Craving for wild game meat? This recipe is for you! Find out how to cook venison in air fryer like a pro! If you had too much chicken, pork, and beef, why not try something new this time and have a taste of deer?
Cooking venison for the first time can be intimidating. If you over-cook, it might turn rubbery and hard to chew. Without suitable flavorings, meanwhile, the flavor can be too intense for those who do not have an acquired taste for this meat.
Read on, and I will share some venison recipes you can quickly prepare in an air fryer.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Venison in Air Fryer
If you are reading this article, chances are you have not cooked venison before. Below, I will share some recipes to help you make a delicious and convenient dish using deer meat.
1. Air-Fried Venison Burger
You might have already tried making beef and veggie burger in an air fryer. However, for many, a venison burger is something different. When cooked properly, it can be equally mouthwatering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound venison, ground
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 buns
- Choice of veggies and condiments
Instructions
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl, toss the ground venison and add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Use your hand to mix them and make four patties of equal sizes.
- Once the air fryer is hot, arrange the patties on the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, decide how many patties you can cook simultaneously. If you have a small 3-quart air fryer, you might only fit two at a time, so you must cook in batches.
- Cook the patties for six minutes. Flip and cook for two more minutes.
- Transfer the patties to a plate with paper towels and let them rest. Next, arrange in buns and add your choice of veggies and condiments.
7. Air-Fried Venison Jerky
If you want something unique, deer jerky can be an excellent option for cooking venison. It is a delicious and healthy snack, although preparing it can be time-consuming.
Ingredients
- 1 pound venison, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- To start, cut venison into thin strips and put them in a bowl. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, onion powder, and chili flakes. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight.
- Take the venison out of the fridge. Use a paper towel to pat dry and remove excess moisture from the meat.
- Arrange sliced venison in the air fryer basket or pan. Make sure they do not overlap or stack.
- Set the air fryer to 210 degrees Fahrenheit and cook venison for up to two hours. Check if it has dried. Otherwise, continue air frying for 15 to 20 more minutes. Alternatively, you can dehydrate in an air fryer using a dedicated preset or function, which automatically selects the optimal temperature.
8. Air-Fried Venison Steak Bites
Most people will cook steak on a grill or pan. However, an air fryer is a great alternative, especially if you are short of time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound venison, sliced
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Start by melting butter in a dish. An easy way to do this is to heat it in a microwave. You can conveniently do so if you have an air fryer and microwave combo.
- Pour melted butter into a bowl with sliced venison. Use your hand to mix the butter and meat.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange venison meat in an air fryer. Cook for five to seven minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long to Cook Venison in Air Fryer?
The cooking time for venison in an air fryer depends on many factors, such as the specific recipe and the cut of meat. In most cases, it takes only five to ten minutes to air-fry deer meat. It is quicker to cook in thin slices and at high temperatures.
How Does Venison Taste Like?
Rich and earthy are two of the best words that best describe the venison flavor. Deer meat can also be gamey. Nonetheless, the exact taste can depend on many things, such as the specific diet of the deer and the seasonings used for cooking the meat.
What Temperature Do You Cook Venison Meat To?
Cooking venison to the proper temperature is crucial for food safety. The internal temperature should be 135 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the specific recipe or level of doneness you prefer.
Conclusion
By now, I hope you have learned a thing or two about how to cook venison in air fryer. It only takes a few minutes to air-fry deer meat. From roasts to steaks, there are plenty of ways to prepare it in an air fryer. You can even dehydrate venison if you want a healthy snack to enjoy.