If you’re a fan of venison jerky, but have never made your own, now is the time to try! Making your own deer jerky is easier than you might think, and air frying is the perfect method for ensuring perfectly cooked, delicious results.
Here’s what you need to know to make perfect air fryer deer jerky, every time. First, you’ll need to choose the right cuts of meat. For the best flavor and texture, go for lean cuts like the shoulder, neck, or loin. Then, it’s time to prepare yourmeat. Traditionally, venison jerky is made by marinating the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and other spices. However, there are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring your own deer jerky.
Feel free to experiment with different marinades and spice blends until you find a combination you love. Once your meat is marinated, it’s time to start air frying. Cook the jerky in your air fryer at a low temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for slow, even cooking. This process will take a few hours, but
1. Invest in a quality air fryer.
2. Cut the meat into thin, even strips.
3. Season the meat with your desired spices.
4. Preheat the air fryer to the correct temperature.
5. Place the strips of meat in the air fryer basket, being sure not to overcrowd it.
6. Cook the meat until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
7. Allow the meat to cool slightly before enjoying.
1. Invest in a quality air fryer.
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food using little to no oil. This means that you can cook healthier meals without sacrificing taste. Deer jerky is a great way to use an air fryer, as it is a lean meat that can be notoriously tough to cook.
Here are some tips on how to make perfect air fryer deer jerky.
1. Invest in a quality air fryer. If you are going to be making air fryer deer jerky, it is worth investing in a quality air fryer. Cheap air fryers may not reach the high temperatures that are necessary to properly cook deer jerky, which can lead to a less than ideal final product. Spending a little extra on a quality air fryer will pay off in the end.
2. Cut the deer meat into thin strips. In order for your deer jerky to come out correctly in the air fryer, you need to start with thin strips of meat. The thicker the strips, the longer they will take to cook, and the tougher they will be. Use a sharp knife to slice the deer meat into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Season the deer jerky as desired. Once you have your thin strips of deer meat, it is time to season them. You can use any number of herbs and spices to flavor your deer jerky. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Experiment until you find a flavor that you like.
4. Cook the deer jerky in the air fryer. Now it is time to cook the deer jerky in the air fryer. Most air fryers have a specific setting for jerky, so be sure to consult your air fryer’s manual for the correct temperature and cook time. Generally speaking, you will want to cook the deer jerky at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time.
5. Enjoy your delicious deer jerky! Once the deer jerky is cooked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before enjoying. You can store the leftover jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Cut the meat into thin, even strips.
Deer jerky is a delicious and healthy snack that can be made right at home in an air fryer. If you’ve never made jerky before, it may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.
To make perfect air fryer deer jerky, start by cutting the meat into thin, even strips. If the strips are too thick, they will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy. If they are too thin, they will cook too quickly and may dry out.
One of the most important things to remember when cutting the meat is to make sure all of the strips are the same size. This will ensure that they all cook evenly. Once you have your strips cut, it’s time to start cooking! Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Cook the jerky at a high temperature for about 1 hour, or until it is dry and crisp. Once the jerky is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. Deer jerky will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
3. Season the meat with your desired spices.
Air drying is the best way to preserve game, and it results in some of the best tasting Jerky. The first step is to slice the meat thinly, against the grain, and then remove any excess fat. Next, mix together your desired spices in a bowl – we recommend a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Rub this mixture all over the meat, using your hands to evenly distribute it. At this point, you can also add any other spices or seasonings that you like.
Once the meat is fully coated, place it on the racks of your air fryer. Set the temperature to 170 degrees Fahrenheit and let the meat dry for 6-8 hours, or until it is completely dehydrated. If you want to speed up the process, you can set the air fryer to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but this will result in a slightly less tender finished product. When the jerky is done, it will be hard and brittle.
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and it will keep for several months.
4. Preheat the air fryer to the correct temperature.
The perfect temperature for air frying deer jerky is between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes will call for a lower temperature, but this will result in a longer cook time and a less crispy final product.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature before beginning to cook. If you’re using a dehydrator to create your deer jerky, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper temperature.
Dehydrators typically operate between 140-155 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to adjust your air fryer accordingly. The cook time will also be shorter, so keep an eye on your jerky and check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
With either method, the goal is to create a delicious, dried meat that is free of harmful bacteria. By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, you can rest assured that your jerky will be both delicious and safe to consume.
5. Place the strips of meat in the air fryer basket, being sure not to overcrowd it.
If you’re a fan of deer meat, then you’ll love this recipe for air fryer deer jerky! Not only is it a healthier way to enjoy your favorite game meat, but it’s also super easy to make.
Here’s what you need to know to make the perfect batch of deer jerky in your air fryer.
5. Place the strips of meat in the air fryer basket, being sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred around the edges. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
6. Cook the meat until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
6. Cook the meat until it reaches the desired level of doneness. To cook the meat, preheat the air fryer to 165 degrees F. Then, place the meat in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 145 degrees F.
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. Once it is cooled, you can slice it into thin strips and enjoy!
7. Allow the meat to cool slightly before enjoying.
Assuming you have followed the previous six steps correctly, you should now have some delicious deer jerky! But before you start chowing down, there is one final step to take – letting the meat cool slightly. This may seem like an odd thing to do, but it really does make a difference in the taste and texture of the jerky.
If you try to eat it straight out of the air fryer, it will be incredibly hot and somewhat tough. But if you let it cool for just a few minutes, it will be much more tender and easier to chew. Plus, the flavors will have a chance to blend and deepen, making for a much more complex and delicious jerky-eating experience. So, resist the temptation to dive right in, and give your jerky a little time to cool off first. You won’t regret it!
If you love the taste of venison jerky, but don’t have the time or patience to smoke it, then air frying is the perfect solution.
By following these simple tips, you can make perfect air fryer deer jerky that is full of flavor and easier to make than you might think. So, the next time you are in the mood for some delicious venison jerky, give air frying a try.
