Air Fryer Hot Dogs
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My kids love it when I make hot dogs in the air fryer! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or for serving at a game day party. Plus, the clean up is quick and easy, so it’s a win-win for everyone!
Do you ever want to cook hot dogs but don’t have the time and energy to fire up the grill? If so, you have to try this recipe. When you cook hot dogs in your air fryer, they turn out juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
This meal is a favorite at our house!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you aren’t in the mood for grilling, air frying hot dogs is the next best way to create the perfect texture. Some methods for cooking hot dogs, like boiling or microwaving, give them a soft, almost mushy texture.
They’re kid-approved, too! This recipe is the perfect break from complicated dinner recipes. It’s a meal the whole family is guaranteed to love!
The best part? The quick cook time and easy clean up!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important, mom-tested cooking tips for making hot dogs in the air fryer! I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Keep an eye on the air fryer. Different makes and models can cook at different rates depending on their size, power, and other factors. For the best hot dogs, take a quick peek around the 5-minute mark.
- Check your heat settings. If your air fryer doesn’t have a setting for 380°F, you can air fry hot dogs at 400°F, but cook them for a minute or two less.
Ingredients
- Hot Dogs: You can make as few or as many as you’d like! Our favorite hot dogs are all-beef hot dogs.
- Hot Dog Buns: Feel free to use your favorite variety. We like everything from traditional sesame buns to fancy brioche buns. You can also skip the bun, too.
- Toppings: Be sure to have your favorite on hand! We love ketchup or bbq sauce, mustard or pickled red onions on top.
Substitutions and Variations
Different types of hot dogs: Try using these instructions for different varieties of dogs, including turkey dogs or plant-based dogs.
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
Wrapped hot dogs: You can wrap your hot dogs with bacon for a smoky, crispy variation. Make sure to use thick-cut bacon and secure it in place with toothpicks.
Bun-free option: Serve your hot dog in a lettuce wrap, on a bed of greens, or cut up and used in other recipes, like pinto beans.
How to Make Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer. Meanwhile, cut slits in the hot dogs in the shape of a V or an X. This will help steam escape while cooking and prevent them from curling. Once preheated, place hot dogs onto air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket.
- Cook your hot dogs in the air fryer for 6 minutes. If you would like to toast the buns, you can add them and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
FAQ
Make sure you are cooking your hot dogs in a single layer so that they have room for the hot air to circulate. Otherwise, they may steam a bit more than air frying.
Store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Place the hot dog back in the air fryer and cook until fully warmed through. An instant-read thermometer placed in the center of the hot dog should register 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Of course, hot dogs are great with traditional condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish. For something unique and delicious, try these other serving suggestions.
Top your hot dogs with a slice of cheese, slices of crispy air fryer bacon, or some homemade chili.
Other tasty hot dog toppings ideas include pickled onions, homemade Big Mac sauce, or avocado mayo.
If you make this recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below to let me know how it went!
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- 4 hot dog buns
- toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380º for 3-4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make cuts in hot dogs in the shape of a V or an X. This will help steam escape while cooking.
- Once preheated, place hot dogs onto air fryer tray.
- Cook for 6 minutes. If you would like to toast the buns, you can cook for an additional minute.
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Keep an eye on the air fryer. Different air fryers can cook at different rates depending on their size, power, and other factors. For the best hot dogs, take a quick peek around the 5-minute mark to see if the hot dogs are finished.
- Check your heat settings. If your air fryer doesn’t have a setting for 380°F, you can air fry hot dogs at 400°F and cook them for a minute or two less.
Nutrition
Other Air Fryer Recipes
If you love a quick air fryer meal, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes.
- We make these crispy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets often.
- This air fryer meatloaf is a hearty meal perfect for weeknights.
- Air fryer kielbasa is savory and juicy.
- And don’t forget to try these air fryer pigs in a blanket! They’re the best appetizer for parties.
