Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Beef Jerky is a convenient, faster alternative to traditional jerky-making that still delivers bold, smoky, and savory flavor with that perfect chewy texture. Ideal for snacking, meal prep, or on-the-go energy, this homemade jerky is customizable, high in protein, and free from preservatives found in store-bought versions.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
beef (top round, flank, or sirloin tip)soy sauceWorcestershire saucebrown sugarblack peppergarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprika or liquid smoke (optional)red pepper flakes (optional)
directions
Slice beef thinly against the grain (about 1/8–1/4 inch thick). Freeze for 15–30 minutes first for easier slicing.
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional spices or liquid smoke.
Add beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Drain and pat beef slices dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
Preheat air fryer to 180°F (or lowest possible setting).
Place beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for airflow.
Cook for 2–3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes, until jerky is dry and chewy but still slightly pliable.
Let cool completely before storing.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 6–12 hoursAir frying time: 2–3 hoursTotal time: 8–15 hours (including marinating)
Variations
Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat.
Use teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, Asian-inspired flavor.
Try balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Use venison, turkey, or pork instead of beef.
Add a dash of maple syrup for a smoky-sweet flavor.
storage/reheating
Store cooled jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.No reheating needed—enjoy straight from storage.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef?
Top round, flank steak, or sirloin tip are lean and ideal for jerky.
How thin should I slice the meat?
About 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices work best for even drying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, to ensure consistent drying from the start.
Can I skip the marinating time?
Marinating is essential for flavor and tenderizing—don’t skip it.
How do I know when it’s done?
Jerky should be dry but slightly flexible—not brittle.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Can I make it low sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
Does it smell up the air fryer?
A little—it’s meaty and savory, but it fades quickly.
Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes, but it requires a jerky gun and different prep steps.
Is this cheaper than store-bought?
Yes, and you control the ingredients and flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Beef Jerky is a simple, flavorful, and healthier way to make your own high-protein snack at home. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have chewy, seasoned jerky that rivals anything from the store. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again!
Print
Air Fryer Beef Jerky
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: About 10 servings
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is tender, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s a protein-packed snack that’s smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly chewy—with no dehydrator required! Great for road trips, camping, or healthy snacking on the go.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean beef (like top round, flank steak, or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Slice the Beef:
Freeze beef for 30–45 minutes to make slicing easier. Slice into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, against the grain for tender jerky.
Marinate:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add beef and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) or the lowest temperature available. If your air fryer doesn’t go that low, use the dehydrate function if available.
Arrange the Jerky:
Lay beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Don’t overlap. You may need to work in batches.
Cook:
Air fry for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the beef is dry but still slightly pliable. Time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices and air fryer model.
Cool and Store:
Let jerky cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
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Use very lean beef to avoid spoilage (fat can turn rancid).
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For sweeter jerky, increase brown sugar or add a touch of maple syrup.
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To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
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