21 Crispy Air Fryer Dog Jerky Recipes Made in Minutes

Another fantastic veggie option, carrots are low in calories and high in beta-carotene and fiber. These carrot chips are a crunchy, healthy snack that can help with your dog’s dental health by gently scraping their teeth as they chew.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large carrots

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel the carrots.
2. Slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. For a fun shape, slice them on a diagonal.
3. Arrange the carrot slices in a single layer in the air fryer.
4. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 1-1.5 hours, flipping halfway through.
5. They’re done when they are crispy and have no moisture left.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great, crunchy, low-calorie treat for dogs on a diet. Also perfect for using up extra carrots in your fridge!

Duck is a novel protein for many dogs, making it a fantastic choice for pups with allergies to more common proteins like chicken or beef. It has a rich, savory flavor that most dogs find irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 boneless, skinless duck breasts

Instructions:

1. Trim any excess fat or skin from the duck breasts.
2. Partially freeze for 45-60 minutes for easier slicing.
3. Slice the duck into 1/8-inch thick strips.
4. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook at 175°F (80°C) for 2.5-4 hours, flipping once. Duck has a higher fat content, so it may take longer.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate special occasion treat or a go-to for dogs with food sensitivities. The rich flavor makes it a high-value reward for training.

Beef liver is like a multivitamin for your dog. It’s incredibly rich in Vitamin A, iron, copper, and zinc. A little goes a long way, so these should be given as an occasional high-value treat, not a daily snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef liver

Instructions:

1. Rinse the liver and pat it dry. You may want to trim any membranes.
2. Partially freeze for 1-2 hours until very firm.
3. Slice the liver as thinly as possible, about 1/8-inch thick.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer.
5. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 2-3 hours. It will shrink significantly.
6. The final product should be dark and brittle. Snap a piece to check for doneness.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The perfect training treat due to its high-value nature. Use small, broken pieces for rewarding good behavior. Not for dogs with copper storage disease.

A sweet and chewy treat that’s full of fiber and vitamins. Apple rings are a fun and healthy way to mix up your dog’s snack routine. Just be absolutely sure to remove all seeds and the core, as they are toxic to dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 apples (any variety like Gala or Honeycrisp works well)

Instructions:

1. Wash, core, and remove all seeds from the apples. This is critical!
2. Slice the apples into 1/8-inch thick rings.
3. Arrange the rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 1.5-2 hours, flipping halfway.
5. They can be cooked until chewy or until crispy, depending on your dog’s preference.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fun, sweet treat for most dogs. It’s a great low-protein, low-fat option that feels like a special dessert.

When properly trimmed of fat, pork loin is a lean and flavorful protein that can be a great addition to your jerky rotation. It’s rich in amino acids and offers a different flavor profile than beef or chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork loin, trimmed of all visible fat

Instructions:

1. Ensure the pork loin is thoroughly trimmed of fat.
2. Partially freeze for about an hour to make slicing easier.
3. Slice against the grain into 1/8-inch thick strips.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer.
5. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 2.5-4 hours, flipping every hour.
6. The jerky is ready when it’s dry and leathery.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great option for adding variety to your dog’s diet, especially if they are accustomed to the usual chicken and beef. Ensure it’s a lean cut and fully dehydrated.

Have a garden overflowing with zucchini? Turn that bounty into healthy dog treats! Zucchini is low in calories and high in water content, making it a light and hydrating snack once dehydrated.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis

Instructions:

1. Wash the zucchini and trim the ends.
2. Slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do multiple batches.
4. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 1-2 hours, flipping halfway.
5. Cook until they are crispy chips. They will shrink a lot!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The ultimate guilt-free treat for dogs who are watching their weight. It’s a crunchy, light snack perfect for summer.

