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

1 lb lean beef (like top round, flank steak, or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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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

Use very lean beef to avoid spoilage (fat can turn rancid).
For sweeter jerky, increase brown sugar or add a touch of maple syrup.
To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.