Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious and indulgent treat, and an air fryer is a great way to cook them. The hot air circulates to cook the bacon and hot dogs evenly, resulting in a perfect crisp. The air fryer also ensures that the bacon is crispy while keeping the hot dog juicy. It is a quick and easy meal, taking between 8 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on the air fryer temperature and your preferred level of crispiness. You can also add toppings such as cheese, chili, mustard, relish, or ketchup to further enhance the flavour.

How to get the bacon to stick to the hot dog

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious treat, but how do you get the bacon to stick to the hot dog? Here are some tips to ensure your bacon stays in place while cooking:

Firstly, choose the right type of bacon. Regular or centre-cut bacon works best; avoid thick-cut bacon as it won't cook through as nicely. You can also precook the bacon until it's partially cooked but not crisp, allowing the grease to drip down and avoiding a mess. Then, wrap the hot dog with 1 to 1.5 slices of bacon, depending on the size of the hot dog. Try to get the ends of the bacon slices on the same side of the hot dog, and ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly with a slight overlap. You can also try scoring the hot dogs with thin cuts every inch or so; this will prevent the hot dogs from splitting while cooking and help them absorb the flavours of the bacon.

To secure the bacon in place, you can use toothpicks. Place the toothpicks at the end of the bacon or wherever you need help holding it together, and remember to remove them before serving. Another tip is to place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs seam-side down in the air fryer. This will help keep the bacon from unwrapping.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your bacon-wrapped hot dogs cook evenly and taste delicious!

How to get the bacon crispy

Yes, you can cook bacon-wrapped hot dogs in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great way to cook bacon, resulting in crispy and crunchy bacon with easy cleanup.

To get the bacon crispy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use regular or center-cut bacon for the best results. Thick-cut bacon will not cook as nicely and may not wrap around the hot dog as easily. Secondly, when wrapping the hot dogs, try to get the ends of the bacon slices on the same side of the hot dog. This will ensure even cooking and help the bacon stay in place. Use a toothpick to hold it together if needed.

Now, for the cooking instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). While some sources suggest not preheating the air fryer for bacon, preheating is recommended when cooking bacon-wrapped hot dogs to ensure even cooking.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs into the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between each hot dog for air to flow. They can be placed seam-side down to prevent unwrapping.
• Air fry at 350-400°F (180-200°C) for 10-15 minutes. For thinner bacon, check after 8 minutes, as it may cook faster.
• Flip the hot dogs once, about halfway through the cooking time, to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer when the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking.
• Serve immediately with your choice of toppings and sides, such as chili, mustard, relish, cheese, or french fries.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve crispy bacon on your hot dogs using an air fryer. Enjoy!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for bacon-wrapped hot dogs in an air fryer varies depending on the desired texture, the size of the hot dogs, and the type of air fryer being used. It is recommended to cook the hot dogs at a temperature of 375-400°F (190-204°C) for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For a hotter air fryer, a temperature of 400°F (204°C) for 6-8 minutes will produce crispy hot dogs and bacon. If a softer texture is desired, a lower temperature of 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes is recommended.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the hot dogs. It is suggested to check the hot dogs halfway through the cooking process and adjust the remaining time according to personal preferences for texture and doneness.

Additionally, it is advised to cook the hot dogs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the cooking time and the evenness of the results.

What temperature to cook at

The temperature you cook your bacon-wrapped hot dogs at will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the hot dogs, and how crispy you like your bacon.

Most sources recommend cooking your bacon-wrapped hot dogs at 400°F/204°C. At this temperature, your hot dogs should take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook. You should turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you like your hot dogs and bacon extra crispy, you can cook them at a higher temperature of 400°F/204°C for 6-8 minutes.

If you are cooking multiple batches of hot dogs, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. It is also important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking the hot dogs in a single layer, which allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Some sources suggest cooking the hot dogs at a lower temperature of 375°F/190°C for 8 minutes, and then placing the cooked hot dogs in buns and cooking at 400°F/204°C for a further 2 minutes to warm the bread. Another source suggests cooking the hot dogs at 380°F/193°C for 8-10 minutes, depending on your preferred texture and the size of your hot dogs.

It is recommended to check your hot dogs halfway through the cooking time and adjust the remainder of the cooking time according to your personal taste and texture preferences.

What to serve with them

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious treat, and even better, they are versatile! You can serve them with a variety of toppings and sides to elevate your meal.

First, let's talk about toppings. The classic route includes mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions. If you want to spice things up, add some chili, cheese sauce, or even beer cheese sauce. You can also get creative and add toppings like mayo, sauerkraut, or jalapeños.

Now, onto the sides. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs go well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• French fries
• Pasta salad
• Hamburgers
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Salads
• Coleslaw
• Potato chips
• Pickles

You can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.

Lastly, don't forget that presentation is key! Arrange your bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a platter with the toppings and sides, and let your guests build their own dogs. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions