Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe offers a quick and easy way to make flavorful, tender jerky at home using thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory blend of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and spices. The air fryer gently dehydrates the beef strips to perfection, resulting in a deliciously chewy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin steak or round steak)
Marinade
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust for spiciness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well until the honey has fully dissolved, creating a smooth marinade.
- Slice the Beef: Cut the beef steak into thin strips or squares about ¼ inch thick. For even thickness, using a meat slicer is recommended but not necessary.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Pat the Beef Dry: After marinating, remove the beef strips and gently pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess during air frying and to promote proper drying.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the beef strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap to allow optimal air circulation and even drying.
- Air Fry the Beef: Set the air fryer to 210°F (100°C) and cook the beef strips for 2 hours. Check the jerky at the 2-hour mark and, if not fully dehydrated, continue cooking in 15–20 minute increments until the jerky is dry and achieves an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and Store: Once the jerky is done, let it cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or refrigerate/freezer for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Use lean cuts like sirloin or round steak to reduce fat content and improve shelf life.
- Ensure beef strips are evenly sliced for consistent drying.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Always pat the beef dry before air frying to prevent soggy jerky.
- The internal temperature of 160°F ensures food safety by properly cooking the meat.
- Store jerky in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
