Air Fryer Sweet Potato Dog Treats: A Quick Guide

Sweet potatoes are a tasty and healthy treat for your dog, packed with vitamins and nutrients. They are also inexpensive and easy to make. To make sweet potato dog treats in an air fryer, start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Next, cut them into thin slices or small cubes. Place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer, set the temperature, and cook for several hours until they are crispy. Once cooked, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container. Your dog will love these tasty treats!

Wash, peel and slice sweet potatoes

To make sweet potato dog treats in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and slicing them. Here's a detailed guide to walk you through the process:

Start by selecting one or more sweet potatoes of your preferred variety, such as organic or conventional. The number of sweet potatoes you'll need depends on the size of your batch and the size of the potatoes themselves. For a standard-sized batch, 2-4 medium sweet potatoes should suffice.

Once you've selected your sweet potatoes, it's time to wash them thoroughly. Use a gentle brush or sponge to scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. This step ensures that your dog's treats are clean and safe to consume.

After washing the sweet potatoes, it's time to peel them. Use a potato peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin from the potatoes. Some recipes suggest leaving the peel on for the extra nutrients it provides, so you can opt to skip this step if you prefer.

Now it's time to slice the sweet potatoes. The thickness of your slices will depend on how crispy or chewy you want the treats to be. For crispier treats, slice the sweet potatoes into thin slices, approximately 3/8" thick. If you prefer chewier treats, go for thicker slices, ranging from 1/4" to 1/2" thick. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to achieve even slices.

If you're using a mandoline, be sure to exercise caution and use the safety guard to protect your fingers. It's important to maintain a consistent thickness when slicing to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Once you've washed, peeled, and sliced your sweet potatoes, you're ready to move on to the next step of preparing your dog's tasty treats!

Use a food dehydrator, air fryer or oven

Using a Food Dehydrator, Air Fryer or Oven to Make Sweet Potato Dog Treats

There are several ways to make sweet potato dog treats, and using a food dehydrator, air fryer, or oven are all viable options. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare these tasty and nutritious snacks for your furry friend using any of these methods:

Food Dehydrator Method:

Start by washing and peeling 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes. You can adjust the quantity based on how many treats you want to make. Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces, aiming for a thickness between 1/4 and 1/2-inch. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate and will result in a chewier texture.

Next, you'll need to blanch the sweet potato slices. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully place the slices into the boiling water. Blanch them for 4 to 6 minutes, then remove them and drain the excess water. Transfer the blanched slices to a bath of ice water to cool them down quickly.

Once the sweet potato slices are cooled, it's time to dehydrate them. Place the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. You can optionally sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon on the slices for added flavor.

Set your dehydrator to 90°F (or the lowest temperature available if it doesn't go down to 90°F) and dehydrate the sweet potato slices for 10 to 12 hours. The slices are ready when they are slightly crispy on the outside and slightly chewy in the middle. The thicker slices may take a bit longer to reach the desired texture.

Air Fryer Method:

Prepare the sweet potato slices in the same way as mentioned above for the food dehydrator method. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they don't overlap. You can add a light sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Set the air fryer to 90°F and let the sweet potato slices dehydrate for about 6 hours. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time. The treats are ready when they have a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy center.

Oven Method:

As with the previous methods, start by washing, peeling, and slicing the sweet potatoes to your desired thickness. Place the slices on a wire rack on top of a cookie sheet or baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. A light sprinkle of cinnamon is optional.

Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting. Place the sweet potato slices in the oven and bake them for 4 to 6 hours, or until they reach your desired level of crispness. For ovens that run hot, you can leave the oven door slightly ajar to prevent overcooking.

Regardless of the method you choose, always allow the sweet potato treats to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature. The treats will last for about 2 to 3 weeks, but softer chews with more moisture may have a shorter shelf life. Crispier, crunchier treats can last up to a year.

Air fryer settings and timings

The ideal air fryer temperature for sweet potato dog treats is around 90°F. This is the lowest temperature setting on most air fryers, and it is important to set the air fryer to the lowest possible temperature to avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes. If your air fryer does not go as low as 90°F, set it to the lowest temperature available, which is usually below 115°F.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sweet potato slices and the desired texture. For thinner slices (1/4 inch thick), air fry for about 2 hours. For thicker slices (3/8 to 1/2 inch thick), air fry for 6 to 12 hours. The sweet potato treats are done when they are slightly crispy on the outside and slightly chewy in the middle. If you squeeze one between your fingers and feel moisture, they need to be cooked for longer.

If you are using an air fryer with a dehydrator function, you can dehydrate the sweet potato slices at 90°F for 10 to 12 hours. If your dog prefers a crispier treat, leave the sweet potatoes in the dehydrator for 24 hours.

It is important to note that air fryer brands and models may vary, so the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted accordingly. Always keep an eye on your sweet potato treats while they are in the air fryer to avoid overcooking or burning.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before placing the sweet potato slices inside. This helps ensure even cooking.

Storing the treats

Once your sweet potato treats have cooled, it's time to store them. The best way to store them is in an airtight container. You can use a glass jar, a thick plastic resealable bag, or a dog treat jar to avoid confusion with human snacks. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date you made the treats. You can also add an expiration date.

The treats can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the treats can last for about 2-3 weeks. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life to about three to five days. If you want to keep the treats for longer, you can freeze them, and they will stay good for up to three months.

The length of time dehydrated sweet potatoes last depends on their level of dryness. Softer chews with more moisture will not last as long as drier, crispier ones. Crispy, crunchy chips with little moisture can last up to a year when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Health benefits and risks

Sweet potatoes are a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps dogs maintain a healthy digestive system. They are also low in fat and calories, which can help prevent weight gain. In addition, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron, which are essential for overall wellness.

However, it is important to note that sweet potatoes have a high glycemic index, so they should be incorporated carefully into the diets of diabetic dogs. In addition, while sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to consume, they should be fed in moderation. Excessive consumption of sweet potatoes can lead to bone and muscle weakness due to excessive vitamin A.

When preparing sweet potatoes for your dog, it is important to ensure they are cooked and that the skin is removed. Raw sweet potatoes can be difficult for dogs to chew and may cause an upset stomach or intestinal blockage. It is also important to avoid adding any seasonings or ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as butter, sugar, or salt.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes.
• Dice the sweet potato into bite-sized cubes.
• Place the cubes in the air fryer with a spray of coconut oil for 12 minutes, removing and shaking halfway through.
• Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Sweet potato dog treats are a healthy and inexpensive alternative to store-bought treats, and they are simple to make. However, as with any dietary changes, it is important to consult your veterinarian before feeding sweet potatoes to your dog.

Frequently asked questions