Air Fryer Hot Dogs: The Perfect, Easy Cook

Hot dogs are a beloved food for many, especially kids. They are a staple at barbecues and parties and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, and microwaving. However, one of the best ways to cook hot dogs is in an air fryer. Air-fried hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with the perfect amount of char and blistering that rivals the grill. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes, making them a convenient option for a quick meal or snack.

Preheat the air fryer oven to 390-400°F

Preheating your air fryer oven is an important step in the cooking process. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary for air fryers, as you can simply set the temperature and walk away, preheating can help ensure your hot dogs cook evenly and efficiently.

To preheat your air fryer oven to the desired temperature of 390-400°F, start by ensuring the appliance is turned on and plugged in. Set the temperature to 390-400°F using the controls on your air fryer oven. This temperature range is ideal for cooking hot dogs, as it will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Different air fryer ovens may have slightly different preheating functions, so refer to your user manual for specific instructions. Generally, you can expect the preheating process to take a few minutes, and the oven will indicate when it has reached the desired temperature.

Once the air fryer oven has preheated, you can place your hot dogs in the basket and cook them according to your recipe instructions. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the power level of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your hot dogs to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Cook hot dogs for 4-6 minutes

Cooking hot dogs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that juicy, crispy, and tender texture. To cook hot dogs for 4-6 minutes in a power air fryer oven, follow these steps:

First, preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect crispiness. Set your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up the appliance for about two minutes. You can also spray the basket with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Next, place your hot dogs in the air fryer basket. For best results, arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other, and cook them for 4-6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the power level of your air fryer and the thickness of the hot dogs. Skinny hot dogs will cook faster, typically around 4 minutes, while thicker hot dogs can take up to 6-8 minutes.

If you prefer your hot dogs with a nice char, consider making diagonal cuts or shallow Xs on the surface of the hot dogs before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but will give your hot dogs that classic grilled look and provide extra crispy edges.

Keep an eye on your hot dogs as the air fryer times may vary, and you don't want them to overcook or burn. Once the hot dogs have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and assemble them in buns. If you want toasted buns, place the assembled hot dogs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Finally, serve your hot dogs with your favorite toppings and condiments. Classic choices include ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut, but feel free to get creative with toppings like chili, cheese, roasted peppers, onions, or even wrap them in bacon for an extra savory kick. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried hot dogs!

Assemble hot dogs and cook in the bun for 1-2 minutes

Once your hot dogs are cooked, it's time to assemble them with your chosen toppings and buns. You can toast the buns in the air fryer first if you like, but this is optional. Place your cooked hot dogs inside the buns and add your favourite toppings. Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, pickles, and sauerkraut. You can also add some sliced cheese to the hot dogs before assembling them, if you like.

Then, place the assembled hot dogs back into the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes. This will toast the buns and melt any cheese you have added. The time may vary slightly depending on the power level of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Air frying the assembled hot dogs for a short time ensures the buns are toasted and the toppings are warmed through, creating a cohesive and delicious dish. This final step elevates the humble hot dog and makes it a quick and easy meal that the whole family can enjoy.

Once the hot dogs are toasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also store cooked hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave when you're ready to eat.

Toppings and condiments

While some may argue that a hot dog is best served with just ketchup and mustard, there are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and condiments. The beauty of a hot dog bar is that you can use almost anything in your fridge, giving your guests the freedom to mix and match.

For a classic American hot dog, load up on caramelised onions, crispy onions, smoked cheddar slices, and a drizzle of mustard-mayo. You could also brush your hot dogs with hoisin for a salty, tangy kick, then top with cucumber, sliced spring onions and a sriracha-mayonnaise combo.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a Mexican-inspired hot dog with warm pinto beans, fresh jalapeño salsa, onion, tomato, mustard, and mayo. Or, for a tropical twist, top your dog with pineapple salsa to balance out the spice from sriracha, especially if you're serving your hot dog in a sweet Hawaiian roll bun.

For a heartier option, pile on the homemade pulled pork, soured cream, shallot rings, and toasted yellow mustard seeds. You could also wrap your hot dog with a strip of bacon and top with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a generous helping of shredded cheese. Don't forget to finish it off with a drizzle of BBQ sauce, nacho cheese, or even mac sauce!

If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try topping your hot dog with chimichurri and crumbled feta. Or, for a truly unique experience, go for a peanut butter and pickle combo—the sky's the limit when it comes to hot dog toppings!

Reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or oven

Once you've cooked your hot dogs in the air fryer, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for three to four days. When you're ready to eat them again, there are several ways to reheat them.

You can reheat your hot dogs in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but some people dislike the texture of microwaved hot dogs. If you want to reheat your hot dogs in the oven, set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the hot dogs for four minutes.

If you're reheating frozen hot dogs, you can defrost them in the microwave for one minute and then heat them in the air fryer. From frozen, hot dogs will take about eight minutes in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions