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Sweet and Spicy Beef Jerky: An Air Fryer Recipe for Razzle Dazzle Life

When it comes to snacks that satisfy both the sweet tooth and the craving for something spicy, few can compete with homemade beef jerky. Not only is it a fantastic source of protein, but the combination of sweet and spicy flavours makes it utterly irresistible. Enter the air fryer – a game changer in the world of snack-making. With this method, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavour without all the fuss. Let’s dive into how you can conjure up your very own sweet and spicy beef jerky, perfect for a quick snack or a delightful addition to your lunchbox.

Ingredients

To make your delicious sweet and spicy beef jerky, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g lean beef (top round or flank steak is ideal)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
• Salt to taste

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Zip-lock bag or shallow dish for marinating

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by placing your beef in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours. This will make it easier to slice. Once it’s partially frozen, take it out and use a sharp knife to slice the beef into approximately 1/8 to 1/4-inch strips. Cutting against the grain will yield a more tender jerky.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef

Place the sliced beef in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure all pieces are well coated, then seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, but ideally, you’ll want to marinate it overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For most air fryers, this is around 160°C (320°F) for jerky.

Step 5: Dry the Jerky

Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures your jerky comes out crispy rather than soggy. Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow for even cooking.

Step 6: Cook

Cook the beef jerky in the air fryer for about 2-3 hours. Check on it periodically; cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your slices and the specific air fryer model. The jerky is done when it is firm yet still slightly pliable, not brittle.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Once cooked, let the beef jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. It can be kept at room temperature for a week or in the fridge for up to a month.

Enjoying Your Sweet and Spicy Beef Jerky

This sweet and spicy beef jerky is perfect for snacking any time of day. Whether you’re out hiking, working at your desk, or enjoying a movie night, this delectable treat hits all the right notes. The beauty of making it at home is that you can tweak the spice levels to your liking, ensuring it’s just as sweet or as spicy as you desire.

Not only does this recipe embody the essence of a ‘razzle dazzle life’ with its thrilling flavours, but it’s also an excellent way to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and embark on a tasty adventure of flavour with your very own sweet and spicy beef jerky!

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