Air-Frying Deer Meat: How Long Does It Take?

Deer meat, or venison, is a lean, tender cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 5 minutes for a medium-rare finish, or up to 10 minutes for a medium steak. Venison is a rich and earthy-tasting meat, similar to beef but with a deeper flavour. It is also extremely lean, so benefits from a little added fat when cooking to keep it juicy.

Marinating deer meat

You'll want to marinate your deer meat in a sealable plastic bag or a covered, non-reactive container in the fridge. If you're using a marinade with raw ginger, pineapple or papaya juices, be aware that these can make the meat mushy. Aim for a minimum of 40 minutes of marinating to reduce the amount of cancer-causing heterocyclic amines created when cooking over an open flame. However, for more intense flavour, you can leave the meat to marinate for up to 12 hours.

Italian Dressing Marinade

This classic oil and vinegar dressing works well as a marinade.

Buttermilk Marinade

Buttermilk is acidic and thick enough to use as the base for a batter or crust.

Citrus Marinade

Citrus juices like orange, lemon or lime can be quite harsh, so it's best not to marinate your meat for too long. A few hours should be enough.

Worcestershire Sauce Marinade

This sauce also works as a marinade and is a great way to add flavour to your deer meat.

Soy Sauce Marinade

Soy sauce is more of a brine than a marinade, and its high salt content can dramatically darken your meat. Dilute it or only leave your meat in the marinade for about an hour.

Teriyaki Marinade

You can use a store-bought teriyaki sauce, but making your own allows you to adjust the flavour to your liking. Be mindful of the sugar content, as it can scorch.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 heaping tablespoon sugar
• A dozen or so black peppercorns, cracked
• A healthy pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

German Marinade (Das Marinade)

This is a good summer marinade.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lager beer (dark or light)
• 1/2 cup malt vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon caraway seed
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley

Lemon, Black Pepper, and Oregano Marinade

Grate the zest of two lemons and mix with black pepper and dried oregano to coat your venison.

Korean Bulgogi Marinade

Ingredients:

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Blend the following ingredients for a sweet, savoury, and sour marinade:

• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, mashed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 hot chillies, minced
• 1 tablespoon molasses or Asian plum sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin, rice wine or lemon juice

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for air-frying deer meat depend on the cut of meat and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help you achieve the best results:

Cooking Temperature:

• For deer steak bites, a temperature of 400°F is recommended.
• For deer backstrap or tenderloin, preheat the air fryer to 375°F to 400°F.
• For a venison roast, start by cooking at 400°F and then reduce the temperature to 350°F.

Cooking Time:

• Deer steak bites or tenderloin usually take around 5-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness.
• For deer backstrap, the cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. Again, the thickness of the meat will determine the exact cooking time.
• A venison roast will take longer to cook, around 30-40 minutes in total. It is important to check the temperature regularly to avoid overcooking. Aim for a core temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

Tips:

• It is important to note that venison is a lean cut of meat and can easily dry out or become tough if overcooked. It is best to cook it to medium-rare or medium doneness.
• Marinating the deer meat before cooking can help tenderize it and add flavor. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• When cooking deer backstrap or tenderloin, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• For a venison roast, it is best to remove any fat or silverskin connective tissue before cooking.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Internal temperature

When cooking deer meat in an air fryer, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked properly. The ideal internal temperature range for deer meat is between 130°F and 145°F, depending on how well-done you want your meat. For a medium-rare steak, you should aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F, while for a medium steak, you will want the internal temperature to reach about 140°F. It is worth noting that deer meat is a deeper red compared to beef, so a "medium" deer steak can look very rare, and a pink inside is actually closer to "well done".

To achieve the desired internal temperature, cook the deer meat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meat and your desired level of doneness. Thicker pieces of meat will take longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness without overcooking it.

Additionally, it is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. This step is crucial in ensuring your deer meat is juicy and not dry.

By monitoring the internal temperature of your deer meat and following the recommended cooking times and temperatures, you can ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness and avoid overcooking or undercooking it.

Resting the meat

During the resting phase, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly, so it is important to consider this when deciding on the ideal doneness. The resting time also provides an opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will accompany the meal.

For thicker cuts of deer meat, such as a venison roast, a resting time of 20-30 minutes is recommended. This longer resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the larger cut of meat, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful.

Additionally, the type of cut may influence the resting time. For example, with a tender cut like the venison backstrap, a shorter resting time of 5 minutes might be preferable to prevent overcooking. In contrast, a tougher cut like a roast or haunch may benefit from a longer resting period to help tenderize the meat.

The desired doneness of the meat is also a factor to consider when determining the resting time. For a medium-rare steak, a shorter resting time will keep the center pink and juicy. On the other hand, if you prefer your meat well-done, a longer resting time will help the juices redistribute and ensure that the meat is cooked to your liking.

In conclusion, resting the deer meat after air frying is a crucial step to ensure a tasty and tender dish. By allowing the meat to rest for an appropriate duration, you'll be rewarded with a flavorful and juicy meal that your guests will surely enjoy.

Serving suggestions

Now that you know how to cook deer meat in an air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Tangy mustard or zesty ketchup.
• Bread rolls for an appetizing sausage sandwich.
• Air fryer Yorkshire pudding.
• Goose fat roast potatoes.
• Whipped sweet potatoes.
• Garlic roasted broccoli.
• Instant pot sweet potatoes.
• A glass of rich red wine.

You can also get creative with your deer meat and try different recipes, such as deer sausage or deer steak bites. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavors. Don't forget to let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender dish.

Frequently asked questions