Looking for a quick and tasty homemade snack? Try making Air Fryer Beef Jerky! This simple recipe allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful jerky without needing to spend hours dehydrating. The air fryer makes the process faster while still giving you that perfectly chewy texture you love.
Why Make Beef Jerky in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm due to their ability to cook food quickly and evenly while using little to no oil. When it comes to making beef jerky, the air fryer is an ideal tool for:
Healthier Option: The air fryer helps reduce the amount of fat, providing a lean, high-protein snack.
Speed: It’s much faster than traditional methods like oven or dehydrator jerky-making.
Convenience: No need for long hours of waiting — your jerky will be ready in about 1 hour.
What is the best cut of meat for Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe?
When choosing the best cut of meat for beef jerky, it’s important to pick a lean option to ensure proper drying and avoid spoilage. Some of the most popular cuts include:
- Top Round: Known for its lean quality and even texture, making it a top choice.
- Bottom Round: Similar to top round, it’s also a good option when trimmed of excess fat.
- Eye of Round: This cut is very lean and easy to slice thinly, making it ideal for jerky.
- Sirloin Tip: Offers a good mix of flavor and leanness.
- Flank Steak: While flavorful, it’s important to remove any visible fat before drying.
Cuts with high amounts of marbling or fat should be avoided, as the fat can prevent the meat from drying properly and cause it to spoil. If you prefer a little fat for extra flavor, trim it off as much as possible before marinating and dehydrating.
How to make Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe
Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe
- Total Time: 1hour 5minutes
Description
Discover how to make delicious, tender, and perfectly crispy beef jerky using an air fryer. This easy and quick recipe delivers savory, homemade jerky with less mess and hassle. Ideal for snack lovers!
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.)
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 1hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 90kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 598mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
Keywords: Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Expert Tips & Variations
- Meat Selection: Lean cuts like top round or bottom round are ideal for jerky. These cuts have less fat, which means the jerky will be less greasy and have a longer shelf life.
- Customize the Marinade: You can make your jerky spicier by adding extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter version, add more brown sugar or even a splash of honey.
- Make it Smoky: For a deeper smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika or try adding a drop of liquid smoke to the marinade.
How to Store Beef Jerky
Storage:
- Store jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Jerky is typically eaten at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you prefer it warm, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes at 150°F.
FAQs about Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe
How long should I marinate beef for jerky?
- For the best flavor, marinate your beef for at least 4 hours. If possible, marinate overnight to allow the beef to absorb all the flavors.
Can I use a different cut of meat for jerky?
- Yes! Other lean cuts like top round or sirloin tip work well. Choose a cut with little fat to avoid greasy jerky.
How do I know when my jerky is done?
- Your jerky is done when it’s dry to the touch and has a leathery texture. It should bend without breaking but not feel moist.
Can I make jerky without skewers?
- Yes! If you don’t have skewers, simply place the beef strips directly on the air fryer rack or basket, ensuring the pieces don’t overlap.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe is perfect for anyone craving a quick, healthy, and customizable snack. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can enjoy homemade jerky in no time. So why wait? Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect chewy, savory snack on the go!
