Dehydrate Turkey the Easy Way: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfectly Preserved Meat

I'm so glad you're here to learn how to dehydrate turkey safely!

Why Dehydrating Turkey is a Game-Changer

Dehydrating pre-cooked, deli-sliced turkey is a simple process that requires minimal effort.

What Makes Dehydrated Turkey So Useful?

I cheat. There, I said it. I buy pre-sliced cooked turkey in tubs. Or you can stand in line and buy it freshly sliced at the deli. Ask for your turkey to be sliced at medium thickness.

Pre-cooked deli-sliced turkey - dehydrated on a Nesco food dehydrator

The Easiest Way to Get Started

In the image above, I used a 9 oz. plastic tub of sliced turkey from Target and fit five slices per tray in my Nesco Food Dehydrator. I also recommend Walmart and Publix brands for their sliced turkey!


Your Top Questions About Dehydrating Turkey—Answered!

How Long Does Turkey Take to Dehydrate?

The dehydration time for turkey depends on the thickness of the slices and the temperature setting of your dehydrator.

Generally, thinly sliced cooked turkey takes 6 to 10 hours at 160°F until fully dried. Always check that the turkey is dry but still slightly pliable, not brittle.

Can I Make Turkey Treats for My Dog?

Yes, here's how to dehydrate turkey necks in particular to create long-lasting chewy treats for dogs. Turkey necks provide protein, minerals, and glucosamine that support your dog's health. Here are some turkey neck tips:

  • Ensure turkey necks are fresh, raw, and thoroughly cleaned. Slice into chunks if the whole neck is too large (and usually is for the spacing between dehydrator trays).
  • Pat your turkey pieces quite dry before dehydrating. Arrange in a single layer on trays.
  • Dehydrate at 160°F, flipping occasionally, for 8-15 hours until turkey chunks are rock hard and brittle.

Fully dried turkey necks will have shrunk considerably in size. To test, the jerky should not bend but snap when attempting to tear it apart.

Allow the turkey neck treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog. Store any extras in an airtight container like a Mason jar for up to 2 months.

Always keep an eye on your dog while he's eating them to prevent choking.

For safety, dehydrate turkey parts into very hard, shelf-stable jerky texture. Adding broth or water restores some moisture for easier chewing if your dog struggles with the texture.

Do You Need to Cook Turkey Before Dehydrating?

Yes, turkey must be fully cooked before dehydrating. Raw poultry can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, so it’s essential to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before slicing and dehydrating.

Using lean, fat-trimmed turkey ensures longer shelf life and better-quality dried meat.


How to Prep Turkey for Perfect Drying

Why Even Slices Matter

When dehydrating turkey (or any meat), cut pieces to uniform sizes for even drying. Uneven pieces may lead to some being over-dried while others remain too moist, which isn’t safe for storage.

Below are before and after images of sliced turkey in the dehydrator—notice how much they shrink!

Pre-cooked deli sliced turkey, before and after dehydrating

Using leftover meats like pork, chicken, or beef? No problem! Simply slice them evenly before dehydrating.

Best Temperature for Dehydrating Turkey (+ Pro Tips!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Arrange pre-cooked, pre-sliced turkey in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
  2. Do not overlap slices to ensure even drying.
  3. Set your dehydrator to 160°F and dry for approximately 2 hours.
  4. Rotate trays midway for uniform dehydration (even if the manual doesn't mention it!).
  5. The turkey is fully dehydrated when crispy and breakable.

💡 Pro Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

💡 Storage Tip: Store in vacuum-sealed bags with a 100cc oxygen absorber to maintain freshness.

No Dehydrator? No Problem!
How to Dehydrate Turkey in Your Oven

No dehydrator? Use your oven!

  1. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually 170°F or lower).
  2. Place turkey slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet for airflow.
  3. Prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
  4. Check turkey every few hours and remove once it reaches the desired texture.


⛔ Important Reminder:
We are NOT dehydrating RAW turkey—only cooked turkey is safe for dehydration. Always follow your food dehydrator's manual for exact settings.


Critical Safety Tip: Always Dehydrate at 160°F
never dehydrate meat on a lower setting,
that's not safe (germ-wise).

Critical Safety Tip:
Always Dehydrate at 160°F
never dehydrate meat
on a lower setting,
that's not safe
(germ-wise).

💡 Pro Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!


Rehydrating Dehydrated Turkey: How to Bring It Back to Life

Pre-cooked turkey after dehydrating and rehydrating!

Rehydrated turkey is moist and flavorful—not stiff or crispy!

Best Liquids for Rehydrating Turkey

✅ How to Rehydrate:

  • Soak in clean, cold water in the refrigerator.
  • Use chicken or turkey stock for added flavor (I love Better Than Bouillon stock!).
  • NEVER rehydrate at room temperature—this can promote bacterial growth, especially in hot climates.
Pre-cooked, sliced turkey vacuum-packed with an oxygen absorber

In the photo, you can clearly see three packages of pre-cooked turkey, all vacuum-sealed with their oxygen absorber packs and ready to store.

Homemade Turkey Jerky: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

bowl of turkey jerky

Here's an easy homemade turkey jerky recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs turkey breast cutlets, sliced into 1⁄4 strips
  • 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
  • 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
  2. Add turkey strips and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  3. Drain turkey and discard the marinade. Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator racks.
  4. Dehydrate at 160°F for 5-7 hours until darkened and firm but still pliable.
  5. Pat dry with a paper towel, let cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Want more heat? Add cayenne or red pepper flakes!

No-Fuss Roast Turkey Recipe for Any Occasion

Turkey from Tastes Better from ScratchImage and recipe courtesy of
Tastes Better from Scratch

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey! Try this simple oven-roasted turkey recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch. Then, use your leftovers to make dehydrated turkey!

Mom’s Tasty Turkey Risotto Recipe (A Family Favorite!)

Turkey Risotto Recipe

One of my favorite childhood memories is my mom’s Turkey Risotto. She made it every Christmas in the UK. When I moved to the USA, I was thrilled to have another chance to enjoy it on Thanksgiving!

Turkey Risotto with broccoliwith added broccoli!

ingredients:

  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 small can of peas
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • Handful of mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • 1 cup of chicken or turkey stock

Instructions:

  1. In a large pan, sauté onions and mushrooms in a little oil.
  2. Add tomatoes, peas, stock, and herbs.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in cooked turkey.
  4. Serve over rice or orzo.

🍽️ Tip: Orzo cooks twice as fast as rice!

💖 Dedicated to Mom (1936-2021)—I miss her dearly and hope you love this recipe as much as my family did.

More Dehydrating Guides You’ll Love!

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Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Food!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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