Air Fryer Best Beef Jerky

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean beef (such as top round or sirloin)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beef: Start by selecting lean cuts of beef and slicing it into thin strips. It’s best to cut the beef against the grain for a more tender jerky. Aim for strips that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
2. Marinate the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey (or brown sugar), liquid smoke (if using), black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate the beef: Place the beef strips in a zip-top bag or a shallow container and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160-180°F (70-80°C) or the lowest temperature setting available. This low and slow cooking method is crucial for dehydrating the beef properly.
5. Arrange the beef in the air fryer: Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Cook the beef: Cook the beef in the preheated air fryer at the lowest temperature setting for 3-4 hours. It may take longer depending on the thickness of your beef and your air fryer’s settings. Check the beef every 30 minutes and flip the strips to ensure even drying.
7. Check for doneness: The beef jerky is done when it’s tough and leathery but not brittle. It should still have a little flexibility without breaking. If needed, continue air frying for additional time.
8. Cool and store: Once the beef jerky is done, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or zip-top bags. Properly dried jerky can be stored for several weeks at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.