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Savory Air Fryer Beef Jerky

A flavor-packed, protein-rich homemade beef jerky that's easy to make and perfect for snacking.
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 12 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

Beef and Marinade
  • 2 lbs lean beef (such as flank steak or eye of round) Choose a lean cut to avoid spoilage.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) Use low sodium for a healthier option.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a spicy kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim any excess fat from the beef and slice it against the grain into strips approximately ¼ inch thick. Freezing the meat for about an hour beforehand makes slicing easier.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) and whisk until mixed well.
  3. Add and coat beef strips in the marinade, cover the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 160°F (70°C).
  2. Remove excess marinade from the beef and arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 6 to 8 hours, checking occasionally for the desired level of dryness and chewiness.
Cooling and Storing
  1. Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
  2. Enjoy your homemade snack guilt-free!

Notes

Marinate longer for deeper flavors, adjust drying time based on personal texture preferences. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for longer shelf life.