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Can I use the air fryer to make dog treats?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can absolutely use an air fryer to make tasty and healthy homemade dog treats! Air fryers provide a convenient way to bake or dehydrate dog treats by circulating hot air around the food to cook it. Making your own treats allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives, fillers, and other additives found in many commercial treats.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Dog Treats

There are several advantages to using an air fryer to make dog treats:

  • Better Texture: The hot air circulation allows treats to get crispy on the outside while staying moist on the inside for the perfect chewy or crunchy texture.
  • Food Safety: Air fryers cook treats at a high enough temperature to kill any potential bacteria without the need for added oil.
  • Customization: You can easily customize treats with your dog’s favorite ingredients, scents, flavors, and textures.
  • Cost Savings: Homemade treats are much cheaper than high-end commercial brands.
  • Quick Cooking: Most treats take just 15-30 minutes from start to finish in an air fryer.

Choosing an Air Fryer for Dog Treats

When selecting an air fryer for making dog treats at home, keep the following factors in mind:

  • Capacity: Choose an air fryer with at least a 3-5 quart capacity to hold multiple trays or batches of treats.
  • Temperature Range: Look for a model with a wide temperature range of around 170°F to 400°F to accommodate different recipes.
  • Functions: Seek out air fryers with dehydrating, baking, and broiling settings in addition to air frying.
  • Accessories: Non-stick, perforated trays or pans allow air flow and quick release of treats.
  • Adjustable Time and Temperature: These controls let you customize cooking times and temperatures as needed.

Popular air fryer models like the Instant Pot Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi, or Philips Airfryer meet these criteria and work great for dog treats.

Best Practices for Air Frying Dog Treats

Follow these tips when using an air fryer to make perfect treats every time:

  • Use dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, bananas, sweet potatoes, etc.
  • Avoid onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, bones, and excessive salt or sugar.
  • Cut treats into bite-sized portions suited for your dog’s size before air frying.
  • Spray or brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil unless the recipe specifies not to.
  • Flip or rotate treats midway during cooking for even browning.
  • Let treats cool completely before feeding to prevent burns.
  • Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Adjust cook times and temperatures as needed based on your specific model.
  • Clean the air fryer basket thoroughly after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

Always supervise your dog when introducing new treats and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction or upset stomach.

Delicious Air Fryer Dog Treat Recipes

Here are some tasty dog treat recipes to try in your air fryer:

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Treats

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Mash bananas and mix with peanut butter. Stir in flour until a dough forms. Roll out dough and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned, flipping halfway.

2. Beef & Sweet Potato Chews

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cooked, mashed sweet potato
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp flour

Combine all ingredients. Roll into a log and cut into thick strips. Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes until firm, flipping once.

3. Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats

  • 1 cup cooked pumpkin puree
  • 1 small apple, shredded
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until set.

4. Sweet Potato Chews

  • 2 sweet potatoes, sliced 1/4″ thick
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Toss sweet potato slices with coconut oil and cinnamon. Air fry at 390°F, flipping once, until dried out, about 25-30 minutes.

5. Chicken & Carrot Treats

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 large cooked, shredded carrot
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Mix all ingredients together. Shape into nuggets and air fry at 370°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Tips for Storing and Freezing Air Fried Dog Treats

To maximize freshness and shelf life of homemade air fried dog treats:

  • Let treats cool completely before storing.
  • Place treats in an airtight container or food storage bag.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • For longer storage, freeze treats for up to 3 months.
  • Defrost frozen treats overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Avoid storage in hot garages or cars as heat can spoil treats.
  • Monitor treats for mold growth or other signs of spoilage over time.

Proper storage helps retain texture and flavor while reducing the risk of contamination or spoilage. Refrigerating or freezing homemade treats is recommended, especially in hot summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are air fried treats healthier than baked treats?

Yes, air frying is generally healthier than baking. Air fryers use little to no oil while still producing a crispy texture, reducing fat and calories compared to baking which often uses oil or butter. The rapid hot air circulation also cooks treats faster than traditional baking.

Should treats be air fried on a baking sheet or directly in the basket?

It’s recommended to air fry treats directly in the fryer basket. Baking sheets block airflow, resulting in less crispiness. The wire basket allows air to circulate fully around treats for best results. Skewer rolled dough or batter to keep treats from shifting during cooking.

How long do air fried dog treats last?

Properly stored in an airtight container or bag in the fridge, air fried dog treats can last 5-7 days. For longer shelf life up to 2-3 months, freeze baked treats in an airtight freezer bag. Defrost frozen treats overnight before serving.

What temperature should I air fry dog treats at?

Most dog treat recipes are air fried between 300-400°F. Start on the lower end around 325°F and increase temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness. Refer to specific recipe instructions as well. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Can I air fry premade store bought dog treats?

It’s not recommended. Most commercial dog treats are already completely baked or dried. Further air frying could burn them or alter the texture. Check package instructions first for any warnings against additional cooking or preparation.

Conclusion

Air fryers provide a quick, convenient way to whip up homemade dog treats that are nutritious and full of flavor. The ability to customize ingredients and textures makes air frying a great option for picky pups. When using the right recipes and cooking methods, air fried treats are delicious and safer than many store-bought alternatives. Be sure to let treats cool before feeding and practice proper storage to retain freshness. Both you and your furry best friend will love the results of air fried dog treat recipes.