Air-Fryer Hot Dogs: Safe, Fast, And Delicious?

Hot dogs are a beloved food for many, but not everyone has the time or energy to grill them. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick and easy alternative. Air-fried hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and can be ready in as little as three to five minutes. You can even cook the buns in the air fryer for added crispness. While you can use any type of hot dog, all-beef hot dogs are recommended for the best flavour and texture. So, if you're looking for a fast and tasty way to cook hot dogs, give your air fryer a try!

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hot dogs in an air fryer! They will turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The cooking time will depend on the type of hot dog and your desired level of browning.

Skinny hot dogs, like Ball Park or Nathan’s beef franks, will cook in 4 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thicker hot dogs, like Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs can take anywhere from 6 to 8 minutes at the same temperature.

If you prefer less browned hot dogs, cook them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

Frozen hot dogs will take longer to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the hot dogs for 7 to 8 minutes.

Once cooked, you can place the hot dogs in buns and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a slightly toasted bun.

Some people prefer their hot dogs with a bit of char, so they cook them for longer. One person commented that they cook their hot dogs for 3 minutes, flip them, cook for another 3 minutes, and then put them in buns with cheese and cook for a further 1 minute. Another person said they cook their hot dogs at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, or 10-12 minutes for a crispier result.

It's worth noting that not all air fryers are the same, so you may need to experiment with different timings to find what works best for your appliance.

How to make hot dogs crispy

Hot dogs are a staple food for many, but how do you make them crispy? One way is to use an air fryer. This method will give you hot dogs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy hot dogs using an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. This is an important step to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. For a crispy exterior, you can cut 4-5 diagonal slits on the top of each hot dog. Do not cut too deep, just enough to break the surface. You can also wrap the hot dogs in bacon for an extra savory flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

Cook the hot dogs for 4-6 minutes in the air fryer. For thinner hot dogs, 4 minutes should be enough, while thicker ones might take up to 8 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns

You can simply warm the buns in the microwave for 50-60 seconds if you prefer them softer. However, if you want to make them crispy, brush them with melted butter and place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. You can also toast the buns by placing the hot dogs inside and cooking for 90 seconds.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the hot dogs in the buns and serve with your favorite toppings and condiments. Popular choices include ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, cheese, chili, and sauerkraut.

And that's it! You now have crispy and juicy hot dogs ready to be enjoyed. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer cookout.

How to store and reheat air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, and they taste great, too! But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat your air-fried hot dogs to keep them tasting delicious.

Storing Air-Fried Hot Dogs

To store your cooked hot dogs, place them in a shallow, airtight container or wrap them in foil. Store them in the refrigerator, where they should keep for about three to four days.

Reheating Air-Fried Hot Dogs

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover hot dogs, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
• Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping them over once or twice during the cooking process.
• If desired, add your hot dog buns to the air fryer for the last minute of cooking to toast them slightly.

Your hot dogs are now ready to enjoy! You can also reheat air-fried hot dogs in the microwave or oven if you prefer.

What to serve with air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to make. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for side dishes and toppings to make your air-fried hot dogs even more delicious.

Side Dishes

If you're serving air-fried hot dogs for a weeknight dinner, some great side dish options include baked beans, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad. If you're hosting a barbecue or party, you can also make cucumber salad, potato salad, or pasta salad. For a full meal, you can pair your air-fried hot dogs with French fries, corn on the cob, and watermelon salad.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. You can go with classic choices such as ketchup, mustard, relish, and pickles. Or, if you want to get creative, try something like roasted peppers and onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, habanero mango salsa, buffalo sauce with blue cheese, or coleslaw. For an extra indulgent touch, wrap your hot dogs in bacon before air-frying them.

Recipes

You can also use your air-fried hot dogs as a base for recipes such as Texas Corn Dogs, Chili Dogs, or Halloween Crescent Mummy Dogs.

So, the next time you're wondering what to serve with your air-fried hot dogs, get creative and experiment with different side dishes, toppings, and recipes to take your hot dog game to the next level!

What type of hot dogs to use

Hot dogs are a staple food for many, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that classic crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside texture. But what type of hot dogs should you use?

The good news is that you can use any type of hot dog you like! Whether it's an all-beef dog, a turkey dog, a cheese dog, or a mix of pork, beef, and chicken, the air fryer will cook them to perfection. However, some types of hot dogs may work better than others in the air fryer.

For example, if you're looking for that classic snap when you bite into your hot dog, an all-beef hot dog in a natural casing is a great option. The natural casing will crisp up slightly in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying texture. Brands like Hebrew National or Nathan's Famous are popular choices for this style of hot dog.

Skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, are also a good choice for the air fryer. They cook quickly and evenly, taking only about 4 minutes to cook through. Thicker hot dogs, like jumbo hot dogs, can also be used but will take a bit longer to cook, around 6 to 8 minutes.

If you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, there are plant-based hot dogs available that can be cooked in the air fryer as well. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times and temperatures.

Ultimately, the type of hot dog you use will depend on your personal preference and dietary needs. The beauty of the air fryer is that it can handle any type of hot dog you throw at it, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect hot dog!

Frequently asked questions