Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb lean beef (eye of round steak, flank steak, or sirloin), sliced ¼ inch thick

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ½ cup Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Trim beef to remove any excess fat, then slice into strips no thicker than ¼ inch, cutting with the grain for chewier jerky or against the grain for more tender jerky

2. For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for 30 minutes before cutting

3. In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined

4. Add beef strips to the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered and strips aren’t sticking together

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight (18-24 hours) is best for maximum flavor

6. Remove beef from marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels

7. Preheat air fryer to 160-175°F (70-80°C)

8. Arrange beef strips in air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap

9. Air fry for 2-3 hours, checking every 15-20 minutes during the final hour

10. Cook until beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is completely dehydrated but not charred

11. Allow jerky to cool completely before storing in airtight containers

Store in refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks for best quality and safety. The jerky should be dry and leathery when properly finished.