Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Ready in about 240 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer beef jerky?+
Cook at 80°C / 175°F for 180-240 min.
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.