Description
Make air fryer beef jerky at home with this easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe. Using lean beef, a savory marinade, and the air fryer, you can create protein-packed jerky without preservatives. Perfect for snacking, meal prep, and outdoor adventures!
Ingredients
Scale
Beef
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin, round, or eye of round)
Marinade
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for soy-free)
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for sweetness)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Beef
- Trim excess fat from the beef.
- Slice into ¼-inch thick strips (slice against the grain for tender jerky).
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes.
- Stir until combined.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
- Add beef slices to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying
- Remove beef from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the air fryer to 175°F (80°C).
- Arrange beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 5: Cook the Jerky
- Air fry at 175°F (80°C) for 2 hours.
- Check for doneness—jerky should be firm, dry, and slightly bendable.
- If needed, continue air frying in 15–20 minute intervals until fully dried.
- Ensure the jerky reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Cool & Store
- Let jerky cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For easier slicing, freeze the beef for 30 minutes before cutting.
- If jerky is too salty, briefly rinse the meat before drying.
- For extra smoky flavor, add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Test doneness by bending a piece—jerky should bend but not break.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg