Air Frying Deer Jerky: How Long Does It Take?

Deer jerky is a tasty snack, but how long does it take to cook in an air fryer? The answer depends on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, if your meat is less than 1/4 inch thick, you should start checking for doneness after 45 minutes at 190 degrees. However, if your meat is thicker, it may take a few additional minutes. In general, it takes around 2 hours to cook deer jerky in an air fryer at 185°F/ 85°C until it is completely dehydrated.

How long to cook deer jerky in an air fryer: 2 hours at 185°F/85°C

Cooking deer jerky in an air fryer at 185°F/85°C will take around 2 hours. It is important to monitor the jerky closely after 1½ hours to get the cooking time just right. The jerky should bend and crack, but not break in half. It needs to reach 160°F/71°C to be safe to consume, so check with an instant-read meat thermometer to be sure it has reached this temperature.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat. If your jerky is less than ¼ inch thick, start checking for doneness after 45 minutes. Thicker strips may take a few additional minutes. It is also important to ensure that the venison strips are placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with no overlapping, to ensure even cooking.

To make the process easier, you can place the venison roast in the freezer for up to 1 hour before slicing. This will help to firm up the meat and make it easier to cut into thin, even strips.

Additionally, marinating the meat can also affect the cooking time. A good venison jerky marinade will include Hi-Mountain seasoning, which has preservatives to help preserve the jerky, and liquid smoke. The meat should be marinaded for 24 hours before cooking.

How to prepare the meat: place in a single layer, no overlapping

When preparing the meat, it's important to place the venison strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they do not overlap. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and dehydration of the meat. Overlapping meat may result in uneven cooking, with some pieces drying out faster than others.

To start, place the venison strips in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This allows for proper airflow and helps the meat dry evenly. If you are using wooden or metal skewers, thread the meat onto the skewers before placing them in the air fryer. This makes it easier to handle the meat and ensures even cooking.

It is important to note that the thickness of the meat will affect the cooking time. For thinner strips of meat, less than ¼ inch thick, start checking for doneness after about 45 minutes. Thicker strips may take a few additional minutes, so it is recommended to check them after an hour. If the meat is not fully dry, continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired doneness.

To achieve the perfect texture, aim for the meat to bend and crack but not break in half. This indicates that the meat is dehydrated but still has some moisture, resulting in a tender and chewy jerky. The ideal temperature for safe consumption is 160°F/71°C, so use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature in several of the largest pieces of jerky.

By following these steps and paying close attention to the meat's doneness, you can ensure that your deer jerky is cooked evenly and safely. Remember to allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

How to check if it's done: bend and crack, but not break in half

When cooking deer jerky in an air fryer, it is important to check if it is done by testing if it bends and cracks, but does not break in half. This is the ideal texture for deer jerky.

To achieve this, it is recommended that you air fry the deer jerky at 185°F/85°C for around 2 hours. However, it is important to monitor the jerky closely, especially after the 1-hour 30-minute mark, as the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness.

If you prefer your deer jerky with a bit more bend, you may want to check it earlier, around the 1-hour mark, and then continue to air fry for 15-20 minute intervals until it reaches your desired texture. It is worth noting that if your jerky is less than 1/4 inch thick, you should start checking for doneness after 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.

To ensure food safety, it is crucial to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the deer jerky has reached an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C. This temperature indicates that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated, making the jerky safe to consume. Insert the thermometer into several of the largest pieces of jerky to get an accurate reading.

How to store: allow to cool and store in an airtight container

Cooking deer jerky in an air fryer is a simple process, but it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure the best results. Once you've cooked your deer jerky, it's important to allow it to cool completely before storing it. This helps to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to spoilage. Place the cooked jerky on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to cool. This will ensure that the jerky is completely dry before storing.

Once the deer jerky has cooled, it's time to transfer it to an airtight container. Airtight containers are essential for maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage. Choose a container that is large enough to hold the amount of jerky you have made, and make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. Glass or ceramic containers are ideal, as they are non-porous and won't absorb flavours or odours.

If you're using a plastic container, make sure it's made of food-grade plastic and is free of BPA or other potentially harmful chemicals. You can also use a vacuum sealer to store your deer jerky. Vacuum sealing helps to remove all the air from the container, which can extend the shelf life of the jerky.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and freshness of your deer jerky. Store the airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Avoid storing the jerky in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect the texture and flavour. With proper storage, your deer jerky can last for several weeks, or even months, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used.

Marinade: use Hi-Mountain seasoning and liquid smoke, marinade for 24 hours

To make deer jerky in an air fryer, you'll need to start by marinating your venison strips. For the marinade, use Hi-Mountain seasoning and liquid smoke, and leave the meat to marinate for 24 hours. This will give the meat time to absorb the flavours and reach its maximum potential.

After 24 hours, remove the meat from the marinade and thread it onto metal or wooden skewers, making sure there's a bit of space between each piece of meat to allow for good airflow. You can pat the meat dry with paper towels before skewering if you like.

Set your air fryer to 185°F/85°C and place the skewers inside. Cook the deer jerky until it's completely dehydrated, which should take around 2 hours. Check the jerky regularly after around 1½ hours, and continue to air fry for 15-20 minute intervals until it's ready. If your jerky is less than ¼ inch thick, start checking for doneness after 45 minutes. Thicker strips may take a few additional minutes.

When the jerky is ready, it should bend and crack, but not break in half. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.

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