deer jerky at home in air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean deer meat (venison)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the deer meat. You want to slice it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. It’s easier to do this if the meat is partially frozen. Make sure to remove any excess fat or silver skin from the meat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like your jerky sweeter, add more brown sugar; if you prefer it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
3. Place the sliced deer meat into the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 160-180°F (70-80°C), or the lowest temperature setting available. This will vary depending on your air fryer model, so check your manual for guidance.
5. While the air fryer is preheating, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the jerky from sticking.
6. Take the marinated deer meat from the refrigerator and blot off any excess marinade with paper towels.
7. Lay the meat strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
8. Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 2-4 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer’s temperature settings. Check the jerky periodically to make sure it’s drying evenly and adjust the time as needed. The jerky is done when it’s dry, leathery, and slightly pliable.
9. Once the jerky is ready, remove it from the air fryer, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container for longer shelf life.