Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Air Fryer Beef Jerky – Easy, Flavor-Packed Homemade Snack
If you love the savory, smoky, chewy goodness of beef jerky, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe. It’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require a dehydrator!
With just a few basic pantry ingredients, you’ll get that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors — all made right in your air fryer. It’s great for snacking, camping, or meal prep!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ No dehydrator or oven required
✅ Ready in a fraction of the time
✅ Easy to customize flavors
✅ High-protein, low-carb snack
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin or round steak work best)
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp onion powder
Optional add-ins:
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes (for a spicy kick!)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Beef
Slice your beef thinly (¼-inch or less) against the grain for a tender chew.
Tip: Partially freeze your steak for 30 minutes — it makes slicing much easier!
Step 2 – Marinate
In a bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, and onion powder (plus any optional spices).
Add the beef slices and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 3 – Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (80°C) — or the lowest temperature setting.
Lay the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
Check for doneness: the jerky should be dry but still slightly pliable — not brittle.
Step 4 – Cool & Store
Let the jerky cool completely before storing.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Use lean cuts of beef — too much fat can cause spoilage.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: more honey for sweetness, more soy for saltiness.
- For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Always let the jerky cool before sealing, to prevent moisture buildup.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Enjoy your homemade air fryer beef jerky as:
- A road trip snack 🚗
- A protein boost after workouts 💪
- A savory treat for movie nights 🎬
- Or even a gift idea for jerky lovers! 🎁
Making beef jerky in the air fryer is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to enjoy this classic snack.
With minimal prep and no fancy equipment, you’ll have chewy, flavorful jerky that’s far better (and cheaper!) than store-bought.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to packaged jerky again! 🥰
