Air-Fryer Hot Dogs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Hot dogs are a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, boiling, and microwaving. However, one method that has gained popularity is using an air fryer. Air fryer hot dogs offer a convenient and quick way to prepare this classic food with a roasted texture and irresistible crisp edges. They are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. With an air fryer, you can achieve juicy hot dogs with a crispy exterior in just a few minutes, and the best part is that you can cook both the hot dogs and the buns in the air fryer for a complete meal.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryer hot dogs are cooked at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. The cooking time varies depending on the type of hot dog and the power level of the air fryer.

For four skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. If you prefer your hot dogs less browned, cook them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. For thicker hot dogs, such as jumbo hot dogs, cook for 6 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking frozen hot dogs, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and increase the cooking time to 8 minutes.

Once the hot dogs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can optionally toast the buns in the air fryer. Place the hot dogs in the buns and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This will lightly toast the buns and melt any cheese that has been added to the hot dogs.

It is recommended to cut shallow slits or lines in the hot dogs before cooking to create a crispy exterior and allow for maximum flavor penetration. Additionally, flipping the hot dogs halfway through the cooking process can ensure even browning.

How to get crispy buns

To get crispy buns for your hot dogs, you can cook them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can add the buns to the air fryer during the last minute of cooking the hot dogs, or cook them separately for about two minutes. If you want to add cheese to your hot dog, place a slice of cheese between the hot dog and the bun and air fry for 90 seconds to melt the cheese and toast the bun.

If you want to add butter to your bun, brush it with melted butter before placing it in the air fryer. You can also spray the bun with cooking spray, but using butter will add a nice buttery flavor and help keep the bun softer.

If you are cooking multiple hot dogs, you may only be able to fit two assembled hot dogs in the air fryer at a time.

Hot dog toppings

You can cook hot dogs in an air fryer in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the hot dogs for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on their thickness. Once they're cooked to your liking, place them in the buns and put them back in the air fryer for another minute or two.

Now, on to the toppings! The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings

Keep it simple with ketchup, mustard, and relish. You can also add some crunchy, finely diced onions for extra flavor.

Chili Cheese Dog

Top your hot dog with chili and cheese. You can use leftover chili, canned chili, or make your own chili dog sauce. For an extra kick, add some diced white onion and sharp cheddar cheese.

Bacon-Wrapped Dog

Wrap your hot dog in a strip of bacon and cook it until the bacon is crispy. Top it with some grilled onions, jalapeños, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Frito Pie Chili Dog

Take inspiration from the Frito pie and top your hot dog with chili, cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.

French Onion Dog

Spread a layer of caramelized onions on your hot dog and top it with Swiss cheese or Gruyère. Let the cheese melt over indirect heat, then sprinkle on some fresh thyme.

Banh Mi-Inspired Dog

Channel the flavors of a banh mi by topping your hot dog with pickled daikon radishes, carrots, cilantro, mint, and Sriracha mayo. Add thin slices of jalapeño for an extra spicy kick.

Avocado and Chipotle Mayo Dog

Split your hot dog lengthwise and stuff it with cheese. Wrap it with bacon and cook until crispy. Place it in a toasted bun and add slices of avocado and a squeeze of chipotle mayo.

The possibilities for hot dog toppings are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your own signature combinations!

Hot dog varieties

Hot dogs are a versatile food, and there are many ways to prepare and serve them. Here are some hot dog varieties to try in your air fryer:

Basic Air Fryer Hot Dogs

This is the simplest way to cook hot dogs in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the hot dogs. If you want less browned hot dogs, cook them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. For frozen hot dogs, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes.

Toasted Bun

For a toasted bun to go with your hot dog, cook the buns in the air fryer for about 2 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can brush the buns with melted butter for extra flavor and to keep them softer.

Chili Cheese Dogs

Top your hot dog with leftover, canned, or homemade chili and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add diced white onions. If you want the cheese to melt, place the assembled hot dog back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Wrap each hot dog in a strip of bacon before placing them in the air fryer. The cook time may need to be increased, depending on how crispy you want the bacon.

BBQ Hot Dogs

Use a vegan, turkey, chicken, or pork hot dog instead of a traditional beef hot dog. Add BBQ sauce and top with chili and cheese for a delicious, savory treat.

Toppings and Sides

The fun of hot dogs is the variety of toppings and condiments you can add. Try ketchup, mustard, relish, finely diced onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, or chili. For a unique twist, use leftover Fritos Corn Salad as a topping. Serve your hot dogs with sides like French fries, corn on the cob, watermelon salad, baked beans, sweet potato fries, or fruit salad.

Air fryer preparation and maintenance

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep frying, as they use hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious meals with less fat and fewer calories. However, like any electrical appliance, air fryers have a limited lifespan, and proper maintenance is key to prolonging their longevity.

Preparation:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most air fryers have a preheat function, which ensures even distribution of hot air for crispier and more evenly cooked food. The preheat function typically takes around 3-5 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
• Avoid overcrowding: When adding food to the air fryer, leave some space between items to allow hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. You may need to cook in batches if preparing a large quantity of food.
• Use the right oil: Air frying requires minimal oil, but it's important to use the right kind. Opt for oils with a high smoking point, such as canola or avocado oil, as they can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and releasing harmful compounds.
• Adjust cooking times: Some recipes may require slight adjustments based on your altitude or personal preferences. It's a good idea to check the food a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Maintenance:

• Regular cleaning: Always clean your air fryer after use. Allow it to cool down, then remove any leftover food particles and grease from the basket, tray, and detachable parts. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners that may damage the non-stick coating.
• Avoid submerging: Do not submerge your air fryer in water or place it in the dishwasher. Instead, use soapy water or a gentle dish spray like Dawn Powerwash to deep clean the fryer basket. After a few minutes, wipe down any dissolved grease, then scrub with soap and water to clean any remaining residue.
• Prevent excess grease: When cooking fatty foods, place a small amount of water in the base of the fryer to reduce smoke and cut down on oil.
• Proper storage: When not in use, store your air fryer properly. Keep the basket or tray separate from the main unit, and ensure all components are completely dry to prevent mould or mildew growth.

By following these preparation and maintenance tips, you can keep your air fryer in top condition and enjoy delicious, healthier meals for years to come.

Frequently asked questions