Hot Dogs In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook food quickly and conveniently. But can you make hot dogs in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and can be ready in just a few minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of hot dog you are using, with thinner hot dogs cooking faster than thicker ones. You can also cook the hot dog buns in the air fryer, creating a perfectly toasted bun to go with your hot dog.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air fryer hot dogs are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to make. The cooking time depends on the type of hot dog and whether you are cooking them from frozen.

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 Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs, cook them for 6 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking your hot dogs from frozen, put them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 8 minutes.

If you want to cook the hot dogs in the buns, add them for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Some people prefer their hot dogs with a char, so they cook them for longer. One person said they cooked their hot dogs for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit with no preheat. Another said they cooked their hot dogs for 10 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store and reheat air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a tasty treat, and if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for three to four days.

To store your air-fried hot dogs, place them in a shallow, airtight container or wrap them in foil.

When you're ready to reheat, you have a few options. You can use the air fryer, of course, but you can also use the microwave or oven.

Here's how to reheat your air-fried hot dogs in the air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Allow them to heat for 3-4 minutes.
• Flip them over once or twice while they're heating.
• You can also put your hot dog buns in the air fryer once the sausages are warm.

If you prefer to use the microwave, follow these steps:

• Wrap the hot dogs in a damp paper towel.
• Place them in the microwave for 20 seconds.
• Reheat at 10-second intervals until they are thoroughly warmed.
• Remove the damp paper towel and serve.

Lastly, if you want to use the oven, here's what you'll do:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a baking sheet or tray with aluminum foil.
• Place the hot dogs in a single layer on the tray and cover with foil.
• Cook for around five minutes or until the colour changes.
• Keep an eye on the hot dogs to avoid overcooking or burning.

How to cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Toppings of your choice

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You do not need to defrost the hot dogs before cooking. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you want to add a bun, place them in the air fryer for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. You can also warm the buns separately for about 2 minutes.

Serve the hot dogs in the toasted buns with your chosen toppings.

Tips:

• For easy cleanup, use a silicone air fryer liner.
• If you prefer your hot dogs with grill marks, cut slits in a diagonal line across the top of the hot dog before cooking.
• For a lower-temperature option, cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
• For a crispy texture, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-5 minutes.
• Reheat any leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.

How to cook hot dog buns in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking hot dog buns.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

You can brush each bun with melted butter to add a nice buttery flavour and help keep them softer. Alternatively, you can spray them with cooking spray.

Step 3: Cook the Buns

Place the buns inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for around 2 minutes for a crisp finish, or less if you prefer them softer.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Remove the buns from the air fryer and place a hot dog in each one. You can then return the hot dogs in buns to the air fryer for around 90 seconds to heat through, and melt cheese on top if desired. Serve with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Topping ideas for air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, and the best part is choosing your toppings! Here are some ideas to elevate your hot dog and make it taste even better than grilled.

Classic Condiments

You can't go wrong with the classics: ketchup and mustard are always a good choice and will deliver a tasty hot dog.

Spicy Options

If you like a bit of spice, try jalapeños, chilli, or hot sauce. You could also add some sriracha, spicy mustard, or even spicy brown mustard.

Crunchy Toppings

Add some crunch to your hot dog with onions, either grilled, diced, or caramelized. You could also add some chopped white onion, green bell pepper, or spring onion.

Cheesy Deliciousness

Cheese is always a good idea. Try shredded cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella. For an extra kick, add some nacho cheese or make a chilli cheese dog.

International Flavours

Take inspiration from international cuisines to create unique flavour combinations. Try a Hawaiian hot dog with pineapple salsa, or an Italian-American dog with grilled onions, bell peppers, ketchup, and pepperoncinis. You could even make a Mexican-inspired dog with pinto beans, jalapeño salsa, onion, tomato, mustard, and mayo.

Creative Combinations

Get creative with your toppings! Try coleslaw, bacon, avocado, or even peanut butter and pickle. You could also add some zucchini relish, cowboy candy, or tomato chutney for a unique flavour.

Loaded Dogs

For an extra-loaded hot dog, try a BLT dog with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, or a Reuben dog with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing. You could also wrap your dog in bacon, or add some chilli and cheese.

Regional Specialties

Try a Chicago-style hot dog with pickled peppers, diced tomatoes, yellow mustard, and chopped onions. Or, for a New Jersey twist, go for an Italian hot dog with peppers, onions, fried potatoes, and mustard, served in pizza bread.

With so many topping options, you can get creative and make your air-fried hot dogs a delicious and fun meal!

Frequently asked questions