Ingredients:
- 1 pound of thinly sliced deer meat (venison)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Deer Meat:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar or honey. Mix the marinade thoroughly.
- Place the thinly sliced deer meat into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the deer meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 160-175°F (71-79°C), which is the ideal temperature for dehydrating the meat.
- Load the Air Fryer:
- Remove the deer meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the marinated deer meat slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer trays.
- Air Fry the Jerky:
- Cook the deer jerky at the preheated temperature for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat slices and your specific air fryer model.
- Check the jerky occasionally to ensure it’s drying evenly. You can also rotate the trays if necessary.
- Test for Doneness:
- Jerky is done when it’s dry, leathery, and slightly brittle. You can test it by bending a piece; it should crack but not break. If it’s not done, continue air frying and check it periodically.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the jerky is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store your deer jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, and it will last for several weeks.
