Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Venison Stew and Crock Pot Venison Roast!

Roasted Venison, some sliced,on a cutting board

What’s the Best Cut for Air Fryer Venison Roast?

Venison used to refer to the meat of all game but these days “venison” is reserved for cuts of deer or elk. This can be wild game or pastured deer.

For this easy venison roast we will be using a “roast cut” from the deer’s hindquarters – specifically a boned venison haunch (leg of venison). This is a prime cut of venison, from the top of the rear legs.

Roast venison cooked medium rare, sliced, on a plate

What Does Venison Taste Like?

Venison is extremely lean with a rich, earthy taste. It most closely resembles beef but it tastes richer and more special.

I used pastured (farmed) deer in this recipe which has none of the “gamey” taste that can be off-putting. Wild venison that has been properly field dressed should not have a pronounced “gamey” flavor.

Gravy being poured over sliced roast venison

Useful Tools and Equipment

Meat thermometer (I swear by my Thermapen)
Cosori XXL Air Fryer
Carving set (this Victorinox one is aces!)
Butcher’s block cutting board

How to Make Air Fryer Venison

Prepare the Joint

Take the meat out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 20 minutes prior to cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and season liberally with freshly ground salt and pepper. Sprinkle with mixed herbs.

Venison roast seasoned and in an air fryer basket

Roast the Venison

Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Use tongs to transfer the venison into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Flip the roast over and continue to cook for a further 20-30 minutes or until it is cooked to your preference.

checking the temperature of air fryerroast venison with a meat thermometer

I suggest you start checking the temperature of the venison after it has been in the air fryer for a total of 30 minutes – it can cook surprisingly quickly.

Aim for medium rare – of 135°F (57°C) core temperature when checked with a meat thermometer. The meat should still be fairly pink in the middle and will taste juicy and tender.

Rest Before Serving

Use tongs to transfer the venison to a plate. Loosely cover with foil and leave it to rest for 20-30 minutes.

Prepare the gravy and get side dishes ready while the meat is resting then slice as much of the venison as you need to serve.

Recipe Tips

For this boned and rolled venison roast you will need to roast for 12 minutes per pound / 15 minutes per 500g at 350°F (175°C). Leave any string the joint is tied in on when cooking and remove when serving.
Remove the venison from the air fryer as soon as it is cooked to avoid the meat drying out. The temperature of the joint will continue to rise slightly as it rests.
Remove any fat or silverskin connective tissue from your venison before cooking.

What to Serve with Roast Venison

I love serving venison at Christmas or other special occasions – it feels like such a festive dish! You can serve it with a variety of side dishes – check out my suggestions below. Pair with a rich red wine like Apothic.

Air Fryer Venison Roast

What’s the Best Cut for Air Fryer Venison Roast?

What Does Venison Taste Like?

Useful Tools and Equipment