Air Fryer Chicken Jerky For Dogs: Dehydrating Done Right

Chicken jerky is a tasty treat for dogs, and it's easy to make at home in an air fryer. All you need is a boneless, skinless chicken breast, and you can make a healthy snack for your dog without any preservatives or additives. The process is simple: slice the chicken breast into thin, uniform pieces, place them in the air fryer, and dehydrate. The result is a delicious, protein-rich treat that your dog will love!

Chicken breast preparation

Freezing the Chicken Breast

Before slicing the chicken breast, it is recommended to partially freeze it. Place the chicken breast in the freezer for about 2 hours or until it is slightly frozen. This step makes the meat firmer and easier to slice into thin, even strips. Freezing helps achieve a consistent size, which is important for ensuring even drying during dehydration.

Slicing the Chicken Breast

Take the partially frozen chicken breast and use a sharp knife to slice it lengthwise into thin, uniform slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch or thinner. If you prefer chewier jerky, cut the chicken slices with the grain. You can also pound out the chicken strips with a meat mallet to ensure they are of even thickness.

Marinating the Chicken (Optional)

While marinating is not necessary, it can add flavor to your chicken jerky. Place the sliced chicken into a freezer bag or a bowl. Prepare a marinade by mixing ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and any other spices or seasonings of your choice. Ensure the chicken strips are fully coated in the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on your preference.

Pre-Cooking the Chicken (Optional)

To ensure food safety, it is recommended to pre-cook the chicken before dehydration. Preheat your air fryer to 280°F and place the chicken slices in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is the temperature required to ward off bacteria.

Now that your chicken breast is prepared, you can proceed to dehydrate it in the air fryer or oven, following the temperature and timing guidelines provided in other sources.

Air fryer settings

To make chicken jerky for dogs, you will need to adjust the settings on your air fryer to dehydrate the chicken. The dehydration process will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your chicken slices, and the texture you want to achieve.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer to kill off any bacteria. Set your air fryer to 280°F and cook for about 9 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the temperature required to ward off bacteria.

After the chicken has been preheated, you can begin the dehydration process. Set your air fryer to 170°F-250°F and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken slices. For example, thinner slices may take around 1 ½ hours, while thicker slices may take up to 2 hours or more. Check the chicken jerky periodically to ensure it does not overcook. You will know it is done when it is hard and not spongy to the touch.

Once the chicken jerky is dehydrated to your desired texture, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool before serving or storing.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken jerky in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the chicken slices, the model of the air fryer, and the desired texture.

To ensure that any bacteria are killed, it is recommended to pre-cook the chicken to a temperature of 165°F before dehydrating. This can be done by placing the chicken slices in the air fryer basket and cooking at 280°F for around 9 minutes.

After pre-cooking, the dehydration process can begin. Set the air fryer to 170°F and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours. The jerky is done when it is hard and not spongy to the touch. If it still feels spongy after 1 ½ hours, continue to cook in 10-minute increments until the desired texture is achieved.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken slices. For example, one source recommends cooking at 250°F for 1 hour, flipping the chicken strips, and then continuing for another 30 minutes. They then suggest checking every 10 minutes to ensure the total cooking time does not exceed 2 hours.

Another source recommends cooking at 220°F for 1 ½ hours, flipping the chicken strips, and then cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so it is essential to keep an eye on the jerky during the cooking process to ensure it does not overcook or burn.

Storage

Once your chicken jerky is ready, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe for your furry friend to enjoy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your homemade chicken jerky dog treats:

First, let the chicken jerky cool down to room temperature. Then, place the treats in an airtight container or storage bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or bacteria growth. You can find specific dog treat containers online or in pet stores, often labelled as "dog treat jars" to avoid any confusion with human food.

Refrigeration:

While some sources suggest that refrigeration is not necessary due to the dehydration process removing moisture, others recommend it for added safety and freshness. If you choose to refrigerate, place the airtight container or bag in the fridge. The chicken jerky treats should last for about one week in the refrigerator.

Freezer Storage:

If you want to extend the shelf life of your chicken jerky treats, consider freezing them. Freezer storage is especially useful if you've made a large batch and don't think your dog will finish them within a week. Place the airtight container or bag in the freezer, where the treats can last for up to two months.

Shelf Life:

The shelf life of your chicken jerky treats depends on their level of dryness. Soft and chewy jerky, which has more moisture, will generally last for about one week. On the other hand, crispy and crunchy jerky with little moisture can last for several weeks.

Human Consumption:

It's important to note that these chicken jerky treats are not flavoured and are meant for dogs, so humans may not find them appetizing. However, they are safe for human consumption. If you want to make chicken jerky for yourself, it's recommended to cook the chicken thoroughly and add flavour through a marinade or spices.

Health benefits

Dehydrated chicken jerky is a healthy treat option for dogs. Here are some of its health benefits:

High-Protein Treat

Dogs that love to chew on things will enjoy this savory, chewy, and high-protein treat. Chicken jerky is a good source of protein, which provides dogs with energy and helps them build lean muscles.

Fewer Preservatives and Additives

Store-bought meat snacks often contain preservatives and added flavorings and spices. Making chicken jerky at home ensures that your dog's treat is free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Chicken contains Omega-6 fatty acids, which help your dog have a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Glucosamine

Chicken jerky provides glucosamine, which supports strong and healthy bones in dogs.

Dental Health

As dogs gnaw on the leathery meat, dehydrated chicken jerky can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. This is beneficial for your dog's dental health and can prevent cavities.

Budget-Friendly

Making dehydrated chicken jerky for dogs at home is a budget-friendly option. Chicken breasts are cheaper than store-bought jerky, and you can make large batches to fuel your dog's muscles and entertain their mouths.

Frequently asked questions