Description

Make delicious, tender, and flavorful beef jerky right at home using your air fryer! This quick recipe offers a customizable, preservative-free snack packed with protein. Perfect for on-the-go or for a high-protein snack, you can tailor the seasoning and spice level to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or flank steak

¼ cup soy sauce

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Slice the Beef:
Freeze the beef for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut the beef into 1/8 to 1/4 inch strips against the grain for the best texture.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate the Beef:
Coat the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring each strip is evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) and let it preheat while you arrange the beef.
Arrange and Cook:
Lay the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the jerky is dry, slightly chewy, and has a firm texture.
Cool and Store:
Remove the jerky from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Store the jerky in an airtight container or zip-top bag for maximum freshness.

Notes

Variations:

Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or more cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Try using maple syrup or honey for a sweet touch.

Experiment with different beef cuts such as round steak or eye of round.

Storage/Reheating:

Storage:
Store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 180°F (82°C) for about 5 minutes if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American