Air-Fryer Hot Dogs: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or boiling hot dogs, and they're faster too! The circulating air cooks the inside of the hot dog to tender, juicy perfection, and creates a perfect, crispy texture on the outside. The cooking time depends on the type of hot dog and your air fryer, but generally, it takes around 3-10 minutes to cook hot dogs in an air fryer.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of hot dog and your desired level of doneness, but on average, hot dogs will take around 4 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before adding your hot dogs, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. This will ensure your hot dogs cook evenly and give them a juicy interior and crispy exterior.

Cooking 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. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of hot dog and your preferred doneness, but on average, hot dogs will take around 4 to 10 minutes to cook.

For skinny hot dogs, such as Ball Park or Nathan's beef franks, cook for 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

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

If you prefer your hot dogs less browned, cook them at a lower temperature of 380°F for about 5 minutes.

Toasting the Buns

For an extra touch of deliciousness, you can also toast your hot dog buns in the air fryer. Simply place the buns in the air fryer after cooking the hot dogs and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly toasted.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the hot dogs back in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked air-fried hot dogs with a juicy interior and crispy exterior, all without the hassle of firing up the grill!

How to cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer

Ingredients

Frozen hot dogs

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and pour a bit of water into the bottom of the air fryer basket to avoid excessive smoke.
• Place the frozen hot dogs in the preheated basket and air fry for 4 minutes to defrost. If you're cooking a full package, you might need to add a few more minutes for defrosting.
• Separate the now defrosted hot dogs into a single layer.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes until cooked through, then serve in hot dog buns or with a side of mashed potatoes, French fries, or fingerling potatoes. Don't forget the ketchup and mustard!

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer for the very best results.
• Don't defrost the hot dogs; cook them straight from frozen.
• Turn the sausages at least once for an even cook.
• Cook time can vary with different air fryers.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) or lower for a few minutes until heated through.

How to reheat hot dogs in an air fryer

If you have leftover hot dogs, you can reheat them in an air fryer and enjoy them as if they were freshly cooked. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat hot dogs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is a crucial step, as it ensures your hot dog will have the perfect juicy and crispy texture.

Step 2: Place the Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

Take your leftover hot dogs out of the refrigerator and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not stacked, as stacking may cause them to steam instead of crisping up.

Step 3: Reheat for 2-3 Minutes

Reheat the hot dogs for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the number of hot dogs you are reheating, but this should be a good starting point.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the hot dogs are warmed through, take them out of the air fryer and serve them with your favorite toppings and condiments. You can also reheat the buns in the air fryer for a short time to get them slightly toasted and warm.

Reheating hot dogs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. It only takes a few minutes, and you can have delicious, crispy hot dogs again without the hassle of firing up the grill or boiling water. Enjoy your hot dogs!

How to store cooked hot dogs

To store cooked hot dogs, wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap, or place them in a shallow, airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and consume them within three to four days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen hot dogs will stay safe to eat indefinitely but are best consumed within one to two months for optimal quality.

When it comes to reheating your cooked hot dogs, you can use a microwave, air fryer, or oven. However, if you thaw your frozen hot dogs in the microwave or cold water, make sure to eat them immediately. If you thaw them in the fridge, you can keep them for an additional three to four days before cooking.

It's important to note that hot dogs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. To check if your hot dogs have gone bad, look for a sour smell and a slimy texture. If you notice any off smells or appearances, discard them without tasting.

How to cook hot dog buns in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is a crucial step to ensure your hot dog buns achieve that perfect, juicy, and crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Place the hot dog buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked. This is important because stacking the buns will cause them to steam instead of crisping up.

Step 3: Cook the Buns

Depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispness, cook the buns for about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Once the buns are toasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate. They are now ready to be filled with delicious hot dogs and your choice of toppings!

Tips for Cooking Hot Dog Buns in an Air Fryer:

• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Cook the buns in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Keep an eye on the buns during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.
• For an extra touch of flavor and a golden color, you can brush the buns with softened butter before placing them in the air fryer.

How to Cook Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer:

Now that you know how to cook the perfect hot dog buns, let's quickly go over cooking the hot dogs themselves:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

As mentioned earlier, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is essential for the best results.

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.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

For skinny hot dogs, cook them for about 4 minutes. For thicker hot dogs, the cooking time can range from 6 to 8 minutes. You can also cook frozen hot dogs by preheating the air fryer to 350°F and cooking them for 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the hot dogs are cooked to your liking, place them in the toasted buns and serve with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Tips for Cooking Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer:

• Cut slits in the hot dogs before cooking to ensure even cooking and to create crispy edges that hold toppings better.
• Flip the hot dogs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Use a silicone air fryer liner for easier cleanup.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked hot dogs and buns, straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions