Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)

Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe

This air fryer beef jerky is a simple and delicious way to make a high-protein snack at home! It delivers that classic chewy texture and deep, smoky flavor without a dehydrator.

You can make a delicious batch of homemade beef jerky in just a few hours using simple ingredients and an easy marinade. Whether you prefer a sweet, spicy, or smoky twist, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste.

Ingredients and Supplies to Make Beef Jerky in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Flank steak (or bottom round), sliced thin
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Liquid smoke
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

What is the best cut of meat for jerky?

When making beef jerky, selecting the right cut is key. You want a lean cut of beef to ensure proper drying and to prevent spoilage. Here are some popular cuts:

• Top Round: A favorite due to its leanness and uniform texture.
• Bottom Round: Similar to top round, it works well if trimmed of any excess fat.
• Eye of Round: Very lean and often used because it’s easy to slice thinly.
• Sirloin Tip: Offers a good balance of flavor and leanness.
• Flank Steak: Though it has a bit more flavor, be sure to trim any fat before dehydrating.

Avoid cuts with too much marbling or visible fat, as fat can hinder the drying process and lead to spoilage. If you choose a cut with a little fat for flavor, trim it off as much as possible before marinating and drying.

Supplies

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife or meat slicer
• Meat tenderizer
• Zip-top bag or airtight container (for marinating)
• Paper towels
• Air fryer racks (optional)

How to Make Beef Jerky in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

The easiest, best way to prep the meat is to ask the butcher at your grocery store to slice it for you. I simply told the butcher that I wanted about 1 pound flank steak sliced 1/8-inch thick, and they did all of the cutting for me.

If your steak isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into thin ⅛-inch thick strips against the grain for a tender bite.

Trim any excess fat to prevent spoilage.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

Whisk the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.

Add the beef slices to the marinade ingredients, and stir or massage the thin strips so each piece of meat is well-coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Dry the Meat

Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

How Long Does It Take to Dehydrate Jerky in an Air Fryer?

Step 4: Dehydrate the Jerky in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°F (82°C).

Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Use racks or skewers to create multiple layers if needed. Air fry for 45 minutes, then check for texture.

Continue cooking for another 15-25 minutes, checking every 5 minutes, until the jerky reaches your desired chewiness (about 60 minutes total).

The dehydration process takes 45-60 minutes at 180°F (82°C), depending on the thickness of the meat and your preferred texture. Thicker cuts may require additional time for a chewier consistency.

How to Store Beef Jerky

Always keep jerky in a cool, dry place and ensure it is fully dried before storing. To check if it’s properly dried, bend a piece slightly—it should be firm but not snap in half. If it breaks, it’s over-dried; if it bends too easily, it needs more drying time.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Homemade beef jerky should generally be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to ensure safety and freshness. Unlike store-bought jerky, which often has preservatives, homemade jerky has a higher risk of bacterial growth if not stored properly.

Refrigerator: Extend shelf life by refrigerating for up to 1 month.

Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months for long-term storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jerky good in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fryer jerky is flavorful, easy to make, and has a great texture. The circulating hot air mimics the drying effect of a dehydrator, resulting in tender, chewy jerky in a fraction of the time.

Does an air fryer dehydrate faster than a dehydrator?

Yes, air fryers typically work faster because of their powerful heating elements and high airflow. While a dehydrator can take 4-8 hours, an air fryer can make jerky in just 45-60 minutes.

Can I use different meats for air fryer jerky?

Absolutely! While beef is a classic choice, you can use turkey, chicken, or even venison. Just ensure the meat is sliced thin and marinated well.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade beef jerky in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to store-bought versions. You’ll have a delicious, protein-rich snack ready with simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Try different marinades, spice levels, or even alternative meats to create your perfect jerky. Mix honey, smoked paprika, and soy sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor. Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, and black pepper if you love spice. A teriyaki-style marinade with ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar also makes for a delicious twist.

Give it a try, and let us know your favorite flavor combinations!

See more of our favorite air fryer recipes!

• Simple Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
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• Flavorful Sausage, Potato, and Onion in the Air Fryer

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Air Fryer Beef Jerky

This air fryer beef jerky is easier and more delicious than I expected! Give it a try!

4.50 / 5 ( 20 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Serves: 8

Adjust Servings: 8

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak sliced 1/8-inch thick and cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon meat tenderizer
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

• Whisk together the soy sauce, worcestershire, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add meat to sauce and let marinate for about 8 hours.
• Remove meat from marinade and pat meat dry with paper towels. Arrange meat in single layers in the air fryer using racks or skeweres to create layers. Air fry at 180°F/82°C for 45 minutes. Check it, then add 15-25 more minutes until it reaches your desired texture. Cook longer for more tough, chewy jerky. (60 minutes total was just about right for me.)

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 598mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g