Making homemade dog treats has never been easier, especially with the convenience of an air fryer.
This kitchen gadget isn’t just for human snacks—it’s also perfect for whipping up quick and healthy treats for your furry friend.
Air fryers cook food evenly and quickly, giving homemade dog treats a perfect texture without the need for excessive oils or long baking times.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using an air fryer for dog treats and share some easy recipes you can make in a matter of minutes.
Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
1. Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Air Fryer Dog Treats
These Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Dog Treats are simple to make and packed with flavors dogs love. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, egg, and applesauce. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten it and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Treats: Place the treats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your dog. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Customization Ideas:
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon: A small amount of cinnamon can add a tasty twist to these treats, and it’s a safe spice for dogs.
- Include Some Chopped Apple: For added texture and sweetness, mix in a few small pieces of chopped apple.
Storage Tips: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them and thaw as needed.
2. Beef and Pumpkin Air Fryer Dog Treats
For a savory treat with a touch of sweetness, these Beef and Pumpkin Dog Treats are a great choice. They’re full of flavor and easy to make in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, drained
- ½ cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the cooked ground beef, canned pumpkin, egg, and flour together in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the Treats: Form the dough into small balls or press it flat and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Cook the Treats: Place the treats in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before offering them to your dog. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Some Cheese: Grated cheese can be mixed into the dough for a richer flavor that many dogs love.
- Mix in Some Carrot: Finely grated carrot adds extra vitamins and a bit of crunch to these treats.
Storage Tips: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
3. Sweet Potato and Carrot Air Fryer Dog Treats
For a healthy and veggie-packed option, these Sweet Potato and Carrot Dog Treats are a great choice. They’re easy to make and full of natural sweetness that dogs adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated sweet potato, grated carrot, egg, and flour. Stir until well mixed and a dough forms.
- Form the Treats: Shape the dough into small patties or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Air Fry the Treats: Arrange the treats in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re firm and slightly browned.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the treats cool before serving. Store any extras in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Some Spinach: Finely chop some spinach and mix it into the dough for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Mix in a Spoonful of Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed can add a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet.
Storage Tips: Keep these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
4. Chicken and Rice Air Fryer Dog Treats
These Chicken and Rice Dog Treats are a great protein-packed option for dogs who love meat. They’re easy to make and perfect for training or as a special reward.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
- ½ cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, egg, and oat flour until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the Treats: Form the dough into small patties or balls.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Cook the Treats: Place the treats in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your dog. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Some Spinach or Parsley: Finely chopped spinach or parsley can be mixed into the dough for added vitamins.
- Swap Rice with Quinoa: For a different texture and added protein, use cooked quinoa instead of rice.
Storage Tips: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
5. Apple and Cinnamon Air Fryer Dog Treats
With the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon, these treats smell as good as they taste. They’re a great fall-inspired snack that’s quick to make in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the chopped apple, flour, egg, and cinnamon until a dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten it out and cut into shapes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Treats: Place the treats in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the treats are firm and slightly golden.
- Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Customization Ideas:
- Add a Touch of Honey: If your dog loves sweet treats, a little honey can be mixed into the dough.
- Incorporate Some Pumpkin: Replace part of the apple with canned pumpkin for a fall-themed variation.
Storage Tips: These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to a month.
6. Tuna and Sweet Potato Air Fryer Dog Treats
Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s coat and skin. Paired with sweet potato, these treats are both tasty and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna in water, drained
- 1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the drained tuna, mashed sweet potato, egg, and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten it out and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Air Fry the Treats: Arrange the treats in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, until firm and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Some Parsley: Mix in chopped parsley to help freshen your dog’s breath.
- Include Flaxseed: A spoonful of ground flaxseed can add extra omega-3s for a shiny coat.
Storage Tips: These treats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.
Benefits of Air Fryer Dog Treats
Quick and Convenient: One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is how fast and convenient it is. You can have fresh, homemade dog treats ready in just a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in a traditional oven.
Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil, which means your dog’s treats will be lower in fat and calories. This makes it easier to manage your dog’s weight while still providing delicious treats.
Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives dog treats a nice, crispy exterior while keeping them soft on the inside—just the way dogs like them.
Versatility: You can make a wide variety of treats in the air fryer, from crunchy biscuits to softer chews, giving you plenty of options to keep your dog’s snack time interesting.
Customization Tips
Customizing your dog treats is a great way to cater to your dog’s individual tastes and nutritional needs. Here are some additional ideas:
- Add Veggies: Consider adding grated zucchini, peas, or green beans to the dough for extra nutrients.
- Use Different Meats: Experiment with turkey, lamb, or even fish to create a variety of flavors.
- Switch Flours: If your dog has a wheat allergy, try using rice flour or coconut flour instead.
- Herbs for Flavor: Safe herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary can be added for a flavor boost.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade dog treats fresh:
- Room Temperature: Most air-fried dog treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: For treats with meat or moisture-rich ingredients, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life of your treats, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, and you can thaw individual treats as needed.
Ready to try these easy air fryer dog treat recipes? Let us know how they turned out! And don’t forget to explore our other dog-friendly recipes for more fun and healthy treats.