Air-Fryer Hot Dogs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Hot dogs are a beloved food for many, but cooking them can be a hassle. The good news is that you can use an air fryer to make delicious hot dogs with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior in just a few minutes. Whether you're a fan of the classic grilled hot dog or prefer them boiled, the air fryer offers a quick and convenient alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

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 browning.

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

For thicker hot dogs, like Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs, increase the cooking time to 6 to 8 minutes.

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

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

If you want to toast the buns, place them in the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Place the hot dogs in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Flip the hot dogs halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Use a silicone air fryer liner for easy cleanup.
• Avoid using parchment paper or foil unless your air fryer is full of hot dogs, as they may not be heavy enough to hold them down.

How to serve air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to serve air-fried hot dogs:

Cooking the Hot Dogs

First, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the desired number of hot dogs inside the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. For even cooking, it is recommended to use a preheated air fryer. Cook the hot dogs for around 4 minutes, or until they are glistening hot and slightly browned. If you prefer your hot dogs less browned, you can cook them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. You can also cook frozen hot dogs in the air fryer by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking them for 7 to 8 minutes.

Toasting the Buns

For a tasty bonus step, you can toast the hot dog buns in the air fryer. Place the buns in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 2 minutes until they are crisp. You can also add the hot dogs to the buns and toast them together in the air fryer for about 90 seconds. This will give the buns a slight toasty crunch on the outside while keeping them soft on the inside.

Toppings and Condiments

The beauty of hot dogs is that they can be customized with various toppings and condiments to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

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

Side Dishes

To make it a full meal, you can serve your air-fried hot dogs with some side dishes. Here are some options:

• Baked beans
• Sweet potato fries
• Fruit salad
• Cucumber salad
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Homemade fries
• Creamed corn
• Cheesy cauliflower

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover hot dogs, you can store them in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer, microwave, or oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

How to store air-fried hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a delicious and quick meal, but what's the best way to store them? Well, you have a couple of options:

Firstly, you can store your cooked hot dogs in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about three to four days. When you're ready to eat them again, simply reheat them in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Alternatively, you can wrap the hot dogs in foil and store them in the fridge. Again, they will last for about three to four days and can be reheated in the same way.

It's worth noting that some people prefer to store their hot dogs in the fridge without cooking them first. If you do this, they will last for a week in the fridge and can be cooked straight from the fridge or freezer.

So, there you have it! Storing air-fried hot dogs is simple and means you can enjoy them for a few days after cooking.

How to reheat air-fried hot dogs

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your hot dogs, allowing you to whip up a tasty meal in minimal time and with little effort. The air fryer will keep the reheated hot dogs crispy on the outside while still soft and juicy inside.

Step One: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even reheating and prevents the hot dogs from drying out. Preheating will take around 2-3 minutes.

Step Two: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Take the hot dogs out of the refrigerator. If they have been stored in buns, separate them. The buns should be reheated separately or discarded and replaced with fresh ones. Make small, shallow cuts along the length of each hot dog to prevent them from bursting during reheating. This allows excess steam to escape.

Step Three: Place the Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

Arrange the hot dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with even spacing. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as good air circulation is necessary for even reheating.

Step Four: Reheat the Hot Dogs

Heat the hot dogs for 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. If you are reheating buns, add them to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes while the hot dogs are cooling down.

Step Five: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check if the hot dogs are adequately reheated. It should read 165°F for food safety. If additional cooking is required, return the hot dogs to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Step Six: Assemble and Serve

Once reheated, place the hot dogs in crispy buns and serve with your favourite condiments and side dishes.

What type of hot dogs to use

When it comes to choosing the type of hot dogs to use in an air fryer, the options are endless! You can use any type of hot dog you like, from skinny hot dogs like Ball Park franks to jumbo-sized ones, and from all-beef hot dogs to turkey, chicken, or vegan varieties. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect hot dog for your air-frying needs:

Type of Meat

The type of meat used in the hot dog is an important consideration. All-beef hot dogs are a popular choice for air frying as they tend to have a juicy flavour that won't dry out in the air fryer. However, you can also opt for turkey, chicken, or vegan hot dogs if you prefer.

Brand

While any brand of hot dog will work in an air fryer, some popular choices include Hebrew National, Nathan's Famous, and Ball Park.

Size

The size of the hot dog is also a factor to consider. Skinny hot dogs, like Ball Park franks, will cook faster than thicker or jumbo hot dogs. If you're using thicker hot dogs, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they're cooked through.

Casing

If you're looking for a crispy exterior on your hot dogs, consider choosing a hot dog with a natural casing. This will give your hot dogs a slight crispness when cooked in the air fryer.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best type of hot dog to use in an air fryer is the one you like the most! Experiment with different brands, sizes, and types of meat to find your perfect air-fried hot dog.

In conclusion, while there are many options to consider when choosing a hot dog for air frying, the most important factor is to select a high-quality hot dog that suits your personal taste preferences. So, go ahead and fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a delicious, crispy, and juicy hot dog!

Frequently asked questions