I've just air dried some pocorn nugs, after 3 day the stems snapped but did not break completely break in two, then, after 12 hours burp the jar (or ziploc) for 2-4 hours and repeat.
This will re-distribute the moisture evenly throughout the bud and allow for a smooth even smoke.
From what i read in this forum, thats what i gathered to be *one* of the main criteria.
To note:
Beware of wet bud staying in contact with other wet bud (could cause bud mold), so move your section around in the jar when you burp.
(I am still busy with my first cure, and I have just briefly synthesized information found in the sticky's - read through those!!)
These methods have worked out very well up until this point