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Homemade Air Fryer Beef Jerky: A Quick & Delicious Snack

Air fryer beef jerky recipe for a tasty and easy snack. This recipe uses lean beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices to create a flavorful jerky. It’s a healthier, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought jerky.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: Approximately 1 pound of jerky

Ingredients

  • 1. 1.5 lbs flank steak or top round, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 2. 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 3. 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 4. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 5. 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8. 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 9. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 10. Optional spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder

Instructions

  1. 1. Trim excess fat from the beef and slice into thin, even strips (1/4 inch thick).
  2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. 3. Place beef strips in a resealable bag or dish. Pour marinade over beef, ensuring all strips are coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  4. 4. Preheat air fryer to 160°F (71°C).
  5. 5. Remove beef strips from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
  6. 6. Arrange beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. 7. Air fry for 2-3 hours, flipping strips every 30-60 minutes to ensure even drying.
  8. 8. Check jerky periodically. It should be dry and slightly flexible, cracking when bent but not breaking completely.
  9. 9. Remove jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. 10. Store cooled jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature during drying., Don’t overlap beef strips in the air fryer., Pat the marinated beef dry before air frying., Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer., Consider using a jerky gun for uniform jerky., Add a curing salt for food safety, following manufacturer’s instructions., Monitor moisture content; jerky should be dry and leathery, not brittle., Consider a dehydrator for large quantities of jerky., Experiment with wood chips in a smoker box for smoky flavor.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ounce
  • Calories: Approximately 70 calories per ounce
  • Fat: Approximately 1 gram per ounce
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams per ounce
  • Protein: Approximately 12 grams per ounce