Air Fryer Hot Dogs: Can You Fix Them?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook hot dogs. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The buns can also be toasted in the air fryer, giving them a crispy texture. You can top your hot dog with cheese, mustard, ketchup, relish, or any other toppings of your choice.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hot dogs in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend 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 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, cook them for 6 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to add some charred crispy edges to your hot dogs, you can make diagonal cuts on the surface before cooking. This step is optional but will give your hot dogs a nice crunch.

Once your hot dogs are cooked, you can place them in the buns and air fry for another 1-2 minutes until the buns are slightly toasted. You can also brush the buns with melted butter before air frying for a buttery flavor and softer texture.

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

To reheat leftover hot dogs, place them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes.

How to cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to prepare, and they taste great, too! You can cook hot dogs from frozen in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 8 minutes until warmed thoroughly. Here is a more detailed, step-by-step guide to cooking frozen hot dogs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking frozen hot dogs, as it will ensure they are warmed through without becoming too brown or crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the frozen hot dogs inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. They need plenty of room to cook evenly and get that nice charred exterior. You can cook as many hot dogs as your air fryer basket will allow, but most air fryers can fit around 4-6 hot dogs.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the hot dogs inside and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. You may want to shake or rotate the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns (Optional)

If you want to toast your hot dog buns, you can place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional, but it gives the buns a slightly crispy texture. You can also brush the buns with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer for extra flavor and to keep them softer.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer and place them in the buns. Top with your favorite condiments and enjoy! You can also add some shredded cheese to the hot dogs and put them back in the air fryer for a minute or so to melt the cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• For skinnier hot dogs, like Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook for 4 minutes. Thicker hot dogs may take up to 6-8 minutes.
• If you prefer less browned hot dogs, cook them at a lower temperature (370-380 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 minutes.
• You can also wrap the hot dogs in bacon for an extra savory flavor, or top with chili and cheese to make chili cheese dogs.
• If you want to give your hot dogs a grilled look, cut some slits in a diagonal line on the surface before cooking.
• For easy cleanup, use a silicone air fryer liner.

There you have it! A simple and quick way to cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer, resulting in delicious, crispy, and juicy hot dogs every time.

How to serve hot dogs

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Firstly, you will want to decide on the type of hot dogs you want to use. You can use any type of hot dog you like, such as beef, turkey, or cheese dogs. You can also decide whether to use skinny or thicker hot dogs, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. This will ensure that your hot dogs cook evenly and give them a juicy interior and crispy exterior.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. For most air fryers, you will be able to fit around 4-6 hot dogs. Cook the hot dogs for around 3-6 minutes, depending on their thickness. If you are using frozen hot dogs, you may need to increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns

You can choose from a variety of hot dog buns, such as classic buns, New England-style buns, steamed buns, pretzel buns, sourdough buns, or gluten-free buns. Avoid using wheat buns as they can dry out in the air fryer. If you want to toast your buns, place them in the air fryer for around 1-2 minutes. You can also brush them with melted butter for extra flavor and to keep them softer.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the cooked hot dogs in the buns and add your desired toppings and condiments. You can keep it classic with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or get creative with chili, cheese, bacon, salsa, coleslaw, or guacamole. Serve your hot dogs with a side dish such as potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or French fries for a complete meal.

How to prevent hot dogs from splitting while cooking

Hot dogs are a convenient and tasty meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare them. However, sometimes hot dogs can split while cooking, which is not ideal. Here are some tips to prevent your hot dogs from splitting while cooking:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to around 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat up before placing the hot dogs inside. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent splitting.

When placing the hot dogs in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. They need adequate space around them for the hot air to circulate properly. This also helps prevent the hot dogs from sticking to each other and tearing.

The cooking time for hot dogs in an air fryer can vary depending on the type of hot dog. Skinny hot dogs will generally cook faster (around 4 minutes) than thicker hot dogs (around 6 to 8 minutes). It is important not to overcook the hot dogs, as this can lead to splitting. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

If you are using frozen hot dogs, increase the cooking time slightly. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the frozen hot dogs for about 7 to 8 minutes until they are thoroughly warmed.

Some people like to cut slits in their hot dogs before cooking, to give them a grilled look. However, this is not necessary for even cooking and can actually increase the chances of splitting. If you do cut slits, make sure they are very shallow and do not go all the way through the hot dog.

Finally, consider using a silicone air fryer liner or spraying the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove the hot dogs without tearing them.

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your hot dogs from splitting while cooking in an air fryer, ensuring they turn out juicy and delicious every time.

How to toast hot dog buns in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for around 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Slice the hot dog buns along the middle, but don't cut them completely through. Then, spread a thin layer of butter on both sides of the buns.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Place the buns in the air fryer basket with the sliced side facing upwards. Toast them for 2–3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the toasted buns from the air fryer using tongs and serve them immediately with freshly cooked hot dogs and your favourite toppings.

Tips:

• Always keep an eye on the buns while toasting to prevent them from burning.
• Toast the buns in batches to avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
• Add your favourite seasonings, spices, herbs, or grated cheese to the buns for extra flavour.
• If you're using frozen hot dog buns, toast them at 375°F for 3–5 minutes and then assess whether they need more time.

Frequently asked questions