Making beef jerky in the air fryer is a simple and convenient way to prepare this protein-packed snack at home without needing a dehydrator or an oven. The air fryer’s hot circulating air mimics the dehydrating process, allowing you to create flavorful, tender jerky in just a few hours, with much less time than traditional methods. Plus, it’s a great way to control the ingredients and make a healthier version of this popular snack, as you can skip the preservatives and artificial flavorings often found in store-bought jerky.
This air fryer beef jerky recipe uses a simple marinade with a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors, but you can easily customize it to your taste preferences. The best part? The air fryer ensures that the jerky becomes slightly crispy on the edges while staying tender and chewy on the inside.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Beef Jerky:
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer reduces the cooking time significantly compared to traditional methods, making it a convenient way to make jerky in a fraction of the time.
- Customizable: You can control the flavor by adjusting the marinade, whether you want it sweet, spicy, or smoky.
- Healthy: You can use lean cuts of beef and control the amount of salt and sugar in your marinade to make a healthier version of jerky.
- Minimal Cleanup: With the air fryer, you don’t need to worry about large dehydrators or messy oven trays, making cleanup a breeze.
Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean beef (such as flank steak, sirloin, or round steak)
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a bit of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the beef:
- Trim any excess fat from the beef to ensure the jerky is lean and doesn’t become greasy. Slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. You can freeze the beef for 30-45 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thin slices.
- Make the marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and ground mustard (optional). Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a sweeter jerky, you can add a little more honey or maple syrup.
- Marinate the beef:
- Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the beef is fully coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C). Some air fryers may only go as low as 200°F, which is also fine—just keep an eye on the jerky to avoid overcooking.
- Arrange the beef in the air fryer:
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat the strips dry with paper towels. This helps reduce excess moisture and ensures that the jerky will crisp up nicely.
- Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure there is a little space between each strip so the air can circulate evenly for the best results. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the beef jerky:
- Air fry the beef jerky at 180°F (82°C) for about 3-4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef slices and your specific air fryer model. You’ll know the jerky is done when it’s dry but still slightly flexible, with no moisture in the center. If your air fryer only goes to 200°F, check the jerky at 2 1/2 hours.
- Cool and store:
- Once the jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The jerky will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Store the jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. It should last for 1-2 weeks at room temperature or up to 2-3 months in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it for even more extended use.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beef Jerky:
- Cutting the beef: For tender jerky, slice the beef against the grain. For a chewier texture, you can slice it with the grain.
- Thickness of slices: Thinner slices will dry out faster, while thicker slices will be chewier. Aim for slices that are around 1/4-inch thick for the best balance of tenderness and crispiness.
- Marinade variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. You can add things like ground ginger, cinnamon, or cloves for a more exotic flavor. For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the marinade.
- No need for oil: You don’t need to oil the air fryer basket or the beef strips, as the air fryer’s circulating heat does the work of drying the meat evenly.
- Check doneness: Beef jerky should be slightly bendable without snapping. If you prefer it crispy, leave it in the air fryer a little longer, but be careful not to burn it.
- Batch cooking: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the jerky in batches to ensure even cooking. Just keep the finished jerky warm in a low-temperature oven (around 170°F) while you finish the rest.
