Ever since I got an air fryer, I’ve been cooking most of our meals in it. It’s incredibly convenient and saves me so much time in the kitchen. Both of my dogs love to hang out in the kitchen, and they always give me that unmistakable “Where’s ours?” look whenever they catch the delicious aromas wafting from the air fryer when I open it. This inspired me to write this blog post, and I thought, why not make something just for my dogs in the air fryer?
Through my research, I discovered that many dog parents are finding out how easy and fun it is to whip up homemade treats using an air fryer. So, if you’re curious and have an air fryer, here’s why it might just become your new favorite tool for making dog treats.
What Is an Air Fryer and Why Pet Parents Love It
An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven that circulates hot air to cook food quickly and evenly — the crunchy texture, which comes from cooking with very little oil, is similar to the results from baking.
I love cooking in an air fryer and has been my kitchen MVP go-to appliance. Also, as a dog parent who loves to make homemade dog treats, using an air fryer has been a game changer. Here are the reasons why:
– It quickly heats up (no long preheating like ovens)
– It’s super easy to clean
– It quickly cooks small batches
– No special pans or molds are required — you can simply use a parchment paper or a tray
If you’re already making delicious air-fried foods for yourself and your family, you can definitely make dog-friendly treats for your furry friends too.
5 Reasons Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Many dog parents are now choosing to bake their own dog treats and I am one of them. Why? Here are 5 reasons.
1. You’re in control of the ingredients: perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities
2. No Added Preservatives: simply real and fresh ingredients
3. Personalizable: you can add your dog’s favorite flavors
4. Fun and Cost-Effective: a homemade batch of treats can cost pennies compared to store-bought bags
5. Bonding Time: your dog can safely help you prepare these air fryer treats, but their favorite job will always be official taste tester!
Advantages of Baking Dog Treats in the Air Fryer
So, why air fryer vs traditional oven?
✔️ Quick & Convenient
Air fryers need only a minute or two to preheat, and most treats cook in under 10 minutes!
✔️ Energy Efficient
No preheating is required! Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens, saving you money while being kinder to the environment.
✔️ Perfect for Small Batches
Want to test a new dog treat recipe? An air fryer is ideal for whipping up small batches without heating up your whole kitchen.
✔️ Even Cooking
Hot air circulation = golden, perfectly baked goodies every time.
✔️ Less Mess
Most air fryer trays are dishwasher safe and require only a quick wipe to clean.
What Kind of Dog Treats Can You Make In An Air Fryer?
There are so many different dog treats you can make in an air fryer. Here are some that I made recently.
– Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits
– Sweet Potato Chews (thinly sliced and air-dried)
– Apple Chips (crunchy)
– Pumpkin Oat Bites
– Salmon Training Nuggets
We’ll be sharing these air fryer dog treat recipes in upcoming posts—so stay tuned!
Air Fryer Dog Treats – Safety Tips
Here are a few quick reminders to keep things safe and tail-waggin’ good:
1. Use Safe Ingredients: Always choose dog-safe ingredients.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Space your treats out so they cook evenly
3. Watch the Temp: Air fryers cook quickly, and every brand is different.
Tip: Start with your air fryer’s default settings for safety.
4. Let it Cool: Make sure to let the dog treats cool down before serving them to your dog.
5. Store Safely: Store the treats in an airtight container and refrigerate them if they contain fresh ingredients.
KENZO the Treat Sniffer: Master of the Air Fryer “Treat Ready” Beep
“At first, I didn’t understand what the beep meant. Then I smelled peanut butter. Now I sprint when it dings. Air fryer time = best time.” — golden retriever KENZO
Recipe Teaser: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chews (One Ingredient, So Much Tail Wagging!)
Want to start with something simple? Try Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chews — a healthy, chewy treat made with just one ingredient: sweet potatoes!
Why We Love It:
– No added anything—just fresh, fiber-rich sweet potato
– Perfect for teething pups or dogs who love to chew
– Naturally sweet and full of vitamins
Dog Mom Tip: When I used to make sweet potato chews in the oven, it took 2–3 hours of baking at low heat. But with the air fryer? I get the same chewy texture in 15–20 minutes. Game Changer!
How to Make Them Sweet Potato Chews In An Air Fryer (Quick Version)
1. Wash and slice sweet potatoes into thin rounds or strips
2. Pop into the air fryer at 385°F (I used the default settings of my Cosori Air Fryer. Other air fryer brands start at 400°F). For making dog treats, 350°F is typically recommended.
3. Cook for 10–20 minutes (you can flip them halfway through if you want).
4. Let cool before serving—and prepare for happy crunches!
This sweet potato chew recipe is a quick preview. I have lots more air fryer dog treat recipes coming, plus I’ll keep sharing those frozen dog treats that you all love so much.
Spoil Your Pup: Start Making Homemade Air Fryer Dog Treats
And there you have it — baking dog treats in the air fryer couldn’t be easier, and it’s so quick, fun, and healthier for your pup. Whether it’s a peanut butter biscuit or a sweet potato chew, the air fryer is great for dog parents who are always looking for quick, healthy, and simple homemade dog treats.
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