11 Brilliant Ways to Use Air Fryers for Quick Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

Who knew that the gadget making your Sunday roast potatoes crispy could be your secret weapon for whipping up tail waggingly good dog treats? That’s right, your trusty air fryer isn’t just for human food anymore. It’s becoming the go to appliance for clever pet parents who want to make healthy, homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank on expensive shop bought alternatives.

I’ll be honest, I discovered this by complete accident. Last month, whilst making sweet potato chips for dinner, a few slices fell onto the bottom of my air fryer basket. Rather than bin them, I thought “why not?” and gave them to Poppy, my terrier. The way she demolished those crispy chips and came back for more told me everything I needed to know. That evening, I found myself googling “air fryer dog treats” and falling down a rabbit hole of possibilities.

Gone are the days of hovering over a hot oven or splashing out £8 for a tiny packet of treats that disappear in two training sessions. With just a few simple ingredients from your weekly shop and your air fryer’s help, you can create everything from crispy sweet potato chips to chewy chicken jerky that’ll have your four legged friend sitting pretty in no time.

Why Your Air Fryer is Perfect for Dog Treats

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at those expensive dog treats in the pet shop aisle, wondering what on earth justifies the price. The truth is, making your own treats isn’t just about saving money (though you absolutely will), it’s about knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s mouth.

When you pop those chicken bits or sweet potato slices into your air fryer, you’re doing your pup a real favour. Unlike traditional frying methods that can leave treats swimming in oil, air frying needs just a tiny spritz or sometimes no oil at all. Your furry friend gets all the yummy goodness without the extra fat that can upset sensitive tummies.

The gentle cooking method keeps all those beneficial nutrients exactly where they belong. Toss in some chicken breast chunks, and they’ll come out perfectly dried and ready for training sessions. Sweet potato chips? They turn wonderfully crispy without getting burnt or losing their natural sweetness.

Best of all, you know exactly what’s going into these treats. No mysterious ingredients, no preservatives you can’t pronounce, and definitely no nasties that might trigger allergies. Just pure, simple foods that make tails wag with joy. Plus, clean up’s a breeze compared to traditional baking methods that leave your oven looking like a battlefield.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Chips

Let’s start with the absolute crowd pleaser. Sweet potatoes are brilliant for dogs because they’re packed with vitamins and naturally sweet without any added sugar. Simply slice them into rounds about 5mm thick (a mandoline slicer makes this job so much easier), and pop them in your air fryer at 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes. They cook better in a single layer so you may need to batch cook although I just do small batches. If they are really light, you may find it useful to place a rack on top so they don’t fly all over the place.

Give them a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The result? Golden, crispy chips that crunch satisfyingly between your dog’s teeth. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week, although mine are eaten long before then. Perfect for those training sessions when you need something special to keep their attention.

2. Protein Packed Chicken Jerky

This one’s a game changer for training. Take chicken breast (on offer at most supermarkets for around £5 per kilo), slice it as thinly as possible, and air fry at 120°C for about 2 hours. The key is patience because you want them completely dried out but not burnt.

These chewy strips are absolute gold for recall training in the park. They’re high value enough to compete with all those interesting smells, yet healthy enough that you don’t need to worry about overfeeding during longer training sessions.

3. Crunchy Carrot Sticks

Carrots are naturally sweet and brilliant for your dog’s teeth. Cut them into finger sized sticks and air fry at 160°C for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden and slightly dried. They make brilliant teething treats for younger dogs and are gentle enough for senior pups with sensitive mouths.

I love these because they’re so budget friendly. A bag of carrots costs pennies and makes dozens of treats. Plus, the satisfying crunch helps clean teeth naturally, like a toothbrush and treat rolled into one.

4. Salmon Skin Crisps

Before you chuck that salmon skin in the bin after Sunday dinner, think again. Salmon skin makes incredible dog treats when crisped up in the air fryer. Simply cut into strips and air fry at 160°C for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re completely crispy.

These omega 3 rich treats are fantastic for keeping coats shiny and skin healthy. Just make sure the salmon is plain with no seasoning or sauces that might upset your dog’s tummy.

5. Apple and Peanut Butter Biscuits

Mix together 2 cups of plain flour, one grated apple (core and seeds removed), and 3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter (check it’s xylitol free). Add water gradually until you have a firm dough, roll out, and cut into shapes. Air fry at 180°C for 12 to 15 minutes.

These smell absolutely divine whilst cooking, so don’t be surprised if the whole family gathers in the kitchen! They’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to show your pup some extra love.

6. Frozen Banana Training Treats

Slice bananas into coin sized pieces and air fry at 120°C for about 45 minutes until they’re chewy but not completely dried out. These naturally sweet treats are perfect for positive reinforcement training.

The best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can make a huge batch and grab a handful whenever you need them. They’re particularly brilliant for hot summer days when you want to give your dog something cooling and delicious.

7. Beef Liver Chips

I know, I know, liver isn’t the most appealing ingredient to work with, but dogs absolutely go mad for it. Slice fresh beef liver thinly and air fry at 140°C for about an hour until they’re completely dried and crispy.

These high value treats are perfect for those challenging training moments when you need something absolutely irresistible. A little goes a long way, so one portion of liver makes enough treats to last weeks.

8. Pumpkin and Oat Cookies

Using tinned pumpkin purée (available in most UK supermarkets now), mix with oat flour and a touch of honey to create a dough. Shape into small cookies and air fry at 160°C for 15 minutes.

Pumpkin is brilliant for digestive health, making these treats both delicious and beneficial. They’re particularly good for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.

9. Cheese and Herb Crackers

Mix grated cheese (cheddar works perfectly) with plain flour and finely chopped parsley. Add water to form a dough, roll thin, and cut into small squares. Air fry at 170°C for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

These savoury treats are absolutely irresistible to most dogs. Just remember that cheese is quite rich, so use these sparingly. They’re perfect for special training rewards rather than everyday treats.

10. Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

If you’ve got leftover duck fat from Sunday roast (or can buy it from your butcher), toss diced vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potato in a tiny amount and air fry at 180°C for 20 minutes.

These treats taste incredibly rich and special to your dog whilst being packed with nutrients. The duck fat adds that irresistible flavour that’ll have them drooling before you’ve even finished cooking.

11. Coconut and Rice Flour Bites

Mix coconut flour with rice flour and a little coconut oil to create small bite sized treats. Air fry at 150°C for 10 to 12 minutes. These are brilliant for dogs with wheat sensitivities or allergies.

The tropical flavour is something a bit different, and the texture is perfectly sized for small dogs or puppies who need tiny training treats.

Getting the Perfect Results Every Time

The secret to brilliant air fryer dog treats lies in understanding your machine. Every air fryer runs slightly differently, so start checking your treats a few minutes before the suggested cooking time. You want them dried out and crispy, but not burnt or rock hard.

Temperature control is crucial. Lower temperatures (120 to 140°C) work best for treats you want chewy, whilst higher temperatures (160 to 180°C) create lovely crispy textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment because that’s half the fun!

Work in small batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the basket leads to uneven results, and nobody wants some treats burnt whilst others are still soggy. Patience really pays off here.

Storage and Safety Tips

Once your treats are completely cool, store them in airtight containers. Properly dried treats will keep fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to three months.

Always check treats before feeding. If they smell off, look mouldy, or feel slimy, straight into the bin they go. Better safe than sorry when it comes to our precious pups.

Label your containers with dates so you know when it’s time to make a fresh batch. Trust me, when you’re rushing to get ready for training class, you’ll be grateful for this simple organisation tip.

The Money Saving Magic

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Those fancy training treats in pet shops can cost upwards to £20 per kilogram. Making your own costs a fraction of that, often less than £2 per kilogram, depending on your ingredients.

For a typical training session, you might use 10 to 20 small treats. Shop bought versions could cost you £1 to £2 per session. Homemade treats? You’re looking at around 10 to 15p. Over a year of regular training, that’s a saving of hundreds of pounds that could go towards a lovely holiday or that new dog bed you’ve been eyeing up.

Shopping smart makes these treats even more budget friendly. Buy meat when it’s reduced for quick sale, stock up on seasonal vegetables, and buy flour in bulk. Your air fryer transforms these bargain finds into premium treats your pup will absolutely adore.

Making Treat Time Special

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your dog’s face light up when they smell homemade treats cooking. It’s that same feeling you get when baking for family because you’re creating something with love, and they can tell the difference.

These treats also make wonderful gifts for fellow dog owners. Pop some in a pretty jar with a handwritten label, and you’ve got a thoughtful present that shows you really understand what matters to them.

The best part? You can customise everything to suit your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. Got a pup who can’t handle wheat? Use rice flour. Need grain-free options? Coconut flour is your friend. It’s like having a bespoke bakery right in your own kitchen.

Your air fryer has just become your secret weapon for creating healthy, budget friendly dog treats that’ll make your pup’s tail wag with pure joy. Whether you’re prepping for training sessions, wanting to spoil your four legged friend, or simply looking for a fun weekend project, these 11 brilliant methods give you endless possibilities.

So go on, dig out that air fryer and give one of these recipes a try. Your dog will think you’re absolutely brilliant, your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into every single treat.

What’s your dog’s absolute favourite treat flavour? I’d love to hear which of these air fryer treats you think your pup would go crazy for. Drop a comment below and let’s share some tail wagging success stories!