Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect results. The air fryer gives the hot dogs a nice crust and cooks the bacon to a perfect crisp. It's also a lot less messy than grilling, with no bacon grease or melted cheese dripping into your grill, and it's quicker than grilling too.

Choosing the right hot dogs and bacon

For the hot dogs, you have a few options. Beef, pork, or turkey hot dogs are all suitable for this recipe. If you want to get creative, you can even slice open the hot dogs and stuff them with string cheese before wrapping them in bacon. However, if you choose to do this, make sure to use thicker hot dogs so that they can accommodate the cheese.

When it comes to the bacon, regular cut bacon slices work best. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it will take longer to cook and may not crisp up properly. Turkey bacon can also be used, but it may not get as crispy. You'll want to make sure your bacon slices are long enough to wrap around the hot dogs several times, and you may need to use two slices for longer or thicker hot dogs.

Once you have your hot dogs and bacon, simply wrap each hot dog tightly in a strip of bacon, secure it with a toothpick if needed, and cook according to your air fryer recipe instructions. Enjoy!

Wrapping the bacon around the hot dogs

To begin, take a slice of bacon and start wrapping it tightly around the hot dog. It is recommended to use regular or centre-cut bacon slices, as thick-cut bacon may not cook through as nicely. You want to ensure that the bacon is wrapped snugly and securely around the hot dog, with a slight overlap in each layer. The goal is to have the bacon stay in place during cooking, so make sure it's tight enough that it won't unravel. If needed, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon to the hot dog. However, remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

For smaller hot dogs, one slice of bacon should be sufficient. However, if you're using longer or thicker hot dogs, or if you're a bacon lover, feel free to use two slices of bacon for an extra bacony treat. Just make sure to avoid overlapping the bacon when wrapping it around the hot dog. You want a single layer of bacon so that it cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.

Additionally, pay attention to the direction of the bacon wrap. If you don't like crispy hot dog edges, make sure to wrap the bacon all the way to the tips of the hot dog. This will help prevent the bacon from shrinking away from the ends during cooking.

Once you've wrapped all your hot dogs in bacon, you're ready to move on to the next step of cooking them in your air fryer!

Air-frying the hot dogs

To start, set your air fryer to 380-400°F. You will not need any oil or cooking spray. Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick if needed. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them to allow the hot air to circulate.

Air-fry for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. For extra crispy bacon, you can air fry for up to 20 minutes, turning the hot dogs halfway through. If you are cooking thicker hot dogs, you may need to add an extra minute or two.

Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove the hot dogs from the air fryer and place them on buns. You can then return the hot dogs to the air fryer for a minute or two to warm the buns.

Finally, serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Adding toppings

Now that your hot dogs are cooked to perfection, it's time to add some toppings! The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started.

For the classic taste, you can go with mustard, ketchup, and relish. If you want to switch it up a bit, try adding some BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, or sauerkraut. Feeling adventurous? Top your dog with pickled corn and onions, or go for a Carolina Slaw Dog.

If you're a fan of spicy food, jalapeños are a great addition, and don't forget the sharp cheddar cheese to balance out the heat. You can also add some diced onions for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Or, if you're feeling extra indulgent, try stuffing your hot dog with string cheese before wrapping it in bacon. This will create a melted, cheesy surprise inside your dog.

Don't be afraid to mix and match toppings to create your own unique combination. After all, half the fun of hot dogs is customizing them to your taste!

Storing leftovers

When you're ready to serve them again, it's best to warm up the hot dogs in the air fryer to ensure the bacon crisps up again. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about thirty seconds and then check if they need more time.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, it's best to consume them within two months for the best taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions