Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Air fryer teriyaki beef jerky is a simple and flavorful snack made with tender strips of marinated beef and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. With a chewy texture and a rich teriyaki marinade, it’s an easy recipe perfect for meal prep, road trips, or anytime snacking.

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Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time4 hours hrs

Total Time12 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings4

Making air fryer teriyaki beef jerky at home is easier than you think, and the results are unbeatable. This recipe combines the convenience of the air fryer with a bold, savory-sweet marinade to create perfectly chewy and flavorful jerky. Whether you’re new to jerky-making or a seasoned pro, this method delivers a snack that’s fresh, delicious, and tailored to your taste.

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What You Need To Know

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: Soy sauce, light brown sugar, bottled teriyaki sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger powder, crushed red pepper flakes, beef sirloin tip steak.
• QUICK STEPS: Whisk marinade ingredients, coat beef strips, marinate for eight hours or overnight, pat dry, air fry in batches at 200°F for two hours per batch.
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: Approximately 12 hours (including marinating and cooking time), yields 4 servings

Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky Ingredients

Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky Substitutions

Light Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce: Swap with a small amount of balsamic vinegar for a tangy and rich alternative, or omit entirely for a less robust marinade.

Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder; however, reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon to prevent overpowering the marinade.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the level of heat by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or replacing them with cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Meat Selection: What To Use And Why

Choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for making homemade teriyaki beef jerky. Since jerky requires slow cooking to remove moisture and achieve the perfect chewy texture, it’s best to select a lean cut of meat with minimal fat. Fat can spoil more quickly than lean meat, affecting the shelf life of your jerky. Here are some of the best cuts of beef:

• Sirloin Tip Steak: This is our top choice because it is lean and easy to slice into uniform strips, making it an excellent choice for jerky. Sirloin steak has moderate marbling ensures the jerky stays tender while delivering robust beef flavor.
• Eye of Round Roast: Known for its affordability and uniform shape, this cut is a lean cut of meat with minimal connective tissue, making it ideal for jerky. It’s easy to trim and slice into consistent pieces.
• London Broil: This is a great alternative if you’re looking for another lean cut of beef. London broil has a mild flavor and is often budget-friendly, which makes it a practical option for jerky-making.
• Top Round: Another lean option, top round is slightly more tender than other cuts and works well when sliced against the grain. Its subtle beefy flavor pairs perfectly with the teriyaki marinade.

How To Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky

STEP ONE: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, light brown sugar, bottled teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure the mixture is smooth, with the sugar fully dissolved.

This teriyaki marinade forms the base of the jerky’s sweet and savory flavor.

STEP TWO: Marinate the Beef Strips
Add the sliced beef sirloin tip steak to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the strips to ensure each piece is fully coated. Push the beef strips down so they are submerged in the marinade.

STEP THREE: Refrigerate the Beef
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the beef marinate for at least eight hours or, for the best results, overnight. This step allows the meat to absorb the teriyaki flavor fully.

STEP FOUR: Prepare the Beef for Air Frying
Once marinated, drain the liquid from the beef strips. Lay the beef on a paper towel-lined tray and pat it dry with another paper towel. Proper drying is essential to achieve the right texture during cooking.

STEP FIVE: Arrange the Beef in the Air Fryer Basket
Place half of the beef slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the strips aren’t overlapping, as this ensures even cooking. Cover the remaining beef strips and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook the second batch.

If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, adjust the number of strips accordingly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven results.

STEP SIX: Air Fry the First Batch
Set the air fryer to 200°F and cook the beef strips for 60 minutes. Once the time is up, reset the air fryer to 200°F and cook for another 60 minutes.

STEP SEVEN: Check for Doneness
After the second hour, inspect the jerky for the right texture. The beef should be chewy and slightly flexible, not overly dry or brittle. Remove the first batch and let it cool to room temperature.

STEP EIGHT: Repeat with Remaining Beef
Remove the second half of the beef from the refrigerator and repeat the air frying process. Cook in the same manner as the first batch, ensuring the strips are laid out in a single layer.

Common Issues and How To Prevent Them

Problem: The beef jerky turns out too dry or brittle.
Solution: Monitor the cooking time closely, especially during the second hour. Start checking the texture after 90 minutes and stop cooking once the beef is chewy but not overly stiff.

