Looking for a fun, easy-to-make snack that’s packed with protein? This chicken jerky in air fryer recipe is the perfect solution! Making jerky has never been simpler thanks to the air fryer – you can skip the traditional dehydrator and have delicious homemade jerky ready in just 4 hours.
This recipe calls for just a few simple pantry ingredients that get whisked together into a flavorful sweet and spicy marinade. Strips of chicken breast are then tossed in the marinade to soak up all that finger-licking flavor before heading into the air fryer basket.
The best part is that it’s actually good for you! With 21 grams of protein in each serving, this air fried chicken jerky offers an excellent nutritional profile. It’s low in fat and makes for a high-protein snack that will tame hunger and give you an energy boost.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s Easy to Make: This chicken jerky air fryer recipe is incredibly easy to follow. All you need is a few ingredients, a mixing bowl, and an air fryer. Simply mix the ingredients together in a plastic bag, let the chicken marinate for a few hours, and then air fry it for four hours until it’s crispy and dry.
It’s a Fun And Unique Recipe To Try: If you’re looking for something different to add to your recipe repertoire, this chicken jerky in air fryer recipe is a fun and unique option to try.
It’s Healthy And Nutritious: Not only is this air fried chicken jerky recipe easy to make, but it’s also a healthy and nutritious snack option. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this air fryer dehydrated chicken recipe you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast.
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3/4 tablespoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy chicken jerky air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Add all the ingredients, except the chicken to a mixing bowl. Mix them together, and place the mixture in a large plastic bag.
Step 2
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/4-inch thin strips. Place them in the bag and mix well until the strips are well coated.
Step 3
Place in the fridge and allow the meat to soak in the marinade for 4-5 hours.
Step 4
Strain the meat and remove the extra marinade.
Step 5
Remove the crisper plate from the air fryer basket. Place half of the meat slices on the bottom of the basket (in one layer).
Place the crisper plate on top, and then lay the remaining chicken strips on it.
Step 6
Place the basket in the air fryer, choose the “DEHYDRATE” setting, and set the temperature to 150F (65C).
Cook for 4 hours, and check if the texture is to your liking. If not, keep cooking for an extra half an hour.
Step 7
Remove the chicken jerky from the air fryer and store in an airtight container.
💡Tips
1. Slice the Chicken Evenly for Consistent Cooking
For your chicken to dehydrate properly into jerky, it’s important to slice the chicken into very even 1⁄4 inch thick strips. This ensures every piece dries at the same rate. Work slowly when slicing, and aim for uniform thickness.
Consider partially freezing the chicken for 30 minutes first – this makes slicing much easier for thin, consistent cuts. Or, use a sharp mandoline slicer on its thinnest setting to quickly create perfect strips.
2. Checking for Doneness
Jerky doneness is a matter of personal preference. The standard 4-hour cooking time at 150F (65C) should result in a chewy yet tender jerky. If you prefer a drier jerky, extend the cooking time, checking every 30 minutes.
The jerky should bend and crack but not break. Remember, jerky will harden slightly as it cools, so don’t overdo it.
3. Smoked Paprika
I used smoked paprika in this air fryer chicken jerky recipe because it gives the chicken jerky a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work as well but it won’t give the same depth of flavor.
Make sure you buy and use naturally smoked paprika for the best results. I buy smoked paprika in bulk because I use it so often.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked this chicken jerky in air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these amazing air fryer recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage
- Air Fryer Chicken Hearts
- Air Fryer Chicken Lollipop
Chicken Jerky In The Air Fryer
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (450g)
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3/4 tablespoon Salt
- Add all the ingredients, except the chicken to a mixing bowl. Mix them together, and place the mixture in a large plastic bag.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1/4-inch thin strips. Place them in the bag and mix well until the strips are all well coated.
- Place in the fridge and allow the meat to soak in the marinade for 4-5 hours. The longer the better.
- Strain the meat and remove the extra marinade.
- Remove the crisper plate from the air fryer basket. Place half of the meat slices on the bottom of the basket (in one layer).Place the crisper plate on top, and then lay the remaining chicken strips on it.
- Place the basket in the air fryer, choose the “DEHYDRATE” setting, and set the temperature to 150F (65C).Air fry for 4 hours, and check if the texture is to your liking. If not, keep cooking for 20-30 moire minutes.
- Remove the chicken jerky from the air fryer and store in an airtight container.
