Description:
Enjoy homemade, perfectly chewy beef jerky made effortlessly in your air fryer! This recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers a delicious, protein-packed snack in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Marinated overnight for maximum flavor, this jerky is customizable to your preferred level of spice and keeps for weeks. It’s a great alternative to store-bought versions, offering a healthier, budget-friendly option.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin tip steak, thinly sliced (cut into ¼-inch thick strips)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice level)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Begin by sourcing a high-quality beef sirloin tip steak. This cut is lean and flavorful, making it ideal for jerky. If you’re purchasing a whole steak and slicing it yourself, aim for consistent ¼-inch thickness. To achieve this, consider partially freezing the steak for 30-40 minutes. This firms up the meat, making it much easier to slice thinly and uniformly. A very sharp knife is essential for clean, even slices. Cut against the grain of the meat to ensure tenderness in the final product. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Cutting against the grain shortens these fibers, making the jerky less chewy and more palatable. Before slicing, trim off any excess fat or tough gristle from the beef. Fat doesn’t render well in the air fryer and can become rubbery, while gristle is unpleasant to eat. Once sliced, cut any larger pieces into roughly ¼-inch wide strips, maintaining a consistent size for even drying. Place your beef strips in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Creating the Marinade
In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, prepare the flavorful marinade. Combine the low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved, creating a homogenous mixture. The soy sauce provides the salty, savory base, while the Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami. Brown sugar introduces a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness and aids in caramelization during the air frying process. Garlic powder and onion powder contribute aromatic complexity, and the black pepper provides a subtle heat. The red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference.
Step 3: Marinating the Beef
Pour the prepared marinade over the beef strips in the bowl. Gently toss the beef strips to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every piece is evenly saturated. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents the beef from drying out in the refrigerator and helps to contain the aromas. Refrigerate the marinated beef for a minimum of 8 hours, but ideally overnight (12-24 hours). This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender jerky. The longer the beef marinates, the more intense the flavor will be.
Step 4: Preparing for Air Frying
After the marinating period, drain all the liquid from the beef. Discard the marinade; do not reuse it. Place the beef strips onto a tray lined with several layers of paper towels. Use a second set of paper towels to gently pat the beef strips dry very well. This step is crucial for achieving the desired jerky texture. Excess moisture will prevent the beef from drying out properly in the air fryer, resulting in a softer, less chewy product. The drier the beef strips are before air frying, the better the final texture will be.
Step 5: Air Frying the Beef Jerky
Place half of the beef strips into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Ensure that there is a small space between each strip to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the beef from drying evenly. Cover the remaining beef strips with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to air fry the second batch.
Set the air fryer to 200°F (93°C) for 60 minutes. After this first hour, set the air fryer for another 60 minutes at 200°F (93°C). The total cooking time will be 120 minutes. Please note that depending on the thickness of your beef strips and the power of your air fryer, you may need to add a little extra time to the air frying process. The jerky is done when it is dry, slightly pliable, and doesn’t have any soft spots.
Step 6: Repeating the Process
Once the first batch of beef jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a container to cool. Repeat step 5 with the remaining half of your marinated beef strips, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket with adequate spacing.
Step 7: Storing the Beef Jerky
Once all of the beef jerky is cooked and cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze your beef jerky for up to 6 months. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and freshness of the jerky. Ensure the container is completely sealed to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to spoilage.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This air fryer beef jerky recipe is a game-changer for snack lovers! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding a delicious, homemade jerky that rivals store-bought versions. The air fryer drastically reduces the cooking time compared to traditional dehydrators or ovens, making it a convenient option for busy individuals. It’s customizable: you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spice. Making jerky at home is much cheaper than buying it pre-made, and you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial preservatives and excessive sodium. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover steak or experiment with different cuts of beef. You get a great protein-packed snack.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy it as a standalone snack.
- Pack it for hiking, camping, or road trips.
- Add it to charcuterie boards for a savory element.
- Use it as a topping for salads or soups.
- Pair it with cheese and crackers for a satisfying appetizer.
Tips:
- Partially freezing the steak before slicing makes it easier to cut thin, even strips.
- Patting the beef strips thoroughly dry before air frying is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even drying.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your beef strips and the power of your air fryer.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique jerky flavor. Some ideas include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a touch of honey.
- For a sweeter jerky, increase the amount of brown sugar in the marinade.
- For a saltier jerky, use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Consider using a jerky gun for consistent shapes and sizes, or purchase a meat slicer.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
Cook Time:
2 hours (total)
Total Time:
2 hours 20 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on serving size)
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Sodium: Variable, depending on the type of soy sauce used, approx 300-400mg
Conclusion:
Air fryer beef jerky is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade, healthy, and delicious snack. The simple recipe, combined with the efficiency of the air fryer, makes it an accessible option for anyone looking to create their own jerky at home. With its customizable flavors and long shelf life, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your snack rotation. From prepping the ingredients to air-frying this jerky at home, you will not regret trying this jerky
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
A: Yes, while sirloin tip steak is recommended for its lean and flavorful properties, you can use other lean cuts of beef such as flank steak, round steak, or even top sirloin. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before slicing.
Q2: How do I know when the jerky is done?
A: The jerky is done when it is dry, slightly pliable, and doesn’t have any soft spots. It should be firm to the touch and bend without breaking easily. If it’s still soft or moist, continue air frying for additional time, checking every 15 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can make beef jerky in a dehydrator or in a low oven. The dehydrator is set between 150-160°F for 4-8 hours, or until the jerky is dried to your desired consistency. In the oven, preheat to the lowest setting (usually around 170-200°F) and prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Place the beef strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 3-4 hours, or until dried to your liking.
Q4: How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
A: To increase the spice level, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also use a spicier variety of chili powder. To reduce the spice level, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether or reduce the amount used.
Q5: Can I use liquid smoke in this recipe to give it a smoky flavor?
A: Yes, adding a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke to the marinade will impart a delicious smoky flavor to the jerky. Be careful not to add too much, as liquid smoke can be quite strong.
