Air Fryer Beef Jerky Tips (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 pound beef sirloin tip steak, thinly sliced into ¼-inch thick strips
02 -
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
04 -
3 tablespoons brown sugar
05 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
07 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
08 -
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
# Instructions:
01 -
Place the beef sirloin tip steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes until it’s firm but not completely frozen. Once firm, slice the beef against the grain into ¼-inch thick strips using a sharp knife. Cutting against the grain ensures the jerky remains tender.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the brown sugar dissolves. The marinade should have a rich, dark color and smooth consistency.
03 -
Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the meat, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
04 -
Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator. Place the beef strips on a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture. The strips should feel tacky but not wet.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C). Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Work in batches if necessary, leaving spaces between pieces to allow air circulation.
06 -
Cook the beef at 180°F (82°C) for approximately 2-2.5 hours. Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even drying. The jerky is ready when it bends without breaking, has a deep mahogany color, and is no longer moist.
07 -
Transfer the finished jerky to a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. The flavor improves after 24 hours as moisture redistributes.