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These Air Fryer Hot Dogs are about to be your new favorite way to cook hot dogs. The air fryer cooks them quickly and results in the perfect texture every, single time.
Okay, let’s be real. Hot dogs have never been difficult to prepare. They’re just designed to be a simple meal. But what if I told you they could be even easier?
Thanks to your air fryer, they can and they taste so delicious!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick cooking. No heating a pan. No waiting for water to boil. Just throw the hot dogs in the air fryer, and they’re ready to go in under 10 minutes.
- Perfect texture. Air-fried hot dogs come out perfectly crisp on the outside with a deliciously juicy center.
- Easy cleanup. No need to grease the air fryer basket. It’s basically clean even after you’re done cooking!
Ingredient notes
Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.
- Hot Dogs – Use your favorite variety. Keep in mind that different sizes will cook at different rates. I prefer all beef hot dogs, e.g., Hebrew National or Nathans.
- Hot Dog Buns – Any hot dog buns will work! I usually buy precut buns to make it easier and make sure they work for the size of the hot dogs you’re using. My favorites are brioche buns.
- Condiments – Feel free to load your hot dogs up with all of your favorite toppings and condiments. Get creative with it!
How to make this recipe
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
Whipping up some hot dogs in the air fryer is probably the simplest way to cook hot dogs. First, preheat the air fryer, then give it a few minutes to warm up.
Place the hot dogs into the air fryer basket or on the tray, then cook for 5–8 minutes. Turn once to make sure they cook evenly.
Transfer the hot dogs to the buns, then add them back into the air fryer. Cook for another minute to toast the buns, then put your favorite toppings on. So easy!
Expert tips for success
- Don’t forget to cut slits or prick the hot dogs with a fork. This eliminates the possibility that they explode in the air fryer and helps them cook more evenly. The slits can also look like grill marks!
- Preheat the air fryer. We want it to be nice and hot before adding in the hot dogs for the best texture.
- Cook in a single layer. If the hot dogs are overlapping, they will steam rather than fry and the texture won’t be as good.
- Toast the buns with the hot dogs inside. The buns on their own are too light and can go flying around the air fryer.
Variations
- Classic: Keep it simple with a squeeze of ketchup and mustard and a layer of relish or pickles.
- Cheesy: When you toast the buns with the hot dogs, top each one off with a slice of your favorite cheese. Another option is to wait until you’re ready to serve, then drench them with your favorite nacho cheese sauce.
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap a slice of bacon around each hot dog before cooking, secure it with toothpicks, then fry for 8 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
- Chili Dogs: When you’re ready to serve, top your hot dogs off with a ladle-full of Instant Pot Chili.
- Veggie Dogs: Vegetarian or vegan? Swap the beef hot dogs out for your favorite meatless variety of hot dogs.
Recipe FAQs
You can really air fry any variety of hot dogs, whether that’s a classic beef hot dog or not. My preferred hot dogs are nitrate-free, all beef, and low-sodium!
Keep in mind that different sizes and types of hot dogs may require different amounts of time to cook. Adjust as needed!
Yes, it’s optional but recommended! Before you air fry your hot dogs, you should either cut slits in them or poke holes with a fork. This gives the steam somewhere to escape as the hot dogs cook and allows them to cook more evenly.
Without holes or slits, there is a slight chance that the hot dogs explode. I don’t know about you, but I much prefer my hot dogs whole!
I find 390ºF to be the perfect temperature for cooking hot dogs in the air fryer. It’s hot enough that the outside gets that slight crisp, but not so hot that the exterior burns before they’re heated all the way through.
It depends on the size of the hot dogs you’re using. Plan for 5–8 minutes but check early, then add time as needed.
Serve it with
The side dish possibilities for hot dogs are basically endless. Here are just a few of my favorites:
- Baked Potatoes
- Macaroni Salad
- Baked Beans
- French Fries or Tater Tots
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
More topping ideas
The hot dog toppings don’t stop there. There are tons of ways you can serve them. Get creative with it!
Here are just a few more ideas:
- Onion – raw or crispy
- Slaw – this is my go-to slaw recipe
- BBQ sauce
- Bacon crumbles
- Mayonnaise
- Aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
- Sauerkraut
Leftovers
Air Fried hot dogs are best right away, but if you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or back in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3–5 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Pickles
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Hot Dogs
- 4 buns
- Condiments, of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees F. Cut slits into hot dogs or prick with a fork (optional).
- Put hot dogs in the Air Fryer basket.
- Air fry for 5-8 minutes (depending on size), turning them once until cooked through.
- Transfer hot dogs to buns and air fry for 1 more minute to toast the buns.
Notes
- Don’t forget to cut slits or prick the hot dogs with a fork. This eliminates the possibility that they explode in the air fryer and helps them cook more evenly. The slits can also look like grill marks!
- Preheat the air fryer. We want it to be nice and hot before adding in the hot dogs for the best texture.
- Cook in a single layer. If the hot dogs are overlapping, they will steam rather than fry and the texture won’t be as good.
- Toast the buns with the hot dogs inside. The buns on their own are too light and can go flying around the air fryer.
