Hot Dogs In Air Fryer: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling, boiling, or cooking hot dogs over an open flame. They are faster, healthier, and produce the same juicy and crispy results. The circulating air wraps around the hot dog, cooking the inside to tender, juicy perfection and creating a perfect texture on the outside.

The cooking time for hot dogs in an air fryer depends on the brand of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. Typically, at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, hot dogs take between 4 to 10 minutes to cook. Thicker hot dogs may take longer, while skinny hot dogs will cook faster. It is recommended to check the hot dogs at the 6-minute mark and then add more time as needed.

To cook hot dogs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hot dogs inside the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, and cook for the desired amount of time. For a toasted bun, add the hot dogs to the bun during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Some additional tips for cooking hot dogs in an air fryer include making diagonal slits on the hot dogs to create grill marks and help with even cooking, and brushing the bun with softened butter for added flavor and a golden color.

How long to cook hot dogs in an air fryer

Air-fried hot dogs are a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook this family favourite. The air fryer gives hot dogs a crispy exterior and keeps them juicy on the inside.

The cooking time depends on the type of hot dog and your desired level of crispiness. Skinny hot dogs, like Ball Park or Nathan’s beef franks, will cook in 4 minutes. Thicker hot dogs, like Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs can take 6 to 8 minutes.

Set your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature to get the perfect crispiness and juiciness.

How to Cook

Place the hot dogs in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You don’t need to preheat the air fryer, but you can if you want. There is no need to flip the hot dogs or add oil, as they will cook evenly without.

For an extra crispy exterior, cut some diagonal slits in the hot dogs before cooking. This also helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the hot dogs from bursting.

Cooking the Buns

Place the buns in the air fryer and cook for 2 minutes for a slightly toasted bun. You can also add butter to the buns for extra flavour and colour.

Serving

Top your hot dogs with your favourite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, chilli, cheese, bacon, or sauerkraut.

Reheating and Storage

Reheat any leftover hot dogs in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.

Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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.
• Separate the now defrosted hot dogs into a single layer and air fry for another 4-6 minutes until cooked through.
• 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 best results.
• Don't defrost the hot dogs before cooking.
• Turn the hot dogs at least once during cooking for an even cook.
• The cook time may vary depending on your air fryer.
• 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.

Variations

• For a simple meal, serve the hot dogs in toasted buns with your favourite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, chili, or sauerkraut.
• For a heartier meal, pair the hot dogs with side dishes like baked beans, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad.

How to reheat hot dogs in an air fryer

If you have leftover hot dogs, reheating them in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy them all over again. It's quick, easy, and will leave you with a hot dog that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 375°F (around 175°C to 190°C). This should take around 2 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Take your leftover hot dogs out of the refrigerator. If they were stored in buns, separate them now. You'll be reheating the hot dogs and buns separately.

To prepare the hot dogs, make a few small cuts along their surface. This will prevent them from bursting as they heat up and will also help the heat penetrate more evenly. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other and are in a single layer. This ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Reheat the Hot Dogs

With the hot dogs in the air fryer, it's time to reheat them. Aim for a reheating time of around 3 to 5 minutes at the temperature set above. You can flip the hot dogs halfway through to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Once the hot dogs are heated through, take them out of the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. It's best to serve them immediately, so they don't cool down. You can add your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Tips:

• The reheating time may vary depending on the size of the hot dogs and the type of air fryer you're using, so keep an eye on them.
• If you like your hot dogs with a crispy skin, making small cuts on the surface before heating will help achieve that.
• To ensure even heating, you can shake the air fryer basket halfway through or flip the hot dogs with tongs or a spatula.
• If you're reheating buns, add them to the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of heating.
• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket when reheating. Good air circulation is needed for even heating.

So, there you have it! A simple and effective way to reheat hot dogs in an air fryer, leaving them crispy and juicy. Enjoy!

How to store leftover hot dogs

If you have leftover hot dogs, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Here are some tips on how to store them to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat:

Use Airtight Containers: Place the leftover hot dogs in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in foil. This helps prevent odour and juices from leaking out and keeps the hot dogs from drying out.

Refrigerate: Store the hot dogs in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The cold temperature slows down bacterial growth, keeping the hot dogs safe to eat for a few days.

Consume Within 3-4 Days: Leftover hot dogs should be consumed within three to four days. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth and food spoilage increases.

Freeze for Longer Storage: If you don't plan on eating the leftover hot dogs within a few days, consider freezing them. Wrap the hot dogs individually in freezer wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. Frozen hot dogs can last for up to two months.

Reheat Properly: When reheating leftover hot dogs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or oven until they are steaming hot throughout.

By following these storage and handling practices, you can safely enjoy your leftover hot dogs while minimising the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What to serve with air fryer hot dogs

Air fryer hot dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, and you can serve them with a variety of side dishes and toppings.

For a regular weeknight meal, you could serve air fryer hot dogs with baked beans, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad. If you're hosting a barbecue or party, you could also make some cucumber salad, potato salad, and pasta salad.

If you're serving hot dogs for a special occasion or a larger group, you can make some of the following side dishes:

• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad
• Caesar Potato Salad
• French fries
• Corn on the cob
• Watermelon salad

When it comes to toppings, you can offer a variety of options to suit different tastes. Some popular choices include:

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

Frequently asked questions