This bold snack packs tons of flavor and comes out perfectly chewy every single time.
Skip store-bought jerky and try this easy homemade version for game day, road trips, or late-night cravings.
The air fryer keeps things fast while locking in that rich teriyaki taste.
This recipe is super easy to follow, and you’ll find step-by-step photos and directions just below. We’ve added pro tips and tricks to help you get it just right on the first try. Scroll down for answers to the most frequently asked questions about making jerky in your air fryer.
More Recipes ⭐ Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki | Five Star Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Million Dollar Bacon
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You can make this air fryer beef jerky teriyaki with almost no mess and no dehydrator needed. It’s packed with bold teriyaki flavor and makes the perfect snack for road trips, parties, or after-school munchies.
The air fryer gives the jerky a chewy texture and rich taste that beats store-bought every time.
Follow the simple steps below and save money while making your own beef jerky at home.
Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this teriyaki beef jerky recipe for air fryer:
- 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: A lean cut of meat perfect for jerky, cut into strips for even cooking.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your air fryer teriyaki beef jerky recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding bold extras! These simple changes keep the jerky just as tasty while giving it your own touch. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Soy Sauce: Use low sodium soy sauce if you want to cut back on the salt while keeping the flavor strong.
- Substitute Ground Ginger: Use fresh grated ginger instead of ground for a stronger, more fragrant teriyaki flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder; however, reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon to prevent overpowering the marinade.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. This air fryer beef jerky recipe turns out great every time. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: 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.
SECOND STEP: 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.
Pro Tip
Use a zip-top bag for marinating if you prefer. This allows for easy storage and ensures even coverage.
THIRD STEP: 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.
FOURTH STEP: 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.
