That’s a fantastic idea—homemade beef jerky in the air fryer is quick, easy, and gives you chewy, flavorful results without a dehydrator. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
✅ Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean beef (top round, flank, or sirloin), trimmed of fat
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
✅ Instructions
1️⃣ Slice the beef thinly:
- Freeze beef for 30 minutes to make it easier to cut.
- Slice against the grain into 1/8- to 1/4-inch (3–6 mm) thick strips.
2️⃣ Marinate:
- In a bowl or ziplock bag, mix all marinade ingredients.
- Add beef strips, coat well, and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight gives best flavor).
3️⃣ Prepare the air fryer:
- Remove beef from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket or rack with oil to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Arrange beef:
- Lay beef strips in a single layer with space between each piece.
- If your air fryer has racks, you can use multiple layers.
5️⃣ Air fry:
- Cook at 180–200°F (82–93°C) for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway.
- Check doneness: jerky should be dry but still bend slightly without snapping.
6️⃣ Cool and store:
- Let jerky cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 week, or refrigerate up to 1 month.
🔥 Tips
✅ Rotate or shake: If your air fryer has a basket, shake every 30 minutes for even drying.
✅ Lean meat: Less fat means longer-lasting jerky and better texture.
✅ Optional smoky flavor: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the marinade if you like traditional smoky jerky.
Would you like a version with different seasonings (like teriyaki or spicy)?
