Let me tell you, making air fryer beef jerky at home is one of the best cooking adventures I’ve had! The convenience of using an air fryer means you can whip up this flavorful snack without the fuss of traditional methods. I remember the first time I tried it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I was amazed at how easy it was! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade jerky that’s way better than store-bought. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on making your own jerky!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious air fryer beef jerky:
- 2 pounds of beef (I love using sirloin or flank steak for their flavor and tenderness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (this adds that savory depth)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (for a little zing)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (trust me, it balances the flavors so well)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you like it spicy!)
Make sure your beef is sliced thin—about 1/4 inch thick—so it dries evenly. Now you’re all set to get started!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting your air fryer beef jerky just right is all about following these simple steps! First, start by slicing your beef into thin strips—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is crucial for even drying, so don’t rush it!
Next, mix together your marinade in a large bowl: combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture is where all that amazing flavor comes from, so give it a good stir!
Now, add your beef strips into the marinade. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for deeper flavor. Trust me, you’ll be glad you waited!
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 160°F (70°C). Remove the beef from the marinade and gently pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture. Lay the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 4 to 6 hours, checking for doneness every hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the jerky is dry and chewy but not brittle. Once done, let it cool before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to delicious jerky!
- The air fryer cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional methods, so you can enjoy your snack sooner.
- Flavorful and customizable—you can adjust the spices and sauces to match your taste preferences.
- Homemade jerky is a healthier alternative to store-bought options, minus the preservatives.
- Perfect for on-the-go snacking, camping trips, or even just a satisfying treat at home!
Tips for Success
To make the best air fryer beef jerky, here are my top tips! First, slice the beef against the grain for a more tender chew—it’s a game changer! If you want a bolder flavor, let the beef marinate overnight instead of just a few hours. When it comes to seasoning, feel free to get creative! Add a splash of hot sauce for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Keep an eye on the jerky as it cooks; every air fryer is a little different, so check for that perfect dry yet chewy texture. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for your homemade air fryer beef jerky. Each serving (about 1 ounce) contains approximately 70 calories, 2g of fat, 12g of protein, and 3g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
FAQ Section
Got questions about making air fryer beef jerky? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones:
How should I store my jerky? Keep your homemade jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it.
Can I use different types of meat? Absolutely! You can experiment with turkey or even venison for a unique twist on flavor.
What if I want it less chewy? If you prefer a softer jerky, reduce the cooking time by checking for doneness earlier. Just be careful not to undercook it!
Can I season it differently? Definitely! Feel free to play around with different spices and sauces to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store your homemade air fryer beef jerky in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for even longer shelf life. No need to reheat—just enjoy it straight from the container for a tasty snack anytime!
For more information on the health benefits of homemade jerky, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in other delicious recipes, you might enjoy Beef Pasta Delight or Creamy Garlic Pasta.
Print
Air Fryer Beef Jerky: 7 Steps to Perfectly Chewy Flavor
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple recipe for making beef jerky using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef (sirloin or flank steak)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°F (70°C).
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 4-6 hours, checking for doneness every hour.
- Once the jerky is dry and chewy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool.
Notes
- Store jerky in an airtight container.
- Homemade jerky can last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer beef jerky, homemade beef jerky, easy beef jerky
