Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
These Air Fryer Hot Dogs are one of the quickest and easiest ways to make perfectly cooked hot dogs with lightly crisp edges and juicy centers. They cook in just minutes, and you can even toast the buns right in the air fryer before serving.
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook hot dogs in the air fryer, this may become your new favorite method. There’s no pot of water to boil, no grill to heat up, and no skillet to clean afterward. Just place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and let the air fryer do the work.
The outside gets slightly browned and blistered, giving the hot dogs that grilled flavor and texture without having to go outside and fire up the grill.
They’re perfect for an easy lunch, quick weeknight dinner, summer meal, game day, or those nights when everyone wants something simple.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are already one of the easiest meals you can make, and the air fryer makes them even better.
- Ready in minutes
- Lightly crispy outside
- Juicy inside
- No boiling water
- No grill required
- Minimal cleanup
- Easy lunch or dinner
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Toast the buns right in the air fryer
- Easy to make for just one or two people
How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer?
Hot dogs generally take about 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees F in the air fryer.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the hot dogs and your particular air fryer.
Regular hot dogs may be ready in about 5 minutes, while larger or thicker hot dogs may need 6 to 8 minutes.
Since hot dogs are typically already fully cooked, you’re essentially heating them through while browning the outside.
What Temperature Do You Cook Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer?
I like cooking hot dogs at 400 degrees F.
The higher temperature heats them quickly while giving the outside a slightly browned, roasted texture.
That’s one of the reasons I prefer air fryer hot dogs to boiled hot dogs.
Instead of a soft exterior, you get those delicious little browned and blistered areas that taste more like hot dogs cooked on the grill.
Ingredients
You really only need two ingredients.
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
Then add any toppings you like.
Optional Hot Dog Toppings
Set out several toppings and let everyone build their own hot dog.
Try:
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Spicy mustard
- Relish
- Chopped onion
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Chili
- Shredded cheese
- Cheese sauce
- Jalapeños
- Coleslaw
- BBQ sauce
How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for a few minutes if your particular model recommends preheating.
Not every air fryer requires preheating, so check the instructions for your machine.
Step 2: Add the Hot Dogs
Remove the hot dogs from the package and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Leave a little space between them so the hot air can circulate.
There’s no need to add oil or cooking spray.
Step 3: Air Fry the Hot Dogs
Air fry the hot dogs at 400 degrees F for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Turn them halfway through cooking if you want even browning on all sides.
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re hot throughout and the outside has started to brown and blister.
Step 4: Toast the Hot Dog Buns
Here’s the step that makes air fryer hot dogs even better.
Place each cooked hot dog inside a bun.
Return the assembled hot dogs to the air fryer basket.
Air fry for approximately 1 to 2 additional minutes.
This warms the bun and gives the edges a lightly toasted texture.
Watch them closely because buns can brown very quickly in an air fryer.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Carefully remove the hot dogs from the air fryer.
Add ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, chili, cheese, or whatever toppings you love.
Serve immediately while the hot dogs and buns are warm.
Do You Need to Cut Slits in Hot Dogs Before Air Frying?
You don’t have to, but you can.
Making several shallow diagonal slits across each hot dog can create more browned edges.
It also gives the hot dogs that fun grilled appearance.
Don’t cut all the way through the hot dog. Just make several shallow cuts across the surface.
You can also cook them completely whole.
Both methods work.
Should You Poke Holes in Hot Dogs Before Air Frying?
There’s no need to poke holes in the hot dogs.
Puncturing them can allow some of the juices to escape.
If you want extra browned edges, shallow slits across the surface work better than poking holes through the hot dogs.
Can You Air Fry Hot Dogs Without Preheating?
Yes.
If you don’t preheat your air fryer, the hot dogs may simply need an extra minute or two.
Air fryers vary quite a bit, so use the cooking time as a guide and check the hot dogs toward the end.
Can You Put Hot Dog Buns in the Air Fryer?
Yes, and I highly recommend it.
After the hot dogs are cooked, place them inside the buns and return them to the air fryer for about 1 to 2 minutes.
The buns become warm with lightly toasted edges.
Just watch them carefully.
Bread can go from perfectly toasted to overly brown very quickly in an air fryer.
Can I Add Cheese?
Absolutely.
Place the cooked hot dog in the bun and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top or add a slice of cheese.
Return it to the air fryer for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
The cheese will melt while the bun warms.
Then add your remaining toppings.
Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs
Air fryer hot dogs make an easy base for chili cheese dogs.
Cook the hot dogs according to the recipe.
Place each hot dog in a bun and add warm chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
You can place them back in the air fryer briefly to melt the cheese, but make sure your toppings are secure and suitable for your air fryer basket.
Finish with chopped onion, mustard, or jalapeños.
Air Fryer Cheese Dogs
Cut a shallow slit lengthwise into each hot dog without cutting completely through.
Air fry as directed.
Toward the end of cooking, tuck a little cheese into the opening and return the hot dogs to the air fryer until the cheese melts.
Place them in toasted buns and serve.
Can You Cook Frozen Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer?
Yes.
If the hot dogs are frozen together, you’ll need to separate them first.
Place frozen hot dogs in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F, checking them after several minutes.
Once they’re separated and beginning to thaw, arrange them in a single layer and continue air frying until they’re hot throughout and browned on the outside.
Frozen hot dogs will take a few minutes longer than refrigerated hot dogs.
Can You Cook More Than Four Hot Dogs at Once?
Yes, as long as they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket in a single layer.
Don’t pile them on top of one another.
The air needs to circulate around the hot dogs for even cooking and browning.
A larger air fryer may easily hold six or eight hot dogs, while a smaller model may only comfortably fit four.
If necessary, cook them in batches.
What Kind of Hot Dogs Can I Air Fry?
Just about any variety will work.
You can use:
- Beef hot dogs
- Pork hot dogs
- Turkey hot dogs
- Chicken hot dogs
- Jumbo hot dogs
- Bun-length hot dogs
Thicker hot dogs may need an additional minute or two.
Always follow package directions for the specific product you’re using and make sure the hot dogs are heated thoroughly before serving.
Why Are Air Fryer Hot Dogs So Good?
The biggest difference is the texture.
Boiling hot dogs makes them hot and juicy, but the outside stays soft.
The air fryer gives the outside a little texture.
The circulating hot air browns the surface and can create those slightly blistered edges you normally associate with grilling or roasting.
Then you can toast the bun in the same appliance.
That combination makes an incredibly simple hot dog taste so much better.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Hot dogs go with just about any casual side dish.
Serve them with:
- French fries
- Tater tots
- Potato wedges
- Potato chips
- Onion rings
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
- Pickles
- Fruit salad
For an especially easy dinner, cook frozen French fries or tater tots in the air fryer first, then make the hot dogs.
How to Store Leftover Hot Dogs
Allow leftover cooked hot dogs to cool and refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container.
For best quality, use them within about 3 to 4 days.
Store buns separately so they don’t become soggy.
How to Reheat Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is also great for reheating hot dogs.
Place refrigerated cooked hot dogs in the air fryer basket and heat at about 350 degrees F for a few minutes, or until they’re hot throughout.
Keep an eye on them because already-cooked hot dogs reheat quickly.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange the hot dogs in a single layer so the air can circulate around them.
Skip the oil. Hot dogs don’t need additional oil to brown in the air fryer.
Check them early. Air fryer models cook differently, and smaller hot dogs can cook especially quickly.
Try shallow slits. A few diagonal cuts give the hot dogs more browned edges.
Toast the buns. One or two minutes in the air fryer makes a big difference.
Watch the buns carefully. They can toast very quickly at high temperatures.
Add cheese at the end. It only takes a short time for cheese to melt in an air fryer.
Recipe Notes
Air fryer cooking times vary depending on the appliance and the size and type of hot dogs.
Start checking regular-size hot dogs at about 5 minutes.
Jumbo or extra-thick hot dogs may require additional cooking time.
There’s no need to add oil to the hot dogs before air frying.
Shallow diagonal slits are optional but can create additional browned edges.
Toast the buns for only a minute or two and watch them carefully so they don’t burn.
Hot dogs should be heated thoroughly according to the directions on their package.
The Easiest Way to Cook Hot Dogs
When you need lunch or dinner on the table fast, it’s hard to beat Air Fryer Hot Dogs.
You don’t need to wait for water to boil or stand outside over a grill. Put the hot dogs in the air fryer, cook them for a few minutes, and let the circulating hot air give the outside those delicious browned edges.
Then put them in their buns and pop everything back into the air fryer for another minute or two.
You end up with juicy hot dogs tucked into warm, lightly toasted buns in about 10 minutes.
Add everyone’s favorite toppings, put some chips or fries on the side, and you’ve got one of the easiest dinners you can make.
