Air Fryer Frozen Hot Dogs: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook hot dogs, whether they're fresh or frozen. The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks frozen hot dogs evenly, making them tender and crispy on the outside. This method is also quicker than cooking them on a stovetop, in an oven, or on a grill.

To cook frozen hot dogs in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to between 330°F and 400°F. Place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for around 7 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. If the hot dogs are frozen together, separate them during cooking. Once cooked, serve the hot dogs in toasted buns with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making frozen hot dogs. By preheating, you ensure that your hot dogs cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer to the ideal temperature range of 350-400°F:

First, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. Some models may have specific instructions for preheating, so refer to your user manual if necessary. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F. The higher the temperature, the faster your hot dogs will cook. However, be mindful not to exceed the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

Allow the air fryer to preheat for at least 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This time may vary depending on the model and its features. Modern air fryers often have indicators that show when they're preheated. Older models may require you to keep an eye on the timer and temperature gauge.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your frozen hot dogs. Remove them from their packaging and separate them if they're stuck together. Use a sharp knife to carefully make a slit or cut down the centre of each hot dog to allow steam to escape during cooking. This helps prevent them from bursting.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you're ready to cook your hot dogs. Place the prepared frozen hot dogs into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping may cause uneven cooking.

Now, you can proceed with cooking your hot dogs according to your preferred method and recipe. The preheating process ensures your hot dogs will cook more effectively, resulting in juicy and delicious treats!

Cook the hot dogs for 7-10 minutes

Now it's time to cook the hot dogs! Place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 330°F (around 165°C). You want to cook them for 7-10 minutes, turning them over halfway through. This will give you juicy, plump hot dogs with a delicious crispy exterior.

It's important to make sure the hot dogs are cooked evenly, so don't stack or overlap them in the basket. If they are still attached from being frozen together, separate them when you turn them over.

Depending on the type of air fryer you have, cooking times may vary. If you're using a preheated air fryer, reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes. Also, if you're using larger hot dogs, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. If you want to speed things up a little, you can use a sharp knife to cut small slits or slices across the tops of the hot dogs before putting them in the air fryer.

The hot dogs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (around 60°C). Check the temperature a minute or two before the time is up, especially if this is your first time making them.

Toast the buns for 2-3 minutes

Toasting the buns is an optional but recommended step in making hot dogs in an air fryer. It gives the hot dogs that extra bit of crunch and elevates the whole experience.

To toast the buns, first, remove the hot dogs from the air fryer basket using tongs. Then, place the buns inside the basket with the inside of the bun facing up. Make sure the buns are in a single layer and are not overlapping. If you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit up to four buns at once.

Close the drawer and set the air fryer to 400°F. Let the buns toast for 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired level of brownness. For a lighter toast, you may only need to air fry for a minute or two.

Once the buns are toasted, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs and place the cooked hot dogs inside. You can now add your favourite toppings and serve.

If you are making frozen hot dogs in an air fryer, the toasting step remains largely the same. However, it is recommended to line the air fryer basket with foil before placing the buns inside to prevent the buns from becoming greasy.

Serve with your favourite toppings

Once your hot dogs are cooked, it's time to serve them with your favourite toppings. The classic options of ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, and chopped onions are always a hit, but you can also get creative with unique toppings like jalapenos, baked beans, or chopped avocados. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try adding shredded cheese or a slice of cheese to your hot dog, or wrapping it in bacon for an extra salty kick.

If you're serving a crowd, or just want to offer a variety of toppings, here are some more options to choose from:

• Roasted peppers and onions
• Mushrooms
• Habanero mango salsa
• Buffalo sauce with blue cheese
• Coleslaw
• BBQ sauce
• Chili and cheese

And don't forget the buns! Toasted buns are a must for the full hot dog experience. Simply place the buns in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until they're crisp and lightly toasted.

Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer

Reheating hot dogs in an air fryer is simple and quick. If you have any leftover hot dogs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. When you're ready to reheat them, simply place them in the air fryer basket and heat them at 350°F for two to four minutes, or until they are warmed through.

It's important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your hot dogs to ensure they don't overcook. Additionally, if you're reheating frozen hot dogs, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly, as they will need to be thoroughly defrosted and heated through.

You can also reheat hot dog buns in the air fryer. Place the buns inside the air fryer, with the inside of the bun facing up, and cook for two to three minutes at 400°F until they are warm and lightly toasted.

Reheating hot dogs in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy your leftovers and ensures that your hot dogs remain juicy and tasty.

Frequently asked questions