Make Healthy Dog Jerky With An Air Fryer

Making dog jerky in an air fryer is a healthy, cost-effective, and simple way to treat your furry friend. With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a delicious batch of jerky that is free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. This homemade treat is a great source of protein for your dog and can be made with chicken or beef. The process is straightforward: slice the meat thinly, add spices or a marinade (optional), and air fry until cooked to perfection. By making dog jerky in an air fryer, you can ensure your pet receives a nutritious and tasty snack.

Choosing the right meat

For beef jerky, select tougher cuts of meat such as flank steak, London broil, or beef round. Trim away any fat or gristle from the beef before slicing it into thin strips against the grain. The thinner the strips, the faster the cooking process.

In both cases, leaner cuts of meat are preferable, as higher fat content can lead to spoilage. If you're using ground meat, look for a package that is 10% fat or less, typically labelled as 90:10.

You can also add organ meat, such as liver, to ground meat. This enhances the flavour, and dogs love it! Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other proteins like kangaroo or chicken/turkey mince, adjusting the cooking method and temperature accordingly.

Preparing the meat

To begin, select a suitable cut of meat. Lean cuts of meat are ideal for making jerky, as they have less fat content. You can choose from various meats such as chicken breast, beef eye of round roast, flank steak, London broil, or beef round. If you opt for chicken, it is recommended to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. For beef, look for cuts with minimal fat or gristle.

Once you have chosen your meat, it's time to slice it into thin, uniform pieces. The thickness of the slices will determine the cooking time, so aim for slices that are around 1/4-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife to cut the meat against the grain for a chewier texture. If you're using chicken, freezing it for about 10-60 minutes before slicing can make the process easier.

After slicing, you have the option to marinate the meat. Create a mixture of your desired seasonings, such as cinnamon, turmeric, or ginger, which are not only safe for dogs but also offer health benefits. Simply mix the spices with a small amount of water and thoroughly combine them with the meat using your hands. This step is entirely optional, as dogs will happily devour plain meat jerky.

If you want to form the ground meat into strips, there are two methods you can use. The first method involves flattening the meat by hand or with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to score the meat into strips. This method is suitable for smaller batches of jerky (1 pound or less).

The second method employs a jerky gun, which is ideal if you're working with larger amounts of meat. Load the jerky gun with the flavoured ground meat and extrude the meat directly onto the trays.

In summary, preparing the meat for healthy dog jerky involves selecting the right cut, slicing it thinly, optionally marinating it with dog-safe spices, and forming it into strips if using ground meat. Following these steps will ensure your dog enjoys tasty and nutritious treats from your air fryer!

Spices and seasonings

The Dog People recommend several spices that are not only safe but also healthy for dogs to consume. Cinnamon, for example, contains antioxidants and can help counteract the effects of diabetes, as well as help with bad breath. Turmeric is another spice that promotes overall health in dogs, aiding weight loss and supporting heart, joint, and brain health. Ginger is a tasty option that helps with digestive issues and nausea.

When adding spices or seasonings to your dog jerky, it is important to use them sparingly and avoid salt. Simply add several teaspoons of a spice or a couple of spices to 1 pound of ground meat, along with 2 tablespoons of water, and mix it into the meat with your hands.

You can also add fruit to the recipe, but ensure that it is thinly sliced so that it dries within the same timeframe as the meat.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean before you begin. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any residue from previous uses. This step is important to avoid any unexpected surprises when you're ready to eat the finished product.

When preparing your meat, cut it into thin, uniform slices. The size and thickness of the slices will determine the cooking time. For chicken jerky, a frozen chicken breast that has been slightly thawed for about 10 minutes is easier to slice thinly. You can also pound out the chicken strips with a meal mallet to ensure they are of even thickness. For beef jerky, cut the meat against the grain into thin strips using a sharp knife.

Now, let's talk about the specific settings on your air fryer. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, this is ideal for making jerky. Simply set the temperature and let it do its job. If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate setting, don't worry. You can use the bake setting or the air fry setting, and it will work just fine.

For chicken jerky, preheat your air fryer to 280°F and cook the chicken for about 9 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is important to ward off bacteria. Then, lower the temperature to 170°F and dehydrate for about 1 ½ - 2 hours. The total time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices, so keep an eye on them. You'll know they're done when they are hard and not spongy to the touch.

For beef jerky, set your air fryer to 180°F and cook the beef strips for 12 to 15 minutes. Beef jerky cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. Test the doneness by breaking a piece in half; if it's still pink in the centre, cook it for a few more minutes.

Remember, every air fryer is different, so you might need to adjust the temperatures and timings slightly based on your specific model. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Storage

Once your chicken or beef jerky is cooked, it's important to let it cool completely before serving it to your dog or storing it. When it comes to storing your homemade dog treats, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, always store the jerky in an airtight container or bag. This will help keep the treats fresh and reduce the chances of spoilage. If you're using a bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. You can also use a vacuum sealer if you plan on storing the jerky for a longer period.

Secondly, decide where you want to store your dog jerky treats. If you're planning to use them within a few days, storing them at room temperature in a cool, dry place should be fine. However, if you want to keep them for longer, it's best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerated jerky can last for up to two weeks, while frozen jerky can last for several months.

It's important to note that homemade dog jerky doesn't contain any preservatives, so it won't last as long as store-bought treats. Always check the treats for any signs of spoilage before giving them to your dog, and throw them out if you're unsure.

Frequently asked questions