🐄 Air Fryer Beef Jerky — Easy, Smoky, and Addictive!

Making homemade beef jerky doesn’t require a fancy dehydrator — just your trusty air fryer! 🙌 Whether you’re prepping snacks for hiking, game day, or just want a savory, low-carb bite on hand, this recipe is flavorful, tender, and ridiculously easy. Let’s turn lean beef into smoky strips of heaven. 🌬️🔥

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.5 lbs beef (sirloin, flank, or another lean cut) 🥩

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️

• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

• 1 tsp onion powder 🧅

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Optional: 1 tsp liquid smoke for that deep campfire flavor 🌫️

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Beef 🔪

Slice your beef thinly against the grain — aim for 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick.

• Thinner = crispier jerky

• Thicker = chewier texture

📌 Tip: Partially freeze the meat for 30–45 minutes to make slicing easier!

2. Marinate the Meat 🍶

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce

• Worcestershire

• Spices

• (Add liquid smoke if you like it bold!)

Toss beef slices in the marinade and place them in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. 💤

3. Preheat the Air Fryer ♨️

Set your air fryer to its lowest temperature (usually 160–180°F / 71–82°C). This slow, low heat is ideal for dehydrating the meat.

4. Load the Trays 🍖

Arrange marinated beef slices in a single layer, not touching or overlapping. Use trays or the basket, depending on your model.
Proper airflow = perfect jerky texture!

5. Air Fry & Dry ⏳

Cook the jerky for 2–4 hours, flipping once halfway through.
⏲️ Cooking time varies based on slice thickness and air fryer size. Keep an eye out near the end!

✅ Done when: Jerky is dry, but still slightly pliable — not brittle.

6. Cool & Store 🧊📦

Let jerky cool completely before storing.
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to a month.
(Though let’s be real… it won’t last that long 😋)