Homemade Air Fryer Dog Treats Recipe With Banana & Peanut Butter

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.

Ever catch yourself staring at a bag of dog treats, trying to figure out what half those ingredients even are?

You want your pup to have the good stuff, but honestly, those labels can leave you guessing. Finding snacks you actually trust feels way harder than it should be.

But imagine whipping up an air fryer dog treat so tasty and wholesome at home, with no weird mystery ingredients, just real food you know your dog will love.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade air fryer dog treat recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time.
• It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like banana and peanut butter, offering a natural source of vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber.
• The recipe makes about 20-25 treats, perfect for training or everyday rewards.
• It’s ideal for dogs needing limited ingredients or those who love a chewy, flavorful snack.

Ingredients List

• Ripe Banana: 1 large (approx. $0.30) – provides potassium and vitamin B6.
• Natural Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup (approx. $0.75) – ensure it’s xylitol-free; a good source of protein and healthy fats. You can substitute with almond butter (also xylitol-free).
• Whole Wheat Flour: 1 1/2 cups (approx. $0.50) – adds fiber and structure. A good substitute for dogs with wheat sensitivities is oat flour or chickpea flour.
• Egg: 1 large (approx. $0.20) – acts as a binder and provides protein.
• Water: 1/4 cup (approx. $0.00) – helps with dough consistency.

Total Estimated Cost: $1.75

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, peel and mash the ripe banana in a medium bowl until it’s smooth.
• Next, add the natural peanut butter, egg, and water to the mashed banana. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined.
• Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms. You might need to use your hands to really get it all together.
• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired treat shapes. Small shapes work best for air frying.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the treats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if needed.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch. Cooking time can vary by air fryer model.
• Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving. They will firm up more as they cool.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 1-2 treats per day.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Give 2-3 treats per day.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): You can give 3-4 treats per day.
• Active dogs might need slightly more, while less active or older dogs should have fewer to prevent weight gain.
• Puppies can have small pieces of these treats, but monitor their intake, especially due to the fat content of peanut butter.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs. They can help you figure out the best portions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bananas offer a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, supporting heart health and immune function.
• Natural peanut butter provides protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and vitamins B and E, which are great for skin and coat health. Just make sure it does not contain xylitol.
• Whole wheat flour adds dietary fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and regularity. For dogs with sensitivities, oat or chickpea flour still provides good fiber.
• Eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential amino acids, which are crucial for muscle development and repair.
• Overall, these treats offer a balanced snack with complex carbohydrates for energy, good fats, and important vitamins and minerals.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once completely cooled, store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the treats for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When ready to serve from the freezer, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or warm them slightly in the air fryer for a minute or two.
• You can serve these treats at room temperature, or even warm them slightly for a special treat.
• Some owners like to crumble them over their dog’s regular kibble as a meal topper to add extra flavor and nutrients.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can. Oat flour, chickpea flour, or even brown rice flour are good alternatives if your dog has a wheat sensitivity. The texture might change slightly, so you might need to adjust the water content a tiny bit.

My treats came out too soft/hard, what happened?

If they are too soft, they likely need a bit more air frying time. If they are too hard, they might have been overcooked or rolled too thin. Adjust the time and thickness next time you make them.

Is peanut butter safe for all dogs?

Most dogs can have peanut butter, but it’s crucial to use natural, unsweetened peanut butter that does NOT contain xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Always check the label. If your dog has a peanut allergy, almond butter (xylitol-free) is a safe alternative.

Can puppies eat these treats?

Yes, puppies can have these treats in moderation, but break them into smaller pieces. Remember that treats should only make up a small portion of a puppy’s diet, as they need nutrient-dense food for growth.

Wrapping Up

Making these homemade air fryer dog treats is a simple way to give your dog a healthy, delicious snack. It’s easy, you know exactly what’s in them, and your dog will love them. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!