Make tender and tasty air fryer beef jerky in just a few steps.

Perfect for camping, road trips, or just for snacking, this recipe for beef jerky produces chewy strips infused with teriyaki flavor.

Make the best beef jerky without a dehydrator using this easy air fryer recipe!

instant vortex air fryer jerky in a dish with parchment paper

Easy Air Fryer Beef Jerky

  • Faster and easier beef jerky! Making beef jerky in the air fryer is quicker than using the oven, the Instant Pot, or a food dehydrator!
  • Fun variations! Experiment with different spices to make sweet or savory jerky.
  • Low carb snack option! To make a keto version of beef jerky, just omit the sugar and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead.
  • Guilt-free snacks like beef jerky, crispy chickpeas, apple chips, and granola provide healthy and wholesome nutrition anytime!
ingredients assembled to make instant vortex air fryer jerky, including steak, soy sauce, garlic powder, worscestershire sauce, onion powder, and paprika

Ingredients and Variations

Beef – Look for top round, ground round, flank, or skirt steak because they’re affordable, lean, and will deliver the best texture and flavor. To cut uniform slices, try freezing the beef for half an hour before slicing it!

Marinade – Simple seasonings likely already in the pantry are all it takes for sweet or savory jerky. Maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sugar-free sweetener pair perfectly with savory spices. Go spicy and add sriracha or red pepper flakes, too!

Short on Time?

Simply marinate the strips in store-bought hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

How to Make Beef Jerky in the Air Fryer

  1. Prepare steak strips (per recipe below).
  2. Prepare the marinade in a bowl and add steak strips. Cover and marinate for at least an hour.
  3. Arrange the strips in the air fryer and set the power to dehydrate for 60-90 minutes.
strips of cooked steak in an air fryer tray

Tips and Tricks

  • Keep extra strips in the marinade in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
  • Lightly pat each strip dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess marinade. This prevents excess steam and helps facilitate the dehydration process.
  • Test for doneness by removing a piece of jerky and letting it cool for a few minutes. It should be dry, but still flexible. If it snaps or crumbles, it’s overcooked.
  • Don’t rush the process for perfect dehydration, texture, and flavor. Instead, let the air fryer work its magic. It’ll be worth it!

Storing Beef Jerky

Keep homemade beef jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Add a small food-safe desiccant packet to help absorb moisture and prolong shelf life.

instant vortex air fryer jerky in a glass jar

More Beef Recipes

instant vortex air fryer jerky in a dish with parchment paper
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Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Make a jerky that rivals store-bought brands with this easy air fryer beef jerky recipe.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients  

  • 1 pound inside round steak cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke optional
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions 

  • Freeze the steak for 30 minutes until it is firm. Once firm slice as thinly as possible.
  • Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, add the strips to the bowl and mix well ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
  • Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.
  • Arrange the meat strips on the racks. You can overlap a little but don't stack them.
  • Select "Dehydrate" and set the temperature to 130°F on your Air Fryer.
  • If you overlap make sure to move them around after 30 minutes. Dehydrate for 60-90 minutes until meat is dried through.
  • Store in an airtight container or resealable bags.

Notes

You may need to do two runs to get the entire pound done.
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 839mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Snack
Cuisine American

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About the author

Holly is a mom of 4 with a love for all things air fryer! Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making recipes for the everyday home cook!
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