Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Charlotte Singh
by Charlotte Singh
4 servings
12 min

These Air Fryer Hot Dogs are the ultimate quick and easy meal! Thanks to the circulating hot air of the air fryer, it yields a perfectly cooked hot dog with a golden exterior and juicy interior, without the need to fire up the grill! Load them up with your favorite hot dog toppings for a speedy weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option! Plus, with minimal prep time, you'll have a delicious meal ready in minutes.

If you are looking for other fun air fryer lunch ideas, try my Air Fryer Jerk Chicken or My Air Fryer French Bread Pizza!

Hot dogs in air fryer.

These Air Fryer Hot Dogs are a fun treat for my busy family of 6! They are quick and easy to make when you have a house full of kids for play dates or cousin hangouts too! Making them in the air fryer is a game changer and the best way to achieve crispy hot dogs in a toasted bun in my opinion! Choosing organic, nitrate-free, hormone and antibiotic-free varieties also make them a healthier option for a convenience meal.


Why You'll Love This Recipe


  • These hot dogs are quick and easy to make, and they're perfect for lunches, busy weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining!
  • The air fryer cooks the perfect hot dog! They're crispy on the outside and produce juicy hot dogs on the inside!
  • The air fryer method is an excellent alternative to grilling when you want an easy way to cook the best hot dogs with a quicker cook time and minimal cleanup!
Air fryer hot dogs on table with fries and condiments.
Ingredient Notes
Ingredients for air fried hot dogs.
  • Jumbo All-Beef Hot Dogs: You can use your favorite brand of hot dogs, but we recommend using jumbo all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor. Choose organic when possible for the healthiest option.
  • Hot Dog Buns: Use your favorite brand and type of hot dog buns. You can use classic hot dog buns or pretzel buns, we like premium sausage buns as we are using thicker hot dogs.
  • Your Favorite Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, relish, and bbq sauce are great options, and any other condiments of your choice.


How to Make Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Preparing hot dogs for air fryer.
  • Make small slits in hot dogs with a sharp knife.
  • Place hot dogs in the air fryer and cook.
Flipping hot dogs in air fryer.
  • Flip hot dogs halfway through cooking time.
  • Cook until heated through.
Toasting hot dog buns in air fryer.
  • Toast the buns with the hot dogs in the air fryer for a few extra minutes if desired.


Frequently Asked Questions


How long does it take to cook hotdogs in an airfryer?

It usually takes about 5-6 minutes to cook jumbo hot dogs in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the hot dogs and the air fryer you're using. It's important to check on the hot dogs periodically to ensure that they're cooked to your desired level of doneness. An additional 2 minutes can be added to toast the buns with the hot dogs.

Is it better to air fry or bake hot dogs?

Both air frying and baking can yield delicious hot dogs. However, air frying is generally faster than baking and can result in a crispier exterior.

Are air fried hot dogs healthy?

This comes down to the quality of the hot dogs you use. Organic, hormone, antibiotic, and nitrate-free hot dogs will hands down be a better option than traditional hot dogs. Using a whole grain bun can also improve the nutritional value as well as serving it with a side salad.


However, it's important to keep in mind that hot dogs are high in sodium, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation for a fun treat!

Child's hand grabbing a hot dog from the air fryer.
Expert Tips


  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the hot dogs in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the hot dogs.
  • Use a sharp knife to make small slits in the hot dogs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from bursting.
  • To add extra flavor, you can brush the hot dogs with a little bit of olive oil or butter before cooking.


What to Serve with Air Fried Hot Dogs


The whole family at my house agrees that a good hot dog goes best with french fries! Try my Parmesan Truffle Fries or for the ultimate way to serve, turn the hot dogs into chili dogs and pair them with my Nacho Fries for a fun variation! You can also serve these air fryer hotdogs with other side dishes like macaroni or potato salad.

Hot dog on plate with fries. Air fryer with more hot dogs in the background.
Recipe Variations


  • Chili Cheese Dogs: Top your hot dogs with chili and shredded cheese for a delicious twist on classic hot dogs.
  • Chicago Style : Top your hot dogs with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt for a true Chicago-style hot dog.
  • Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Wrap your hot dogs in bacon before cooking for an extra indulgent treat.


Recipe Substitutions


  • Vegetarian Hot Dogs: If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can use your favorite brand of vegetarian hot dogs instead of beef hot dogs.
  • Gluten-Free Hot Dog Buns: If you're gluten-free, you can use gluten-free hot dog buns instead of traditional buns.


Storage Tips


Air fryer hot dogs are best served immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hot dogs in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees.


Recipe
Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 5 minutes Minutes Cook time: 7 minutes Minutes Total time: 12 min
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Ingredients

  • 4 Jumbo All Beef Hot Dogs you can use your favorite
  • 4 Hot Dog Buns
  • condiments of your choice ketchup, mustard, relish etc…
Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Remove the hot dogs from the package and use a sharp knife to make small slits down each hot dog.
Next, place the hot dogs in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 390 degrees for 2 minutes.
After 2 minutes, flip the hot dogs and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Once the hot dogs are cooked, place them into split hot dog buns and return them to the air fryer.
Cook for another 2 minutes.
Finally, serve the hot dogs immediately with your favorite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, or relish.
Tips
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the hot dogs in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the hot dogs.
  • Use a sharp knife to make small slits in the hot dogs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from bursting.
  • To add extra flavor, you can brush the hot dogs with a little bit of olive oil or butter before cooking.
  • Air fryer hot dogs are best served immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hot dogs in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees.
  • Notes:
  • All air fryers are different. I used the Cosori 5.8 quart  Air fryer for this recipe. You may have to adjust the time and temperature if you have a different model.
Charlotte Singh
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