Description
This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed snack made right at home—no dehydrator needed! Using simple ingredients like flank steak, soy sauce, and seasonings, this homemade jerky is chewy, smoky, and completely customizable. Great for on-the-go snacking, meal prep, or low-carb diets.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced ¼-inch thick against the grain
- 4½ tsp steak seasoning
- 4½ tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1½ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Freeze steak for 20–30 minutes to firm up, then slice into thin strips against the grain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together steak seasoning, brown sugar, water, soy sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Add beef strips to the marinade. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 4–12 hours.
- Arrange marinated beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each piece.
- Air fry at 180°F (82°C) for 2.5 hours, flipping halfway through. Jerky should be dry, firm, and bendable when done.
- Let cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use lean cuts of meat like flank steak or top round. Trim excess fat for better texture and shelf life.
- Jerky is done when it bends without breaking and feels dry to the touch.
- Don’t skip marinating—it’s essential for flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with garlic, chili flakes, teriyaki sauce, or honey.
- Store airtight at room temperature (up to 2 weeks) or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