This one is for the fish lovers! Combining the omega-3 power of sardines with the fiber of sweet potatoes creates a nutrient-packed, albeit smelly, super-treat. Use sardines packed in water with no added salt.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 can (3.75 oz) of sardines in water, no salt added, drained

Instructions:

1. Cook the sweet potato until soft (steam, boil, or microwave). Let it cool and remove the skin.
2. In a bowl, mash the sweet potato and the drained sardines together into a thick paste.
3. Spread the paste thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer.
4. Place the parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 1.5-2 hours, or until the mixture is dry and brittle.
6. Once cooled, break it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A superfood snack for dogs who need an extra boost for their skin and coat. The softer texture is also great for senior dogs with sensitive teeth.

Don’t be squeamish! Chicken hearts are a fantastic source of taurine, an amino acid that is crucial for your dog’s heart health. They are small and dehydrate into perfect little bite-sized poppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken hearts

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chicken hearts and pat them dry. Trim any excessive fat.
2. You can slice them in half for faster drying, or leave them whole for a chewier treat.
3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer.
4. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 2-3 hours.
5. They will shrink down to small, hard, and chewy little nuggets. Cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An incredibly healthy treat, especially for breeds prone to heart conditions. Their small size makes them ideal for training or for smaller dogs.

Many dogs love the snap of a fresh green bean. Dehydrating them in the air fryer concentrates that flavor and turns them into a light, crispy, and fibrous snack. It’s a simple way to add some greens to their diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans

Instructions:

1. Wash the green beans and snap off the ends.
2. Pat them completely dry.
3. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 1.5-2 hours, shaking the basket occasionally.
5. They are done when they are shriveled and crispy.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic, fibrous, low-calorie snack. Perfect for dogs who enjoy a good crunch and need a little extra fiber in their diet.

Don’t throw away that fish skin! Cod skin (or skin from other whitefish) can be turned into a crunchy, omega-rich chew. It’s a great way to use the whole fish and provide a satisfying, teeth-cleaning snack.

Ingredients:

• Skin from 1-2 cod fillets (or other whitefish), scales removed

Instructions:

1. Make sure the fish skin is descaled. Most store-bought fillets are.
2. Cut the skin into long strips. You can twist them or roll them for a fun shape.
3. Place the skin strips in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 175°F (80°C) for 1-2 hours, or until completely dry and crispy.
5. Let them cool, and they will harden into a glass-like chew.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic dental chew that’s all-natural. It’s perfect for dogs who love fish and need a treat that helps clean their teeth.

Combine the lean protein of turkey with the breath-freshening power of parsley. This two-ingredient jerky is both a tasty treat and a subtle helper for that dreaded doggy breath.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb turkey breast tenderloin
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Partially freeze and slice the turkey into 1/8-inch thick strips.
2. Lay the strips on a cutting board and sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over them, pressing it in gently.
3. Arrange the parsley-coated strips in a single layer in the air fryer.
4. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping once.
5. Cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great multi-tasking treat for any dog, but especially for those whose breath could use a little improvement. It’s a healthy, lean snack with a purpose.

Bananas are a dog-safe fruit packed with potassium and vitamin C. When dehydrated, they become a sweet, chewy coin that’s a healthy alternative to sugary treats. Use bananas that are yellow but still firm.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 firm bananas

Instructions:

1. Peel the bananas.
2. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick coins.
3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer. A light spritz of lemon juice can prevent browning, but it’s not necessary.
4. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway.
5. They will be chewy and leathery when done. For crispier chips, slice thinner and cook longer.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A perfect sweet treat for an occasional reward. The soft, chewy texture makes it ideal for senior dogs or those with sensitive mouths.

For dogs with severe allergies, finding a protein that doesn’t trigger a reaction can be tough. Rabbit is a lean, novel protein that is often well-tolerated by even the most sensitive dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless rabbit meat

Instructions:

1. Finding boneless rabbit can be tricky; you may need to debone it yourself or find it at a specialty butcher.
2. Partially freeze the meat for an hour.
3. Slice the rabbit meat into thin, 1/8-inch strips.
4. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer.
5. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 3-4 hours until dry and leathery.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a lifesaver for pet parents dealing with severe food allergies. It’s a clean, simple, and rare protein that can give your sensitive pup a chance to enjoy a meaty treat.

