Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is a simple and delicious way to make homemade jerky without a dehydrator. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. Perfect for snacking, road trips, or a protein boost during the day.
Ingredients
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1 lb beef (top round, flank, or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
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Slice beef into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. For easier slicing, freeze the meat for 30 minutes first.
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In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
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Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Remove beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C), or the lowest possible temperature setting.
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Arrange beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
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Air fry for 2–3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes, until the jerky is dry but still slightly flexible.
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Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
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Store jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
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Use lean cuts of meat to prevent spoilage. Trim off any visible fat before marinating.
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The drying time can vary based on thickness of slices and air fryer model. Check after 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg