Elevate your snack game with the wholesome goodness of Air Fryer Chicken Jerky—a homemade delight that not only satisfies your savory cravings but also offers a lean and protein-packed alternative to store-bought options. This simple and flavorful recipe harnesses the power of your air fryer to transform boneless, skinless chicken breasts into tender, jerky strips bursting with deliciousness.
The preparation begins by slicing the chicken into thin strips, creating the perfect canvas for a marinade that infuses layers of taste. A harmonious blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or maple syrup, and an array of savory spices, including garlic and onion powder, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika, bathes the chicken in rich flavors. The marinade works its magic, imparting a delectable essence that promises a satisfying snack experience.
As the marinated chicken strips grace the air fryer basket, the magic continues. Preheated to a gentle 160°F (71°C), the air fryer dehydrates the chicken over 2-3 hours, gradually transforming each strip into a jerky masterpiece. Flipping the strips halfway through ensures an even dehydration, resulting in a chewy and flavorful texture reminiscent of traditional jerky.
Once the Air Fryer Chicken Jerky emerges, cool it to perfection before storing in an airtight container. This homemade snack, free from additives and preservatives, becomes a guilt-free go-to for those seeking a protein-packed treat. Revel in the satisfaction of crafting your own flavorful jerky, tailor-made to your taste preferences, and savor every bite of this wholesome creation straight from your air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Jerky
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or maple syrup (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Slice Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts or tenders into thin strips. For better results, try to keep the slices uniform in thickness.
- Marinate Chicken:
- Place the chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°F (70°C) or the lowest setting if your air fryer doesn’t have a specific temperature setting.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer:
- Lay the marinated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry at 160°F (70°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is fully dehydrated and has a jerky-like texture. The exact time may vary based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken strips.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the chicken jerky to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Values Per Serving – Recipe Makes about 4 Servings):
- Calories: Around 120-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 1-2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1-2g
- Protein: 25-30g