Pumpkin is a superstar for digestive health, and this recipe turns it into a tasty, jerky-like treat. This is another ‘paste and spread’ recipe that’s great for using up leftover canned pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is safest for dogs)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and optional cinnamon.
2. Spread the mixture thinly and evenly on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer.
3. Place the parchment in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 170°F (75°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the puree is dry and leathery.
5. Let it cool, then break it into long strips or small pieces.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic treat for dogs who occasionally suffer from upset stomachs or constipation. It’s a tasty way to get the benefits of pumpkin into their diet.

Add an antioxidant boost to classic beef jerky with the power of blueberries! This combination creates a savory and slightly sweet treat that’s packed with extra health benefits for your pup’s immune system.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean beef sirloin
• 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)

Instructions:

1. In a small blender or food processor, puree the blueberries into a smooth liquid.
2. Slice the beef into 1/8-inch thick strips.
3. In a bowl, toss the beef strips with the blueberry puree until they are lightly coated.
4. Arrange the coated strips in a single layer in your air fryer.
5. Cook at 180°F (82°C) for 3-5 hours, flipping halfway through. The sugar in the blueberries may cause them to cook slightly faster.
6. Cool completely. The jerky will have a dark, purplish hue.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A gourmet treat for the discerning dog! This is perfect for pet parents who want to add an extra layer of nutritional benefits to their homemade snacks.

Feeling inspired? Awesome! Before you start slicing, here are a few key tips to ensure your jerky-making adventures are a huge success.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Lean is Queen: Fat doesn’t dehydrate well and can cause your jerky to spoil quickly. Always choose the leanest cuts of meat possible and trim any visible fat before you start.
• Keep it Simple: The best jerky is often single-ingredient. Your dog doesn’t need salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. In fact, garlic and onion are toxic to dogs, so never add them!
• Dog-Safe Add-ins: If you want to add flavor, stick to dog-safe options like parsley, turmeric, cinnamon (in small amounts), or pureed, dog-safe fruits and veggies like pumpkin or blueberries.

Slicing for Success

• The Partial Freeze: This is the number one trick for getting thin, even slices. Pop your meat in the freezer for 1-2 hours until it’s firm but not frozen solid. It makes slicing a breeze.
• With or Against the Grain?: Slicing against the grain will result in a more tender, brittle jerky that’s easier to break apart. Slicing with the grain will create a much chewier, tougher jerky that gives your dog more of a workout.
• Consistency is Key: Try to make all your slices a uniform thickness. This ensures they all finish dehydrating at the same time.

Storage Smarts

Once your jerky is completely cool (and we mean 100% cool—any warmth will create condensation and mold), store it in an airtight container. For best results, keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for a few weeks. For long-term storage, you can freeze it for several months.

1. How long does homemade air fryer jerky last?

When fully dehydrated and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade jerky should last for 2 to 3 weeks. If you make a large batch, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

2. My jerky isn’t crispy, what did I do wrong?

This usually comes down to two things: slice thickness or cooking time. If your slices were too thick, they won’t dehydrate fully in the center. If the time was too short, there’s still moisture left. Try slicing thinner next time or simply add more time to your cook, checking every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired texture.

3. Can I use ground meat to make jerky?

Yes, you can! You’ll need a jerky gun to extrude the ground meat into strips. Mix the ground meat with a binder like a little bit of pureed pumpkin, form it into strips on your air fryer tray (on parchment paper), and dehydrate as usual. It will have a different texture, but dogs love it!

4. What ingredients are absolutely toxic and should be avoided?

Never add any of the following to your dog’s treats: onions, garlic, chives (or powders of these), xylitol (an artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, or excessive salt. Stick to simple, whole-food ingredients.