Okay, so you know how sometimes you just need a snack that’s actually *good* for you, but still tastes like a little piece of heaven? That’s exactly why I started messing around with making my own jerky. And let me tell you, this Turkey Apple Slim Jerky? It’s a game-changer! It’s lean, packed with flavor, and way easier to whip up than you’d think. I remember one lazy Sunday afternoon, I had some ground turkey and an apple lying around, and I just started throwing things together. Next thing I know, I’ve got these amazing strips of Turkey Apple Slim Jerky that disappeared faster than I could blink! It’s seriously my go-to for a healthy, satisfying munchie.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

It’s not just jerky, it’s a little taste of sunshine and sanity in snack form! Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Seriously healthy – it’s packed with lean protein and super low in fat. Perfect for those days you want to snack without the guilt trip.
Ridiculously easy to make! You’re basically just mixing everything in one bowl. Trust me, even if you’re new to jerky, you’ve got this.
That flavor combination! The savory turkey with a hint of sweet apple is just divine. It’s a little unexpected but totally works.
It’s the ultimate versatile snack. Great for packing in lunches, taking on hikes, or just grabbing a piece when you need a little something.
It’s satisfyingly chewy. Perfect for curbing those snack attacks without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Alright, gathering your ingredients is the first super simple step! You really don’t need much, which is part of why I love this Turkey Apple Slim Jerky recipe so much. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground turkey – I like to use the leaner kind, but whatever you have works!
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce – This is our secret weapon for moisture and a hint of sweetness!
1 tablespoon soy sauce – For that savory umami punch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds another layer of savory goodness.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to give it a little kick.

Equipment Needed for Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Okay, so you don’t need a fancy dehydrator or a whole lot of gadgets for this Turkey Apple Slim Jerky. Honestly, you probably have most of what you need right in your kitchen already! You’ll want a trusty mixing bowl, a baking sheet ready to go, and some parchment paper to keep things from sticking. Oh, and a knife or a pizza cutter is super handy for scoring those lovely strips. That’s pretty much it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this Turkey Apple Slim Jerky is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do in the kitchen all week. It feels fancy, but I promise, it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps and you’ll have delicious, healthy jerky in no time!

Preparing the Turkey Jerky Mixture

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to a nice, low 170°F (77°C). This low temp is key for drying out the jerky without cooking it too quickly. Now, grab a good-sized mixing bowl. Toss in your ground turkey, that lovely unsweetened applesauce (it makes it so moist!), soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it all a really good mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon. You want everything to be totally combined so every bite of your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky has that perfect flavor.

Shaping and Scoring Your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Once your mixture is nicely blended, spread it out evenly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for about a 1/4 inch thickness. Trust me, getting it even is important for consistent drying! Now for the fun part: scoring! Grab your knife or pizza cutter and gently score the mixture into strips. You don’t need to cut all the way through, just mark your lines. This makes it so much easier to break apart later. Think about how you want your jerky strips to look – I usually go for about an inch wide.

Baking and Drying the Jerky

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Now comes the waiting game! You’ll bake it for about 4 to 6 hours. The exact time really depends on your oven and how thick you spread it. What you’re looking for is jerky that feels dry and firm to the touch, not sticky or bendy. It should snap a little when you try to break a piece. I usually check it around the 4-hour mark and then just keep an eye on it. Once it’s just right, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It’ll get a little firmer as it cools. You can check out this recipe for more jerky tips or this one for another fun snack idea.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Okay, so you’ve made your first batch of Turkey Apple Slim Jerky, and you want to make sure it’s *perfect* every single time, right? I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make all the difference. It’s all about that texture and flavor balance!

Achieving the Right Texture

The trick to that ideal chewy-dry texture is all in the baking. Make sure your oven stays at that low temperature – around 170°F (77°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will get crispy before the inside dries out, and nobody wants brittle jerky! Also, don’t be afraid to really check it for doneness. It should feel firm and bend nicely without being sticky. If it’s still a little soft, just give it another hour or so. It’s worth the wait!

Flavor Variations for Your Turkey Jerky

This Turkey Apple Slim Jerky is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play around! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the rest of your spices for a little heat. Or maybe some smoked paprika for an extra smoky depth? You could even add a tiny bit of maple syrup along with the applesauce for a sweet and savory blend. Just remember to keep the proportions roughly the same so you don’t mess with the drying process too much. Check out this guide for more snack ideas or this recipe for another savory treat!

Storing Your Homemade Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Okay, so you’ve successfully made your delicious Turkey Apple Slim Jerky! The hardest part is over (besides waiting for it to bake, of course). Now, let’s talk about keeping it tasting great. Store your cooled jerky in an airtight container. If you plan on eating it within a couple of weeks, room temperature is usually fine. But for longer storage, pop that container into the refrigerator – it’ll easily last you a good month or even longer that way. Just make sure it’s completely dry before you store it to prevent any spoilage!

Nutritional Information for Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Just so you know, the nutritional info can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what you use, but here’s a good ballpark for our Turkey Apple Slim Jerky. We’ve got about 80 calories per ounce, with around 2g of fat and a super satisfying 12g of protein. There are only 3g of carbs and 2g of sugar, making it a really lean choice. It’s a great way to get that protein boost without all the extra stuff!

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Got questions about making this fantastic Turkey Apple Slim Jerky? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. Here are some things people often ask:

Can I use a dehydrator for this Turkey Apple Slim Jerky?

Oh, absolutely! If you have a dehydrator, that works beautifully. Just follow your dehydrator’s instructions for jerky, generally keeping the temperature around 160°F (71°C). You might need to adjust the time a bit, so keep checking it until it’s nice and dry and firm.

How to make Turkey Apple Slim Jerky spicier?

Want to dial up the heat on your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky? Easy peasy! Just add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes right in with the other spices when you mix everything together. You could also try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different kind of kick!

What is the best way to store homemade jerky?

The key to keeping your delicious homemade jerky fresh is to store it somewhere airtight. Once your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky has cooled completely, pop it into an airtight container or a resealable bag. At room temperature, it’s usually good for about two weeks, but for longer storage, honestly, pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep even longer that way! If you ever have questions about recipes or how to get in touch, our contact page is the place to go, and you can learn more about us on the about page!

Share Your Turkey Apple Slim Jerky Creations!

Alright, you’ve made it through, and hopefully, you’re off to making your very own Turkey Apple Slim Jerky! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how yours turned out. Did you add any special twists? Did the kids devour it as fast as mine do? Drop a comment below and let me know what you think, or give it a rating! And if you snapped some pics of your amazing jerky creation, be sure to share them on social media and tag us! It’s so much fun seeing what you all create. For more kitchen adventures check out this recipe or this one!

Turkey Apple Slim Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 6 hours 15 min
Yield: Approx. 12 oz
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A lean and flavorful jerky made with turkey and apple.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C).
In a bowl, combine ground turkey, applesauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 1/4 inch thick.
Score the jerky into strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and firm.
Let cool completely before storing.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Store jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 80
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: turkey jerky, apple jerky, slim jerky, healthy snack, homemade jerky, lean protein