’t go that low, use the lowest setting possible.
• Can I use a rack in my air fryer for making beef jerky?Yes, if your air fryer has a rack, you can use it to maximize space and dry more jerky at once. Just be sure to arrange the beef strips in a single layer on the rack and flip them periodically for even drying.
• How do I prevent the jerky from sticking to the air fryer basket?To prevent the jerky from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Just be sure to cut the parchment paper to fit the basket properly and avoid covering any vents.

Print

Related Recipes

• Turkey Bacon in Oven: Crispy & Healthy Recipe