Air-Fried Venison Steak: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook venison steak. Depending on the desired level of doneness, the cooking time can vary from five to ten minutes. In this article, we will explore the best way to cook venison steak using an air fryer, including the ideal cooking time and temperature. We will also discuss the benefits of using an air fryer for this type of meat and provide tips for achieving the best results.

Marinating venison steak

A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and parsley in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag. You can also add other ingredients such as red wine, beef broth, or port for additional flavour. Ensure the venison steaks are fully coated in the marinade, and leave them to marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight for a deeper flavour.

It is important to bring the venison to room temperature before cooking, so remove the steaks from the marinade about 30 minutes beforehand. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and preheat your grill or pan to a medium-high heat.

Cook the steaks for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 117°F for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of doneness, but be careful not to overcook the venison as this can make it tough.

Finally, let the steaks rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. You can top the steaks with butter for extra richness if desired.

Some people choose to soak their venison in salt water or vinegar and water overnight before marinating to help draw out the blood and reduce the "gamey" taste. However, this step is not necessary, especially if you are using farmed deer or wild venison that has been properly field-dressed.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking venison steak in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steak in batches to ensure even cooking.

Before cooking, remove the venison from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add mixed herbs for extra flavour.

When preheating your air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). Place the venison into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and flip the steak over. Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). The meat should be pink in the middle, juicy, and tender. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your venison steak. Thicker cuts may require a longer cooking time, while thinner pieces may cook faster. It is recommended to cook similar-sized pieces together to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, different brands of air fryers may have varying cooking times, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's operating guide for specific instructions.

Venison steak doneness

Venison steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. It is recommended to avoid cooking it to well-done as this will result in a dry and tough chunk of meat.

A medium-rare steak is the doneness level to aim for, with a core temperature of 135°F (57°C). The meat will still be fairly pink in the middle and will taste juicy and tender.

For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F-140°F. It is important to note that venison is a deeper red colour compared to beef, so a "medium" deer steak can look rare, and a pink inside is actually more "well done".

To achieve the desired doneness, cook the venison steak in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred internal temperature.

When cooking venison steak, it is crucial not to overcook it. Unlike beef or pork, venison has very little fat content, and overcooking will result in dry and tough meat. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensure the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.

Additionally, marinating the venison steak before cooking can help to enhance its flavour and improve tenderness. A good marinade includes acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus, which help to tenderize the meat and tone down the "gamey" flavour that some may find off-putting.

In summary, for a juicy and tender venison steak, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness by cooking the steak at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, depending on its thickness. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Marinating the steak beforehand can also improve its flavour and texture.

Venison steak sides

When it comes to sides to serve with your air-fried venison steak, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to round out your meal and provide some extra nutrients. Some options that pair well with venison include:

• Asparagus: Grilled asparagus is a great option to serve alongside your venison steak. You can also cook it in duck fat inside a foil casket on the grill for a smoky flavour.
• Green beans: These can be cooked on the stovetop with a little butter, olive oil, and diced onions. French-style green beans are a good variety to use.
• Brussels sprouts: These can be roasted with lard, fresh rosemary, and salt.
• Broccoli or cauliflower: Cheesy broccoli or cauliflower is always a crowd-pleaser. Simply roast the vegetables with milk and butter, then bake with a lid until tender. Finally, smother them in cheese and bake without the lid until melted.
• Carrots: Boil or steam some carrots with a little butter to serve with your venison. Raw carrots also go well with smoked venison in a sandwich or burger.

Starches

Starches like potatoes or rice can help fill up your plate and satisfy your hunger:

• Sweet potatoes: This versatile option can be fried, baked, mashed, or slow-cooked. Try incorporating maple syrup or brown sugar into your sweet potatoes, and consider doing the same with your venison for a sweet and savoury combination.
• Mashed potatoes: This classic pairing goes well with any hearty meat dish, especially when served with plenty of gravy.
• Stuffing: A few hearty scoops of boxed stuffing can be a quick and easy side dish that kids will love. Add some black pepper to taste, but be careful with the salt as boxed mixes can already be quite salty.
• Dauphinoise potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and seasoned with nutmeg is a rich and indulgent side dish.
• Rice pilaf: Try an herbed rice pilaf with walnuts for some extra crunch and flavour.

Salads

A fresh salad can provide a nice contrast to your venison steak:

• Cucumbers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella: Toss these ingredients with cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing side salad.
• Red cabbage and pickled red onions: These provide a nice bite to go with your meat.

Other Sides

• Baked beans: A classic, comforting side dish. Look for a "homestyle" variety or anything with bacon and brown sugar. You can also add some BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
• Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms are a great choice to serve with venison. Try sautéing them in a cast-iron skillet.
• Yorkshire pudding: A classic British side dish that goes well with any roast meat.
• Gravy: Don't forget the gravy! You can make a simple gravy by melting butter in a pot, adding flour to make a paste, and then gradually stirring in beef broth.

Venison steak marinade alternatives

Venison is a lean and tasty alternative to beef steaks, but it can benefit from a good marinade to enhance the flavour and tenderise the meat. Here are some marinade alternatives to try:

Italian-style marinade

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar. This marinade works well with venison steaks and can be left on the meat for at least 3 hours or overnight for a deeper flavour.

Spicy marinade

For those who like a little kick, try a marinade of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried minced onion, red pepper flakes, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried minced garlic. This marinade also includes hot pepper sauce to taste. Leave the steaks to marinate for at least 1 hour before cooking.

Herb and spice marinade

A mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper will add flavour and tenderness to your venison steaks. Leave the steaks to marinate for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours for the best results.

Butter dredge

For a simple and quick option, dredge your venison steaks in melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before air frying. This method helps to keep the meat juicy and adds flavour.

Tips for cooking venison steak

• Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cook to medium-rare or rare, with an internal temperature of no more than 135°F.
• Rest the meat for 10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
• Use thick cuts of at least 1 inch to ensure even cooking and maximum flavour.

Frequently asked questions