Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Ready in about 240 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Homemade beef jerky is chewy, savoury and far cheaper than shop-bought, and the air fryer doubles as a dehydrator. A long, low cook dries thin, marinated strips into a moreish high-protein snack you can flavour exactly how you like.
Written for 6. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 700 g lean beef, such as topside
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Method
- 1Freeze the beef for 1 hour, then slice as thinly as you can against the grain.
- 2Marinate the strips in the soy, Worcestershire, sugar and spices for at least 4 hours.
- 3Pat the strips dry and lay them out without overlapping.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 80°C (175°F) for a couple of minutes.
- 5Dry for 3-4 hours, rotating the strips occasionally, until leathery but still bendy.
- 6Cool completely, then store in an airtight jar.
Tips for the best results
- Trim off every bit of visible fat, as fat does not dry and shortens the shelf life.
- The jerky is done when it cracks but does not snap when bent; cool it before judging.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer beef jerky steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer beef jerky the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer beef jerky?
A typical starting point is 80°C / 175°F for 180-240 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer beef jerky ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer beef jerky serve?
This recipe is written for 6. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
How long does it keep?
Stored airtight in the fridge it keeps for up to two weeks; a paper towel in the jar absorbs any moisture.