Air Fryer Hotdogs: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or boiling hot dogs, and they're ready in just a few minutes. The hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the buns are toasted to perfection. But how long do you need to cook them for?

How long 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 there's very little prep or clean-up involved, and they're ready in no time!

The cooking time for air-fried hot dogs depends on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. However, as a general rule, hot dogs will be ready in around 6-10 minutes at a temperature of 390-400°F (200°C). It's a good idea to check on them after 6 minutes and then add more time as needed.

How to Get the Best Results

For the best results, cook your hot dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. This will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all over. It's also a good idea to rotate them halfway through the cooking time.

Toasting the Buns

Air-fried hot dog buns are a delicious bonus, and it couldn't be easier. Simply place the buns in the air fryer for around 2 minutes at the same temperature, and they'll come out perfectly toasted. You can even add cheese to your hot dog and place it back in the air fryer for 90 seconds to melt the cheese and toast the bun.

Storing and Reheating

You can store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 1-3 months. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes, or use a microwave.

How long to toast the buns in an air fryer

Toasting your hot dog buns in an air fryer will give them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It's a quick and easy way to add some extra texture and crunch to your hot dogs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to toast your buns in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 320°F and 400°F (160°C and 200°C). The preheating time will depend on your air fryer, but it usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
• Prepare the buns: While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your buns. Brush the top of each bun with softened butter. This step is optional, but it adds flavor and helps the buns toast to a golden color. You can also add a thin layer of butter to the bottom of the buns to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Place the buns in the air fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the buns in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to toast them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Toast the buns: The time it takes to toast the buns will depend on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, toast the buns for 2-3 minutes for a light golden brown color. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning. If you are toasting frozen buns, increase the cooking time to 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the buns from the air fryer: Use heat-safe tongs to remove the toasted buns from the air fryer basket as they will be hot. Serve them immediately with your hot dogs and desired toppings.

By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly toasted buns for your hot dogs using your air fryer. The total time for toasting the buns should not take longer than 10 minutes, making it a quick and convenient way to enhance your hot dog experience.

Preheat the air fryer or not

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on what you are cooking.

Preheating an air fryer is similar to preheating an oven. You set the desired cooking temperature and let the appliance warm up for a few minutes before adding your food. This means that when you start cooking, the air fryer is already at the desired temperature, reducing the overall cooking time.

Preheating is recommended for foods that need a good sear or a crispy texture, such as steaks, burgers, or breaded items like chicken tenders and fries. It is also useful for foods that cook more evenly at a consistent temperature, like baked goods. In these cases, preheating for 3-5 minutes at 400°F can help achieve the desired results.

However, there are times when preheating is not necessary or even undesirable. If you are cooking delicate foods like shrimp or vegetables that you don't want to burn or dry out, it is better to cook them at a slower rate without preheating the air fryer. Similarly, if you are cooking something for a long period, like a whole chicken or a baked potato, preheating is unnecessary.

Some air fryer models may also have specific instructions regarding preheating, so it is always a good idea to refer to your user manual.

When it comes to cooking hot dogs in an air fryer, there are varying opinions on whether to preheat the appliance. Some sources suggest preheating to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while others claim that preheating is unnecessary, and the hot dogs will turn out well either way.

If you decide to preheat your air fryer for cooking hot dogs, set it to 400°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the hot dogs. The cooking time for the hot dogs will be around 5-6 minutes at the same temperature.

Whether you choose to preheat or not, remember to leave some space between each hot dog in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and that delicious crispy texture.

How to stop hot dogs from exploding in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare hot dogs. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. However, some people have experienced their hot dogs exploding in the air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Make Slits in the Hot Dogs

Creating slits in the hot dogs allows heat to penetrate evenly and reduces the risk of them bursting. You can cut diagonal slits to make it look like they came off a grill, or you can make a couple of slits across each hot dog to help release steam as they cook.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving the perfect hot dog texture. It ensures even cooking and helps to prevent the hot dogs from bursting.

Cook in a Single Layer

When placing the hot dogs in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with some space between each one. Stacking the hot dogs will cause them to steam and affect the cooking time.

Flip Halfway Through

Rotating the hot dogs halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Adjust Time and Temperature

Depending on the type of hot dog, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Skinny hot dogs will cook faster (around 4 minutes) than thicker hot dogs (6 to 8 minutes). If you prefer less browned hot dogs, cook them at a lower temperature (380 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 minutes.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked air-fried hot dogs without worrying about them exploding in your air fryer.

How long hot dogs last in the fridge or freezer after cooking

Once cooked, hot dogs will usually stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge if stored correctly. To maximise their shelf life, cooked hot dogs should be stored in a shallow, airtight container or wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. They should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.

To further extend the shelf life of cooked hot dogs, you can freeze them. When freezing, use covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap. Properly stored, they will maintain their quality for about 1 to 2 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time if kept at a constant 0°F.

You can also freeze cooked hot dogs in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, as suggested by one source. However, this is a shorter period than the 1 to 2 months suggested by other sources.

To identify if cooked hot dogs have gone bad, use your senses of smell and sight. Signs of bad hot dogs are a sour smell and a slimy texture; discard any hot dogs with an off smell or appearance.

Frequently asked questions