Cooling Hot Dogs: Air Fryer Techniques

Air fryers are a great way to cook hot dogs. They are quick, easy, and produce a delicious result. The circulating air wraps around the hot dog, cooking the inside to a tender, juicy perfection and creating a perfect texture on the outside. They can be even better than grilled hot dogs, without the char that some people, especially kids, don't like.

To cook hot dogs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350˚F and 400˚F. Place the hot dogs inside the air fryer in a single layer, not touching, and cook for 4-8 minutes. You can then place the hot dogs in a bun and air fry for another 1-2 minutes for a slightly toasted effect.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal that can be made in minutes. The cooking time depends on the type of hot dog and your desired level of crispiness.

For skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook them in the air fryer for around 4 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your hot dogs less browned, you can cook them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

For thicker hot dogs, like jumbo hot dogs, increase the cooking time to 6 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're cooking frozen hot dogs, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook them for 7 to 8 minutes until they are warmed through.

To toast the buns, place them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes until they are slightly crispy. You can also add a slice of cheese to the hot dog and bun and air fry for an additional 90 seconds to melt the cheese and toast the bun.

Air-fried hot dogs can be served with various toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, chili, sauerkraut, or cheese. They go well with side dishes like baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit salad, cucumber salad, potato salad, and pasta salad.

How to toast the buns

Toasting hot dog buns in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers perfectly crispy buns with a soft and fluffy interior. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best results:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for about 3-5 minutes. This is the ideal temperature range for achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dog Buns

Slice the hot dog buns along the middle, being careful not to cut them all the way through. This will ensure that the buns can open up and accommodate the hot dogs while also providing a larger surface area for toasting.

Step 3: Butter the Buns

Spread a thin layer of butter on both sides of the buns. Butter not only enhances the flavour of the buns but also helps prevent sticking and promotes a crispy, golden texture. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Place Buns in the Air Fryer

Arrange the buttered buns in the air fryer basket with the sliced side facing upwards. Ensure that the buns are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to toast the buns in batches.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Cook the buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. The buns are ready when they are lightly golden and crispy. If you prefer a deeper level of toasting, you can add an additional minute or so to the cooking time.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Use heat-safe tongs to remove the toasted buns from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Serve the buns immediately with freshly cooked hot dogs and your favourite toppings.

Tips for Toasting Buns:

• Always preheat your air fryer for consistent results.
• If you're toasting a large number of buns, work in batches to ensure even toasting.
• Keep an eye on the buns while they're toasting to prevent overcooking or burning.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle seasonings, spices, herbs, or grated cheese over the buttered buns before toasting.
• Remove the buns from the air fryer immediately after toasting to prevent them from becoming soggy.

What to serve with air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, and they go well with a variety of side dishes and toppings.

Side Dishes

On a regular weeknight, you might want to serve air-fried hot dogs with baked beans, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad. If you're hosting a barbecue or party, you could also make cucumber salad, potato salad, or pasta salad.

Other side dish ideas include:

• French fries
• Corn on the cob
• Watermelon salad
• Homemade creamed corn
• Cheesy cauliflower
• Potato salad
• Caesar salad

Toppings

You can top your air-fried hot dogs with a variety of condiments and toppings, such as:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Relish
• Roasted peppers and onions
• Mushrooms
• Sauerkraut
• Habanero mango salsa
• Buffalo sauce with blue cheese
• Coleslaw
• Chili and cheese
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese
• Chopped onions
• Crumbled bacon

How to store air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, but it's important to know how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store air-fried hot dogs:

Storing Air-Fried Hot Dogs:

• Allow the hot dogs to cool: Before storing, it is important to let the hot dogs cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the hot dogs soggy and promote bacterial growth.
• Use an airtight container: Place the cooled hot dogs in an airtight container. This could be a shallow container or a resealable bag. Using an airtight container helps keep the hot dogs fresh and prevents them from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate: Store the airtight container of hot dogs in the refrigerator. This will keep them at a safe temperature and slow down bacterial growth.
• Consume within 3-4 days: Air-fried hot dogs should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of cooking. After this time, they may start to spoil, and eating them could lead to foodborne illness.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep the hot dogs for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Frozen air-fried hot dogs can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Hot Dogs:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) to preheat. This is the ideal temperature for reheating hot dogs without overcooking them.
• Reheat for 2-3 minutes: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and reheat them for 2 to 3 minutes. This will ensure they are warmed through without becoming dry or overcooked.
• Microwave as an alternative: If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat the hot dogs in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe plate and heat them in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your leftover air-fried hot dogs remain tasty and safe to eat.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking hot dogs in an air fryer is 350-400˚F. At this temperature, your hot dogs will be ready in about 5-8 minutes. However, the cooking time will vary depending on the type of hot dog you are using. For example, skinny hot dogs will cook faster (about 4 minutes) than thicker hot dogs, which can take up to 8 minutes.

If you prefer your hot dogs less browned, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 380˚F for about 5 minutes.

When it comes to toasting the buns, the ideal temperature is the same as for cooking the hot dogs: 400˚F. Place the hot dogs in their buns and put them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a nice touch of crispness to the buns.

To reheat leftover hot dogs, preheat your air fryer to 350˚F and cook them for 2-3 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your hot dogs to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions