Ingredients
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Beef Jerky
For the Beef:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin or round steak works best)
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
2. Slice the Beef
Cut the beef into thin strips or squares, ensuring even thickness for consistent drying.
3. Marinate the Beef
Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, ideally, overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Prep the Beef for Air Frying
Remove the beef strips from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures they dehydrate properly and don’t become too sticky.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to allow even air circulation.
6. Dehydrate the Beef
Set the air fryer to 210°F (100°C) and air fry for 2 hours. Check the strips; if they’re not fully dehydrated, continue cooking in 15-20 minute intervals until they reach the desired dryness. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
7. Cool and Store
Once the jerky is ready, let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.