Go Back
Chef Ava

Air Fryer Beef Jerky

This Air Fryer Beef Jerky is deeply savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly chewy with a bold homemade flavor. Thin slices of sirloin are marinated overnight in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices before slowly air frying until dry, tender, and flexible. No dehydrator is required, making this an easy high-protein snack for road trips, hiking, meal prep, or everyday snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total Time 15 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin tip steak, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • medium mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • paper towels
  • wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef into approximately 1/4-inch strips, cutting against the grain. Freeze the beef for 30 minutes first if desired for easier slicing.
  2. Whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the beef strips to the marinade, toss until evenly coated, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat each strip dry with paper towels.
  5. Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
  6. Air fry at 180°F for 2–3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through cooking, until dry, darkened, and slightly flexible.
  7. Transfer the jerky to a wire rack and cool completely before storing.
  8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender jerky and freeze it for 30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier. Marinate overnight for the best flavor, pat the strips dry before air frying, and arrange them in a single layer without overlapping. Test doneness by bending a strip—it should bend with slight cracking but not snap.