Description
Making beef jerky in an air fryer is a game-changer! This easy recipe yields tender, flavorful jerky with a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. The air fryer ensures that your jerky is perfectly dehydrated without the need for complicated methods. Customize your jerky with varying levels of spice to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin steak, round steak) [Note 1]
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes, optional (or add more for spicy jerky)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until the honey dissolves completely. - Slice the Beef
Cut the beef steak into thin strips or squares, aiming for about ¼ inch thickness. If you have a meat slicer, it can help you get uniform pieces. - Marinate the Beef
Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are well-covered. Toss the beef in the marinade to ensure even coating, then cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. - Pat the Beef Dry
Once marinated, remove the beef strips from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to prevent the jerky from becoming too soggy during the air frying process. - Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the strips are not overlapping to allow even airflow and drying. - Air Fry the Beef
Set the air fryer to 210°F (100°C) and air fry for 2 hours. After 2 hours, check the jerky. If it’s not fully dried, continue air frying in 15–20 minute intervals until the jerky reaches the desired dryness and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) [Note 2]. - Cool and Store
Once the jerky is ready, allow it to cool to room temperature. Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate or freeze the jerky.
Notes
- Use lean cuts like sirloin or round steak for the best jerky. Fatty pieces may not dehydrate well and can lead to spoilage.
- Be sure to slice the beef against the grain for a tender jerky that’s easier to chew.
- If you prefer spicy jerky, increase the chili flakes or add hot sauce to the marinade.
- Always check the jerky after the initial cooking time, as air fryers may vary in cooking times.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (approximately 3-4 pieces of jerky)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg