Description
Homemade Air Fryer Beef Jerky delivers robust flavor with minimal effort, promising a protein-packed snack. Lean beef slices marinated in savory spices crisp perfectly, creating an irresistible treat you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (500 grams) lean beef (top round, flank steak, or sirloin)
Liquid Seasonings:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
Dry Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Meticulously trim excess fat from the beef, understanding that fatty portions accelerate spoilage. Slice the meat against the grain for a tender texture, creating uniform strips approximately 1/8-inch thick.
- Craft a robust marinade by blending soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Thoroughly coat beef slices, ensuring complete coverage. Submerge meat in the flavor-rich mixture and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing ingredients to penetrate deeply.
- Configure air fryer to 180°F, or select the lowest possible temperature setting. If standard temperature differs, adjust cooking duration proportionally.
- Carefully extract beef from marinade, gently blotting excess liquid with paper towels. Position meat strips in a precise, non-overlapping arrangement within the air fryer basket.
- Execute cooking process with strategic intervals. Rotate jerky segments every half-hour, monitoring transformation from moist to leathery. Total cooking duration ranges between 2-3 hours, contingent upon meat thickness and specific air fryer characteristics.
- Allow jerky to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to an hermetic container, maintaining optimal preservation. Consume within one week when stored at ambient temperature, or extend shelf life to two weeks through refrigeration.
Notes
- Slice beef consistently to ensure even drying and uniform texture throughout the jerky.
- Use lean cuts like top round, bottom round, or flank steak to minimize fat content and improve shelf life.
- Pat meat dry thoroughly before air frying to help achieve crisp, dehydrated texture and prevent steaming.
- Experiment with marinade ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or liquid smoke to create unique flavor profiles.
- Check jerky periodically during cooking to prevent over-drying or burning, adjusting time based on your air fryer’s performance.
- Store jerky in vacuum-sealed bags or containers with moisture-absorbing packets to extend preservation time.
- For spicy lovers, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne powder to boost heat levels without compromising texture.
- Consider using alternative protein sources like turkey or salmon for different dietary preferences while maintaining similar preparation techniques.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 hours
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg