Easy Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
The air fryer has become one of my favorite shortcuts in the kitchen, and it turns out it works just as well for dog treats as it does for everything else I make in it.
This simple pumpkin and peanut butter dough bakes up crisp in a fraction of the time a regular oven takes, which makes it an easy option for anyone who wants a batch of treats without heating up the whole kitchen.
I like this method especially in the summer, when running the oven for half an hour feels like the last thing I want to do. The air fryer gets these just as crunchy, usually in about half the time.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
A few reasons this method is worth trying.
Faster than the oven. Air fryers typically cook treats in less time than a conventional oven.
No need to heat up the kitchen. A nice option for hot days when you’d rather skip the oven.
Still crunchy and golden. The air fryer gets a similar crisp texture to oven baking.
Small batch friendly. Great for making a quick round of treats without committing to a full oven load.
Simple ingredients. Just pumpkin, peanut butter, and flour, with nothing complicated involved.
Is This Recipe Safe for Dogs?
This recipe uses the same simple, dog safe ingredients as a regular oven baked treat.
Plain canned pumpkin puree should be used rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices not meant for dogs.
Peanut butter should always be a plain, natural variety with no added xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Always check the label before buying peanut butter for a dog recipe.
Avoid cooking spray with added flavoring or seasoning. If you use a light spray to prevent sticking in the air fryer basket, stick to a plain, unflavored option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple dough.
Plain canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a mild natural sweetness to the dough.
Natural peanut butter, free of xylitol, brings the flavor dogs love.
An egg helps bind the dough together.
Whole wheat flour or oat flour gives the dough enough structure to roll and hold a firm shape.
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, no xylitol
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
How to Make Easy Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
- Add the flour a half cup at a time, stirring until a firm dough begins to form.
- Once the dough holds together and isn’t too sticky to handle, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about a minute, then roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness.
- Cut into small shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife, keeping the pieces on the smaller side to fit comfortably in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F, if your model has a preheat setting.
- Lightly line or spray the air fryer basket, then arrange the treats in a single layer, leaving space between each piece so air can circulate.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, checking partway through, until the treats are firm and lightly golden.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing, since they crisp up further as they cool.
- Repeat in batches until all the dough has been cooked.
Getting the Right Texture
A few notes on texture and technique for this method.
Since air fryers vary by brand and size, keep an eye on the treats during the last couple of minutes, since cook times can differ from one model to the next.
Avoid overcrowding the basket, since air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking and a good crisp texture.
If the treats seem soft after the suggested time, add a few more minutes in short increments, checking often to avoid burning.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Cheddar air fryer treats. Fold in a small amount of shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
Cinnamon pumpkin air fryer treats. Add a small pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warmer flavor.
Mini training treats. Cut the dough into very small pieces, perfect for the air fryer’s shorter cook time and ideal for training rewards.
Oat flour version. Use oat flour in place of wheat flour for a gentler option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket. Give each treat a bit of space so air can circulate properly.
Skipping the check in partway through. Air fryers can cook faster than expected, so check on the treats before the full time is up the first time you try this recipe.
Cutting the treats too large. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and fit better in most air fryer baskets.
Using peanut butter with xylitol. Always double check the label, even on brands you’ve used before.
Storing them warm. Let the treats cool fully before sealing them in a container to preserve their crunch.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
As with any homemade treat, these should stay a modest part of your dog’s overall diet, generally under about ten percent of daily caloric intake.
A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog. If you’re unsure how these fit into your dog’s routine, checking with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
How to Store Air Fryer Dog Treats
Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
Always check treats before serving, and discard any that show signs of mold or an unusual smell.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing works well for keeping a larger batch on hand.
- Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? It depends on your model. Some air fryers benefit from a quick preheat, while others cook well without one. Check your manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure.
Why did my treats turn out unevenly cooked? This usually means the basket was overcrowded, or the pieces were cut in different sizes. Keep pieces a similar size and give them space to cook evenly.
Can I use this same dough in a regular oven? Yes, this dough works well baked in a regular oven too, typically around 350°F for 20 to 22 minutes.
How long do air fryer treats take compared to the oven? Air fryer treats generally cook in about half the time of a conventional oven, though exact times vary by model.
How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy pumpkin and peanut butter, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Do I need to spray the air fryer basket? A light spray of a plain, unflavored oil can help prevent sticking, though it isn’t always necessary depending on your air fryer’s basket material.
Easy Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour and mix until a firm dough forms.
- Add the water a little at a time if needed. The dough should be easy to roll without being sticky.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a small cookie cutter to cut the dough into bite sized treats. Gather the scraps, roll them again, and cut until all the dough is used.
- Place a small piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket if appropriate for your air fryer model. Arrange the treats in a single layer without overcrowding them.
- Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking them around the 8 minute mark.
- Turn the treats halfway through cooking if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
- Remove the treats when they are firm and lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely before serving.
- Air Fryer Tip: Air fryers vary in how quickly they cook, so check the first batch early. Smaller or thinner treats may finish sooner.
- Crispy Texture: Roll the dough thinner if you want a crunchier biscuit. Let the treats cool completely because they become firmer as they cool.
- Pumpkin Tip: Use plain 100% pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Avoid pumpkin products containing added sugar or spices.
- Storage: Store completely cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freeze extra treats for longer storage.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The treats need space around them so hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.
- Serving: Give these as occasional treats alongside your dog’s complete and balanced regular food. For smaller dogs, use a small cutter or break the biscuits into smaller pieces.
A Final Note on Making These Treats
This has become my go to method whenever I want treats ready fast without turning on the oven, and there’s something satisfying about how quickly a batch comes together.
Keep the dough recipe handy, and you’ll always have a fast, easy way to restock the treat jar.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