Problem: The jerky doesn’t have enough flavor.
Solution: Marinate the beef for at least eight hours or overnight for the best results. Make sure all slices are fully submerged in the marinade.

Problem: The marinade burns in the air fryer.
Solution: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels before air frying to remove excess marinade. This prevents drips that can scorch.

Problem: The jerky spoils too quickly.
Solution: Use lean cuts of beef and trim all visible fat, as fat can cause jerky to go rancid. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

Problem: The air fryer basket becomes messy and hard to clean.
Solution: Line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper or a silicone mat to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Problem: The jerky has a tough or stringy texture.
Solution: Slice the beef against the grain for tender jerky. Cutting with the grain results in a chewier texture.

Serving Suggestions For This Homemade Jerky

• As a Quick Snack: Pack the jerky strips in small airtight bags or containers for an on-the-go snack that’s high in protein and satisfying. It’s a great option for hiking, road trips, or busy days.
• In a Charcuterie Board: Pair the jerky with cheese, nuts, and dried fruits for a unique addition to a savory charcuterie spread. Its teriyaki flavor complements creamy cheeses and crunchy accompaniments.
• As a Salad Topper: Slice the jerky into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over a green salad for added protein and texture. It pairs well with Asian-inspired salads featuring sesame dressing or fresh vegetables.
• With Dipping Sauces: Offer the jerky with small bowls of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, spicy mayo, or sriracha for added flavor.

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How To Store

Proper storage of your air fryer teriyaki beef jerky ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Whether you’re making it ahead, keeping it in the fridge, or freezing it for later, here’s how to handle and store your jerky to maintain its texture and taste.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe is perfect for making ahead, as the jerky can be prepared in advance and stored for future use. After cooling completely, store the jerky in an airtight container.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store your jerky in the fridge, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Properly sealed, it will last for up to one to two weeks. The fridge helps maintain the chewy texture and prevents spoilage, especially if you’ve used cuts with a bit of fat.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, place the jerky in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

REHEATING: Jerky doesn’t typically require reheating, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can warm it briefly in the microwave. Use 10-15 second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating. For larger batches, a low oven setting (about 200°F) for five to ten minutes can help refresh the jerky’s texture.

This air fryer teriyaki beef jerky is a simple, protein-packed snack with bold teriyaki flavors and a perfectly chewy texture. Whether for meal prep, a road trip, or just a quick bite, it’s an easy recipe that delivers every time.

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Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky

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Air fryer teriyaki beef jerky is a simple and flavorful snack made with tender strips of marinated beef and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. With a chewy texture and a rich teriyaki marinade, it’s an easy recipe perfect for meal prep, road trips, or anytime snacking.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 12 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

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Ingredients

  

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• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons bottled teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pound beef sirloin tip steak, thinly sliced (cut into ¼ inch thick by 2-3 inch long strips)

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl whisk together the soy sauce, light brown sugar, bottled teriyaki sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Add the sliced beef sirloin tip steak to the bowl with the teriyaki marinade and toss to coat all the beef slices with the marinade. Be sure to push all the beef slices down so that they are completely covered with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours but overnight is best.
• Once the beef strips have marinated, drain all the liquid from the beef. Place the beef onto a paper towel-lined tray and use a second paper towel to pat the beef strips dry very well.
• Place half the beef strips into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer, being sure that you have a little space between the strips. Cover the remaining beef strips with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to air fry.
• Set the air fryer to 200°F for 60 minutes (that is the maximum amount of time the 6.8-quart Cosori brand air fryer could be set to), then once that time is up, you will set your air fryer for another 60 minutes at 200°F. You will need to note that depending on the thickness of your beef strips, and the power of your air fryer, you may have to add a little extra time to your air fryer time when making your beef jerky.
• Once your beef jerky is done, remove it to a container and repeat step 6 with the remaining half of your marinated beef strips.

Notes

• If you are cutting a larger piece of beef down yourself, you can place your beef into the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to get thinner, uniform slices. You also want to ensure you use a very sharp knife to get nice thin, even slices.
• A 6.8 quart COSORI brand air fryer was used to develop this recipe. If you are using a different brand air fryer then you will want to make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
• When looking for the beef sirloin tip steak it may be labeled as simple “sirloin tip steak” or it can also be labeled as “round tip steak” these are both the same cuts of beef.

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