Air Fryer Hot Dogs: The Perfect Timing

Cooking hot dogs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect combination of a juicy interior and crispy exterior. But how long do they need in the air fryer?

How long does it take to cook hot dogs in an air fryer?

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy way to get that perfect combination of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The great thing about cooking hot dogs in an air fryer is that it takes very little time—certainly a lot less time than firing up the grill!

The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, the number of hot dogs you are cooking, and your desired level of crispiness. However, on average, you can expect your hot dogs to be ready in around 6 to 10 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking hot dogs at 400°F for 6 minutes, while others recommend 350˚F for 5 minutes. One recipe even cooks the hot dogs at 390°F for 6 to 7 minutes. So, there is some variation in the ideal cooking time and temperature.

It's worth noting that you don't need to preheat your air fryer, and there's no need to add any oil or oil spray. Simply place your desired number of hot dogs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one to ensure even cooking.

If you want to add some extra crispiness, you can make diagonal slits in the hot dogs before cooking. This helps the heat penetrate the hot dogs more evenly and gives those little edges an extra crispy texture—perfect for holding your favorite toppings!

Once your hot dogs are cooked to your liking, you can serve them on toasted buns with your choice of toppings. To toast the buns, simply place them in the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes.

So, the next time you're craving a juicy, crispy hot dog, remember that your air fryer can deliver delicious results in just a few minutes!

How to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook hot dogs. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with perfectly toasted buns.

Ingredients:

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Condiments of your choice (e.g. ketchup, mustard, relish, chili, cheese, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Non-stick spray
• Butter
• Toppings (e.g. onions, coleslaw, cheese, bacon, etc.)

Instructions:

First, you will want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While this step is not mandatory, it is recommended to ensure your hot dogs get crispy.

Next, place your hot dogs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. You may want to spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the hot dogs for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For best results, rotate the hot dogs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the hot dogs are done, remove them from the basket and place them in the buns. You can then put the hot dogs in buns back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to toast the buns.

Finally, remove the hot dogs from the air fryer, add your desired toppings and condiments, and enjoy!

Tips:

• To get extra crispy edges, you can make diagonal slits in the hot dogs before cooking.
• For a bit of extra flavor, brush the buns with softened butter before toasting.
• If you want to melt cheese on your hot dogs, add a slice of cheese to the bun before placing it back in the air fryer to toast.
• Leftover hot dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to cook hot dog buns in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook hot dogs. The hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the buns are perfectly toasted. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook hot dog buns in an air fryer:

Prepare the Buns

Before you start cooking, you will need to gather your ingredients and prepare the buns. Choose your favorite type of hot dog buns, whether they are homemade or store-bought. Select buns that are pre-cut and fit the length of the hot dog. You can also brush the top of each bun with softened butter for added flavor and a golden color.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and let it preheat to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 400°F. However, some sources say that preheating is not necessary, and you can get great results with or without it.

Cook the Buns

Place the buns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between each bun to allow for even cooking and toasting. Cook the buns for around 2 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Assemble the Hot Dogs

Once the buns are toasted, remove them from the air fryer and place the hot dogs inside. You can use your favorite type of hot dogs, but all-beef hot dogs in a natural casing are recommended for a crispier texture. If desired, add your choice of cheese and toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, chili, or sauerkraut.

Reheat the Hot Dogs and Buns

Place the assembled hot dogs back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 90 seconds to 2 minutes. This will melt the cheese and ensure that the buns are nicely toasted.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer, add any final toppings, and serve immediately. You can also get creative with your toppings and side dishes to make your hot dogs even more delicious.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked hot dogs and buns using your air fryer. It's a quick, convenient, and tasty way to prepare this classic dish.

Tips for making the best air fryer hot dogs

Air fryer hot dogs are a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook up a family favourite. With an air fryer, you can achieve a juicy hot dog with a crispy exterior, all without firing up the grill. Here are some tips to help you make the best air fryer hot dogs:

Slits

Make diagonal slits in the hot dogs before cooking. This helps the hot dogs cook more evenly and reduces the risk of them bursting. The slits also allow the edges to get extra crispy, creating the perfect texture to hold your toppings. Just be careful not to cut too deep—you only want to slice through the skin of the hot dog.

Temperature and Timing

Air fry your hot dogs at around 390-400°F for 6-10 minutes. Check on them at the 6-minute mark, and then add more time as needed until your desired texture and colour are achieved. If you're cooking the buns in the air fryer as well, which is recommended, add them after you've removed the hot dogs, and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Preheating and Layering

Preheating your air fryer is recommended, as it helps achieve that perfect juicy and crispy texture. However, some people have achieved good results without preheating. When cooking, make sure to place the hot dogs in a single layer with some space between them. Stacking the hot dogs will cause them to steam rather than crisp up, and it will take longer to cook them through.

Toppings and Sides

The beauty of hot dogs is that you can get creative with your toppings and sides. The classics include ketchup, mustard, relish, and pickles. But feel free to load up your dog with BBQ sauce, jalapeños, mayo, ranch, bacon crumbles, cheese, sautéed veggies, or sauerkraut. You can even make chilli cheese dogs or chop up the hot dogs and mix them into mac and cheese. As for sides, some suggestions are potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, French fries, or onion rings.

How to store and reheat air fryer hot dogs

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick and easy meal, but what should you do if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat air-fried hot dogs to ensure they stay tasty and safe to eat.

Storing Air-Fried Hot Dogs

To keep your cooked hot dogs fresh for as long as possible, it is important to store them properly. Firstly, make sure you refrigerate the hot dogs within two hours of cooking. They should be stored in a shallow, airtight container or wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This will help to keep them moist and prevent bacteria from growing.

When stored correctly, cooked hot dogs will last for around three to four days in the refrigerator. After this time, they may start to dry out and lose their juicy texture.

Freezing Cooked Hot Dogs

If you want to keep your cooked hot dogs for longer, you can freeze them. They will maintain their best quality for about one to two months in the freezer, but will still be safe to eat beyond this time. To freeze hot dogs, wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap, or place them in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Reheating Air-Fried Hot Dogs

There are several ways to reheat air-fried hot dogs. You can use the air fryer itself, or you may prefer to use the oven or microwave. If you are reheating from frozen, it is best to thaw the hot dogs in the fridge first and then reheat them using one of the following methods:

• Air fryer: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and heat for a few minutes until they are steaming hot.
• Oven: Wrap the hot dogs in foil and place them in a preheated oven at a medium temperature for around 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Skillet: For a quick and easy option, place the hot dogs in a skillet over medium-low heat and turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
• Broiler/Grill: Poach the hot dogs in water heated to 150-155°F for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a broiler or grill for a few minutes until they start to char.

It is important to note that hot dogs should be reheated to a steaming temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis, especially if they are being served to pregnant women, young children, or the elderly.

Frequently asked questions