Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe transforms lean beef sirloin or flank steak into a deliciously flavorful, chewy snack using a simple marinade and the convenience of an air fryer. Marinated overnight for depth of flavor and air fried to perfection, this homemade jerky offers a healthier, preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions.
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 the beef into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, slicing against the grain to ensure the best texture for your jerky.
- 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 thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, tossing them to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the beef strips for cooking.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap or overcrowding. Cook at 180°F for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through cooking. The jerky is done when it is dry but still chewy, with a firm texture.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cooked jerky from the air fryer and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly and uniformly to ensure even drying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on desired spice level or omit if you prefer mild jerky.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor, but a minimum of 4 hours will suffice.
- Use lean cuts of beef to avoid excessive fat, which can shorten jerky shelf life.
- Store jerky in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer freshness.
