Description
Homemade air fryer beef jerky delivers bold, savory flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Lean meat strips seasoned perfectly create a protein-packed snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500g) lean beef (top round, flank steak, or sirloin)
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Meticulously trim excess fat from beef, creating thin slices either against or with the grain depending on desired texture. Precision in cutting ensures optimal jerky consistency.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk together marinade ingredients in a spacious bowl, creating a harmonious blend of savory and spicy notes. Thoroughly coat beef slices, ensuring complete coverage. Seal in container and refrigerate for 4-8 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Air Fryer Setup: Configure air fryer to 180F (80C), utilizing lowest temperature setting if precise temperature is unavailable. Adjust cooking duration accordingly for alternative temperature ranges.
- Preparation for Cooking: Gently pat marinated beef slices dry using paper towels, removing excess liquid. Strategically arrange slices in a single, non-overlapping layer within air fryer basket to promote even dehydration.
- Dehydration Process: Cook jerky for 2-3 hours, rotating slices every half hour to guarantee uniform drying. Monitor closely, looking for leathery texture and slight pliability. Cooking duration may fluctuate based on slice thickness and specific air fryer model.
- Cooling and Preservation: Allow jerky to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to airtight container for storage. Maintain at room temperature for one week or refrigerate up to two weeks for extended freshness.
Notes
- Choose low-fat beef cuts like top round, bottom round, or flank steak to prevent rapid spoilage and enhance jerky quality.
- Use a sharp knife or meat slicer to achieve uniform 1/8-inch thick slices, ensuring even dehydration and consistent texture throughout the batch.
- Pat beef slices thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess marinade, preventing soggy jerky and promoting proper drying in the air fryer.
- Marinate beef for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing spices and seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat for a more intense, robust taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 hours
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg