Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Ingredients

Beef sirloin or flank steak

1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain

Soy sauce

1/4 cup

Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons

Liquid smoke

1 teaspoon

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Onion powder

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor absorption.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). This temperature is perfect for dehydrating the beef without overcooking it.
4. After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture, ensuring your jerky becomes perfectly chewy.
5. Arrange the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even cooking.
6. Air fry the beef at 160°C (320°F) for 3-4 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to promote even drying. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the slices and your desired level of chewiness.
7. Once the beef jerky reaches your preferred texture, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.