Air-Fryer Hot Dogs: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy, plump hot dogs from frozen, with no need to thaw first. The hot air in the fryer circulates around the hot dogs, cooking them evenly and efficiently. The cooking time for making these hot dogs is around 7 to 10 minutes, making this a great option for a quick meal.

Cooking time and temperature

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to around 350°F to 380°F (177°C to 193°C) for cooking frozen hot dogs. This temperature range will ensure that your hot dogs cook evenly and efficiently.

Next, place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping or stacking. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each hot dog, promoting even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple hot dogs at once, but be sure to leave adequate space between them.

Now, it's time to air fry! Close the air fryer and cook the hot dogs for 7 to 10 minutes at the preheated temperature. During this time, the hot dogs will thaw, cook, and develop a juicy interior with a crispy exterior. For thicker hot dogs, you may need to adjust the cooking time by adding a minute or two.

Halfway through the cooking process, consider rotating or turning the hot dogs. This step ensures that both sides of the hot dogs cook evenly and helps prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, if your hot dogs are frozen together, separate them at this point so they can cook independently.

Once the hot dogs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs to avoid any burns. Place the cooked hot dogs into waiting buns, and if desired, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm and slightly toast the buns.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy, and crispy hot dogs ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them with your favourite toppings and condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, or sauerkraut. Enjoy your convenient and tasty meal!

Toppings

Air-frying hot dogs is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook them. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But what toppings should you add to your air-fried hot dog?

Classic Condiments

The most popular hot dog toppings are mustard, ketchup, relish, and mayonnaise. You could also add BBQ sauce or hot sauce to spice things up a bit.

Pickles & Vegetables

Pickles, raw or caramelized onions, and sauerkraut are all great toppings for hot dogs. If you want to get a bit more adventurous, try adding roasted peppers, mushrooms, or even habanero mango salsa.

Cheese

For a delicious, cheesy hot dog, top with shredded cheese and pop it back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to melt. Alternatively, add a slice of cheese to your hot dog before putting it back in the air fryer to toast the bun.

Chili

For a hearty hot dog, top with chili and cheese to make a chili cheese dog.

Bacon

Wrap your hot dog in bacon and cook it in the air fryer for a salty, savory treat.

Salads & Sides

While not strictly a topping, serving your hot dog with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or cucumber salad can elevate your meal.

So, the next time you're wondering what to top your air-fried hot dog with, why not try something new? Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite.

Side dishes

Yes, you can cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer. They can be cooked in a preheated air fryer at 350–400 °F for 6–8 minutes.

• Baked beans
• Sweet potato fries
• Fruit salad
• Cucumber salad
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• French fries
• Corn on the cob
• Watermelon salad
• Caesar potato salad
• Bacon ranch pasta salad
• Cucumber watermelon salad
• Broccoli salad
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Honey mustard broccoli salad
• Easy corn ribs

Storing and reheating

Firstly, it's important to note that hot dogs on their own store extremely well. However, it's best to keep them separate from toppings and buns, as these will become soggy. Store the hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, simply place the hot dogs back in the air fryer and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around four minutes. This will ensure you get the best results and that your hot dogs are warmed through.

If you're reheating hot dogs in buns, place them in the air fryer basket and heat for two to three minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, so be sure to check the internal temperature of your hot dogs. They should be heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Customisation

The best thing about hot dogs is that they are so versatile and can be customised to your liking. You can stick to the classic toppings of ketchup and mustard, or branch out and try something new.

If you're a fan of spice, add some jalapenos or hot sauce to your dog. For a more substantial bite, load up on toppings like chilli, cheese, or even baked beans. You could also add some unique toppings like chopped avocado or sauerkraut for a burst of flavour.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, wrap your hot dog in bacon for an extra crispy and savoury flavour. Or, for a different flavour profile, spread some butter on your bun and toast it in the broiler before adding your dog.

For a simple dog, stick to ketchup or mustard, or go with no toppings at all and enjoy the snap and pop of the hot dog itself.

Whatever you choose, the air fryer is a great way to cook your hot dogs, and they can be customised to your liking with just a few simple steps.

Frequently asked questions