Cooking frankfurters in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make hot dogs. The air fryer's hot convection heat cooks salty, fatty hot dogs to a crisp in minutes. It's nearly impossible to overcook a hot dog in an air fryer, and you don't need to worry about preheating the air fryer like you would when firing up a grill. You can cook hot dogs from frozen, or fresh, and they will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Can you cook frankfurters in an air fryer?

Cooking times and temperatures

For skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. For thicker hot dogs, like Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs, cook at the same temperature for 6 to 8 minutes. If you prefer less browned hot dogs, cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

If you're cooking frozen hot dogs, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the buns for the final minute of cooking.

To toast the buns, place them in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. If you're toasting the buns with the hot dogs, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking the buns first, followed by the hot dogs, while others recommend cooking the hot dogs and buns together. It's also optional to score or cut slits in the hot dogs before cooking to create crispier edges and hold toppings better.

Toppings and condiments

There are many toppings and condiments to choose from when preparing frankfurters in an air fryer. The classic choice is ketchup, mustard, and pickles. You can also add some shredded cheese to your frankfurter and place it back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese. If you're looking for something different, try relish, roasted peppers, onions, mushrooms, or sauerkraut. For a spicy kick, add some buffalo sauce or habanero mango salsa. If you're feeling indulgent, go for a chili cheese dog or wrap your frankfurter in bacon. And if you're looking for something refreshing, top your frankfurter with coleslaw or serve it with a side of cucumber salad.

For an extra crispy frankfurter, try scoring the top of the hot dog with a knife before placing it in the air fryer. Just be careful not to cut too deep, as you don't want the hot dog to break during cooking. You can also spread a little butter on each side of the bun and toast it in the broiler before adding the frankfurter.

When it comes to brands, some people prefer all-beef hot dogs, such as Hebrew National or Nathan's Famous, which tend to crisp up nicely in the air fryer. For the bun, brioche buns by Nature's Own are a popular choice.

No matter which toppings, condiments, or brands you choose, cooking frankfurters in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal.

Cooking from frozen

Cooking frankfurters from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious, crispy hot dog. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly browned exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Here is a simple guide to help you master this technique:

Preparation:

Start by patting the sausages dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it helps the sausages cook evenly and prevents them from becoming greasy. After drying, season the sausages. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but you can also add spices or herbs like paprika or garlic powder. Once you are satisfied with the seasoning, add a touch of oil. A light brushing of oil will help promote even browning and prevent the sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheating is essential to ensure the sausages cook evenly and reach the desired internal temperature. Set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C), or 390°F (200°C) according to some sources, and let it heat up for a few minutes. You can also add a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to avoid excessive smoke.

Cooking the Frankfurters:

Place the frozen frankfurters in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them after 8 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.

Serving:

Once they are done, let the frankfurters rest for a minute or two before serving, as they will be extremely hot inside. You can serve them in a soft bun with classic toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, or sauerkraut. For a spicier option, add chili, cheese, or a spicy sauce. Frankfurters can also be served with side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a more substantial meal.

Storing and reheating

Storing your cooked frankfurters properly is crucial to ensure they remain safe for consumption. Store your cooked hot dogs in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator. They should stay good for about three to four days.

When dealing with leftover cold hot dogs, it is essential to first ensure they are safe for consumption. If they have been stored properly in the refrigerator, they can be safely reheated while still maintaining their quality. It is important to bring the hot dogs to room temperature for about ten to fifteen minutes before reheating. This step ensures even warming and helps maintain the frankfurters' plumpness.

Leftover hot dogs should be checked for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or discoloration. If the frankfurters look and smell fine, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which could affect browning and texture upon reheating.

You can reheat your frankfurters in a microwave, air fryer, oven, or on a stovetop. The microwave method is the fastest way to reheat hot dogs. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, possibly with a cover of plastic wrap to trap steam, and heat on high for 30-40 seconds. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the frankfurters rubbery.

To reheat your frankfurters in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes. This method helps prevent the hot dogs from becoming soggy or drying out. You can also use the air fryer to reheat hot dog buns. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and warm the buns for a few minutes until they are soft and warm without becoming soggy or overly crispy.

Different types of hot dogs

Yes, you can cook frankfurters in an air fryer. They should be cooked for around 3 to 5 minutes at 350-400˚F. You can then add your hot dogs to toasted buns and air fry for another 1-2 minutes.

Hot dogs are a type of cooked sausage, traditionally grilled or steamed and served in a partially sliced bun. They are made from a mixture of finely ground meat, food starch, flavourings, corn syrup, and water. The most common meats used are beef, pork, and chicken, but they can also be made with turkey or veal. They come in different shapes and sizes, from the classic long and skinny frankfurter to shorter and thicker cocktail or jumbo hot dogs.

There are many different types of hot dogs, often varying by region. Here are some examples:

• New York Dog - Topped with steamed onions and a pale, deli-style yellow mustard.
• Chicago Dog - Layered with yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, a pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato slices, and celery salt, served in a poppy seed bun.
• Seattle Dog - Topped with cream cheese, grilled onions, Sriracha sauce, and jalapeños.
• Alaska Dog - Made with caribou meat, served in a steamed bun with grilled onions.
• Sonoran Dog - Originating from Mexico, this hot dog is served in a bolillo-style bun, which has a soft interior and a crusty exterior. It is often topped with queso, cotija, or guacamole, and different types of salsa.

Frequently asked questions