Air-Fried Hotdogs: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Hot dogs are a quick and easy meal, but boiling or microwaving them can make them soggy. Air fryers offer a simple solution to this problem, cooking hot dogs in a fraction of the time it would take to fire up the grill. Air-fried hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with toasted buns that take the meal to the next level.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make hot dogs in an air fryer! They will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time will depend on the type of hot dog and your desired level of crispiness.

For skinny hot dogs, like 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 about 6 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want your hot dogs to be extra crispy, you can cook them for up to 10 minutes.

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

To cook the hot dog buns, place them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can brush the buns with softened butter before cooking for added flavor and a golden color.

Once your hot dogs and buns are cooked, you can top your hot dogs with your favorite condiments and enjoy!

What temperature to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ideal temperature to cook hot dogs in an air fryer is 400°F. Depending on the air fryer model, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it takes about 3-6 minutes to cook the hot dogs. For a toasted bun, add the hot dogs to the bun and place them back in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. You can cut slits or diagonal lines on the hot dogs to give them a grilled look and allow heat to penetrate evenly. However, this step is optional.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

Cook the hot dogs at 400°F for 4-6 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the hot dogs. For skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook for 4 minutes. For thicker hot dogs or jumbo hot dogs, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns

If you want to toast the buns, brush the top of each bun with softened butter. This step is optional but adds flavour and helps the bun toast to a golden colour.

Step 5: Cook the Buns

Place the hot dogs in the buns and put them back in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step gives you a slightly crispy bun.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Serve the hot dogs with your favourite toppings and condiments. Popular options include mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, onions, cheese, and chili. You can also get creative and add unique toppings like guacamole, salsa, or coleslaw.

Tips for Making the Best Air-Fried Hot Dogs:

• There is no need to pre-oil the air fryer basket or spray the hot dogs with oil.
• You don't need to prick or slice the hot dogs before air frying as they will not explode.
• Choose a high-quality hot dog for better flavour and taste.
• If you are cooking frozen hot dogs, cook them at 350°F for 7-8 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• To reheat leftover hot dogs, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

How to store and reheat air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a delicious and quick meal that can be made in minutes. But what do you do with leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat your air-fried hot dogs to perfection.

Storing Air-Fried Hot Dogs:

Firstly, it's important to let your hot dogs cool down to room temperature. This ensures that condensation doesn't build up inside the container, making your hot dogs soggy. Once they've cooled down, place them in a shallow, airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. You can also use a freezer bag if you plan on freezing them. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Hot Dogs:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover hot dogs, simply follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C).
• Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This ensures even cooking.
• Reheat the hot dogs for 2-4 minutes. You can flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Once heated through, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite toppings!

And that's it! You can now enjoy your air-fried hot dogs again without sacrificing taste or texture. This method works great for reheating frozen hot dogs as well. So, the next time you have leftover hot dogs, don't hesitate to store and reheat them using this guide.

What to serve with air-fried hot dogs

There are many side dishes and toppings that can be served with air-fried hot dogs. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes:

• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• French fries
• Cucumber watermelon salad
• Caesar potato salad
• Broccoli pasta salad
• Potato chips
• Corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Sweet potato fries
• Fruit salad
• Pasta salad
• Cucumber salad
• Crock pot baked beans
• Deviled egg pasta salad
• Sweet heat pickles

Toppings:

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Cheese
• Chili
• Onions
• Coleslaw
• BBQ sauce
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Mushrooms
• Roasted peppers

Toppings for air-fried hot dogs

There are many toppings you can add to your air-fried hot dogs to make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings:

• Ketchup and mustard are a timeless combination that you can never go wrong with.
• Relish, whether it's dill pickle or something sweeter, adds a tangy flavour to your hot dog.
• Onions, raw or caramelised, offer a crunchy texture and a savoury kick.
• Sauerkraut brings a tangy, slightly sour flavour to the mix.
• Pickles, whether sweet or dill, add a crunchy, sour element.

Cheesy Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese can be melted over the hot dog for a gooey, savoury treat.
• For something different, try a pretzel bun with Swiss cheese, mustard, and sauerkraut.

Chili Toppings:

• Chili cheese dogs are a classic for a reason—top your hot dog with warm, meaty chili and a handful of shredded cheddar.
• For something different, try a spicy chili with blue cheese on top.

Creative Toppings:

• Guacamole adds a creamy, rich flavour and can be enhanced with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Salsa brings fresh flavour and a little heat.
• Coleslaw, especially in the summer, is a sweet and tangy topping that adds a refreshing crunch.
• BBQ sauce, dill pickle relish, and chopped onion are a sweet and tangy combination.
• Habanero mango salsa is a fun, fruity option.
• Buffalo sauce with blue cheese is a spicy, savoury choice.
• Roasted peppers and onions add a sweet and savoury kick.
• Mushrooms give a savoury, earthy flavour.

Frequently asked questions