how long to cook jerky in a smoker
1 Lay meat strips out on grill so that they do not overlap. 2  Smoke over low heat. 3  Jerky will be done when the edges appear dry with just a slight hint of moisture in the center of the slices, about 6 to 8 hours. Lay meat strips out on grill so that they do not overlap. 2  Smoke over low heat. 3  Jerky will be done when the edges appear dry with just a slight hint of moisture in the center of the slices, about 6 to 8 hours.