Homemade beef jerky is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a high-protein snack while controlling the ingredients and flavor. Instead of relying on store-bought jerky, which can be expensive and full of preservatives, making your own at home allows you to season the meat exactly the way you like it—and it’s easier than you might think.
In a popular YouTube tutorial, THEREALSHOWBBQ demonstrates how to make beef jerky using an air fryer. The air fryer used in the video functions as both an air fryer and a dehydrator, making it perfect for slowly drying out the meat while locking in flavor. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, this homemade beef jerky can easily rival anything you’d buy at the store.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Top round or London broil beef
Directions
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, onion powder, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
Next, prepare the beef. For best results, place the meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing—this firms it up and makes it easier to cut cleanly. Slice the beef into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the sliced meat into a large freezer or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat until all pieces are well coated. Allow the beef to marinate according to the instructions shown in the THEREALSHOWBBQ YouTube tutorial for best flavor and texture.
Once marinated, remove the beef from the bag and blot each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important for proper dehydration.
If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, set it to 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate the beef for 3 to 5 hours, depending on thickness and desired chewiness. If your air fryer does not have a dehydration function, set it to the lowest possible temperature and allow the meat to slowly dry until it becomes firm and jerky-like.
Final Thoughts
Beef jerky is one of the best snacks for sneaking extra protein into your day, and making it in the air fryer is a modern, convenient twist on a classic method. You can customize the seasoning to match your taste, whether you prefer it smoky, spicy, or savory.
Growing up, jerky was often made the old-fashioned way—air-dried for days and then lightly fried before storage. This air fryer version speeds up the process while delivering great flavor and texture. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought jerky again.