Air Fryer Salmon Jerky for Dogs

An Easy, Healthy Dog Treat That’s Just One Ingredient

So… Why Salmon Jerky?

Ever looked at a bag of store-bought dog treats and had no clue what half the ingredients were? Same. And I don’t know about you, but if I wouldn’t eat it myself, I definitely don’t want to feed it to my dog.

That’s why I started making this salmon jerky. It’s super easy, smells a little fishy (okay, a lot), but dogs go absolutely wild for it. Plus, it’s packed with omega-3s, which are great for their skin, coat, joints—you name it. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a piece of salmon and an air fryer.

So if you’re ready to make a treat that your pup will actually lose their mind over, let’s get started.

What You’ll Need

• 1 boneless, skinless salmon fillet (fresh or frozen, both work)
• Optional: 1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil (totally fine to skip—just for a little extra crisp)

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels
• Tongs or spatula

Nothing complicated, I promise.

Pro Tips Before You Start

1. Freeze the salmon for 30 minutes first: It firms up the fish and makes it way easier to slice nice and thin.
2. Keep the slices even: Try to go for strips that are about ¼-inch thick. That way everything cooks evenly and you’re not stuck babysitting the air fryer.
3. Pat it dry: Too much moisture = soggy jerky. Use paper towels to blot as much as you can before you air fry.
4. Don’t crowd the basket: Make sure the pieces aren’t overlapping. If your air fryer’s small, do it in batches.
5. Let them cool in the basket: Once the salmon’s done, leave it in the basket with the air fryer turned off. It’ll crisp up even more as it cools.

Substitutions and Variations

• Can’t find salmon? Try using skinless tilapia or trout instead. Both are dog-safe and easy to work with.
• Want to get fancy? You can lightly dust the salmon with turmeric before cooking for an anti-inflammatory boost.
• No air fryer? Use an oven at 170°F (or the lowest temp setting) for 4–5 hours with the door cracked open.

Make Ahead Tips

• You can pre-slice and refrigerate the raw salmon a day ahead. Just keep it sealed tight.
• You can also make a big batch and freeze cooked jerky for up to 3 months.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the salmon If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Slice into strips Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into ¼-inch thick strips. Shorter pieces work better for smaller dogs.
3. Optional: Toss with a tiny bit of oil Totally optional, but a small amount of coconut oil helps it crisp up.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 180°F If yours doesn’t go that low, 200°F works—just reduce the cook time and check often.
5. Add the salmon strips Lay them flat in a single layer. No stacking or crowding.
6. Cook for 2–3 hours Flip the pieces halfway through. You’re aiming for a firm, dry, jerky-like texture.
7. Cool completely Let the strips cool in the basket to crisp up more.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Freeze in small batches and thaw overnight in the fridge as needed.
• Keep in mind: since this is a preservative-free treat, always sniff before serving.

Is Salmon Really Safe for Dogs?

Yes—when it’s cooked properly and deboned. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your dog’s coat, reduce inflammation, and support their immune system. Just avoid feeding raw salmon to your dog, as it may contain harmful parasites unless flash-frozen first (which is why we always cook it here).

This treat is naturally grain-free, high in protein, and fits into most special diets for dogs, including low-carb or hypoallergenic ones.

Want to make it a full “treat night” for your pup? Pair it with some frozen banana bites or a spoonful of unsweetened peanut butter for dessert.

FAQ

Can I use salmon with skin? Yes, you can—but it will take longer to dehydrate and may be a bit greasier. Totally safe for dogs though.

How thin should I slice the salmon? ¼ inch is ideal. Any thinner and it could turn into brittle chips. Any thicker and it’ll take forever to dehydrate.

Is this safe for puppies? Yes, but make sure the pieces are small and fully dried so they’re easy to chew and digest.

Can I add seasoning? Nope. Salt, garlic, onion powders, and other spices that we humans love can be harmful for dogs. Keep it plain.

My air fryer only goes to 250°F. What should I do? Just reduce the cook time and start checking around the 90-minute mark. You may need to flip a couple more times to keep it from burning.

Wrap Up

And there you have it! Simple, healthy, homemade salmon jerky for your furry best friend. It’s easy, it’s affordable, and your dog will absolutely love you for it (even more than they already do). If you try this recipe out, let me know how it goes! Share your pup’s reaction in the comments, or feel free to ask questions—I’d love to hear from you.