Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Homemade beef jerky made easy with your air fryer! This flavorful, chewy snack is perfect for road trips, camping, or just enjoying at home.”

Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, trimmed of fat and sliced thinly (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1 : Slice the Beef

Freeze the Beef: Place the beef in the freezer for 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2. : Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

 Step 3 : Marinate the Beef 

Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4 : Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) or the lowest temperature setting.

Step 5 : Arrange the  Beef

Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Do not overlap the pieces for even drying.

Step 6 : Air Fry the Beef Jerky

Air fry at 180°F (82°C) for 2–3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through.
Check for doneness: The jerky should be dry and slightly chewy but not brittle.

Step 7 : Cool and Store

Let the jerky cool completely before storing.
Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.