Description
Craving a savory, protein-packed snack that’s easy to make at home? This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is the answer. It’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare—no dehydrator needed! Using your air fryer, you can create homemade jerky with a rich blend of spices and a chewy texture that rivals store-bought versions.
Whether you’re prepping for a hiking trip, need a low-carb snack, or just love the taste of beef jerky, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Beef Jerky:
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1½ lbs lean beef (top round, flank steak, or sirloin tip)
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (helps tenderize)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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Choose a lean cut of beef and trim off any visible fat.
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Place the beef in the freezer for 30–45 minutes to firm it up—this makes slicing easier.
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Slice the beef into thin strips (about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick), going against the grain for a tender texture.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
4. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
5. Add the beef strips and mix well to coat.
6. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prep for Air Frying
7. Remove the marinated beef from the fridge and pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade—this helps them dry out better in the air fryer.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) or use the dehydrate setting if available.
Step 4: Air Fry the Jerky
9. Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Leave space between each strip to allow proper air circulation.
10. Air fry at 180°F (or as low as your air fryer allows) for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the strips every 30–45 minutes.
11. The jerky is done when it’s dry but still slightly pliable—not brittle.
Step 5: Cool & Store
12. Let the jerky cool completely on a wire rack.
13. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Trim All Fat – Fat can cause jerky to spoil faster, so remove as much as possible.
Cut Even Strips – Uniform thickness helps everything cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overlap – Keep strips separated in the air fryer so they dehydrate evenly.
Use a Dehydrate Function – If your air fryer has this setting, it’s ideal for jerky.
Marinate Longer – Overnight marinating gives deeper, more complex flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Cuisine: American