Homemade Air Fryer Dog Treats Recipe With Apple & Cinnamon

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Let’s be real. Store-bought treats last forever, but who knows what’s inside them? Most are loaded with weird fillers and artificial stuff your dog definitely doesn’t need.

You want to spoil your pup with something good, but making treats from scratch sounds like a hassle.

Not anymore if you use this homemade air fryer dog treats recipe. They’re healthy, quick, and ready in just a few minutes.

Recipe Overview

This air fryer dog treat recipe uses simple, whole ingredients you already have in your pantry. It is an ideal, low-calorie snack for training or just showing some love.

• Purpose: Easy, healthy training treats or everyday snacks.
• Benefits: Low fat, high fiber, gluten-free option, excellent source of Vitamin A and C.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes.
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (per batch).
• Yield: About 30-40 small treats (depending on cookie cutter size).

Ingredients List

Here is everything you need. You can easily substitute the meat type, but keep the core measurements the same.

• 1 large apple, cored and peeled ($0.80)
• 1 cup oat flour ($0.50) (Substitution: Use whole wheat flour if your dog handles gluten fine)
• 1/2 cup finely ground oats ($0.25) (Substitution: Rice flour for extra sensitive stomachs)
• 1 egg ($0.20)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce ($0.15) (Substitution: Plain mashed banana)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted ($0.10) (Substitution: Olive oil or unsalted butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ($0.05)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ($0.02)
• 2 tablespoons water or bone broth ($0.01)
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.08

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these treats in the air fryer is fast and minimizes cleanup. Always make sure your apples are peeled to avoid any risk of choking or digestive upset.

• Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner (ensure it is cut smaller than the basket to allow air flow).
• Step 2: Dice the apple into small pieces and blend it into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the pureed apple, egg, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and water/broth until well combined.
• Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour, ground oats, cinnamon, and baking soda.
• Step 5: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff, slightly sticky dough forms. Add the extra tablespoon of water if the dough is too dry.
• Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a surface lightly dusted with oat flour. Roll the dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. This prevents the treats from being too crumbly.
• Step 7: Cut shapes using small cookie cutters (or a knife).
• Step 8: Place the treats in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Step 9: The treats should be firm to the touch and slightly golden brown. If they are too soft, cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Feeding Guidelines

These are treats, not a meal replacement. The number you give your dog should be limited based on their size and daily calorie intake. Talk to your vet first if your dog has specific health issues.

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Limit to 1–2 small treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): Give 3–4 small treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): You can offer 5–6 small treats per day.
• Puppies: Due to their sensitive stomachs, limit to 1 treat per day and ensure they are soft enough to chew easily.
• Active dogs: You can slightly increase the number of treats due to higher caloric burn.
• Weight management: If your dog is overweight, use these treats sparingly since apples contain natural sugars.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient here serves a nutritional purpose. We skip the junk and focus on real benefits.

• Apple: Excellent source of Vitamins A and C, and fiber. The fiber supports gut health and regular bowel movements. Make sure to peel the skin.
• Oat Flour/Oats: A complex carbohydrate source that provides sustained energy. Oats are also easily digestible and a great alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
• Egg: High-quality complete protein providing essential amino acids crucial for muscle and tissue repair.
• Cinnamon: Safe in small amounts, cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which support brain function and provide a healthy source of necessary fats (Omega-6).

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping these homemade treats fresh and safe for your dog.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze treats for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them back in the air fryer for 1 minute to warm slightly before serving.
• Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
• Softening Treats: If you made them extra crunchy, you can microwave them for about 5 seconds to soften them slightly for older dogs or puppies.
• Serving Suggestion: Break them into smaller pieces for training rewards, or use them as a simple bedtime snack.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use Gala or Fuji apples?

Yes, any common apple variety is safe for dogs. Avoid crabapples as they are too sour. Remember, the core and seeds must be removed completely because apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide and the core can be a choking hazard.

Are these treats nutritionally complete?

No, these are supplemental treats and should only make up about 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. They are healthy snacks, not a balanced meal.

My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

Add a small amount of extra oat flour (about 1 teaspoon at a time) until the dough is manageable. Humidity can affect the required liquid amount. You want the dough to hold its shape without sticking to your hands too much.

Wrapping Up

These air fryer apple and cinnamon treats are a guilt-free way to spoil your dog with fresh ingredients. They are fast, simple, and packed with goodness. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!