Choose the right cut. Pick a lean piece like top round or eye of round. Trim off any visible fat, since fat turns rancid faster and doesn’t dry well.

Partially freeze for clean slicing. Place the beef in the freezer for 45–60 minutes. It should be firm but not rock solid. This helps you slice thin, even strips.

Slice against the grain for tenderness. Cut the beef into 1/8–1/4 inch thick slices. Thinner slices dry faster and chew easier. For a firmer chew, slice with the grain instead.

Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cayenne, smoked paprika, and optional sriracha or gochujang.

Marinate thoroughly. Add the beef slices to a zip-top bag or dish. Pour in the marinade, making sure every strip is coated. Press out air, seal, and chill for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.

Prep for drying. Remove beef from the fridge. Pat the strips very dry with paper towels—this is crucial for proper drying and browning.

Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 160–175°F (70–80°C) if it has a dehydrate setting. If your air fryer’s lowest temp is higher (like 180–200°F), we’ll adjust time and keep a closer eye.

Arrange the strips. Lightly oil or spray the racks or basket. Lay the beef in a single layer with space between pieces. Avoid overlap or stacking.

Dry low and slow. Air fry for 2–4 hours, flipping every 30–45 minutes and rotating racks if your model has them. If your minimum temperature is 180–200°F, start checking at 90 minutes and reduce heat if possible.

Check for doneness. Jerky is done when it’s dry to the touch, darker in color, and bends without snapping. It should crack slightly along the surface when you bend it but not break cleanly.

Cool and condition. Let jerky cool completely on racks. Then place it loosely in a clean jar or bag for 24 hours at room temp, shaking once or twice. This “conditions” moisture evenly across pieces.

Store properly. Move to airtight containers. See storage details below for fridge and freezer guidance.