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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.

Hot Dogs in an air fryer basket.

Okay, letโ€™s be real. Hot dogs have never been difficult to prepare. Theyโ€™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 theyโ€™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. Itโ€™s basically clean even after you’re done cooking!

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients youโ€™ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

Ingredients needed for making Air Fryer hot dogs.
  • 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!ย 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.

Steps for making hot dogs and buns in the air fryer.

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 5โ€“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

  • Donโ€™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!ย 
  • 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 wonโ€™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 youโ€™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.ย 
  • Chili Dogs: When youโ€™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

What are the best hot dogs to air fry?

You can really air fry any variety of hot dogs, whether thatโ€™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!

Do I need to slice hot dogs before frying them?

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 donโ€™t know about you, but I much prefer my hot dogs whole!

What temperature do you cook hot dogs in an air fryer?

I find 390ยบF to be the perfect temperature for cooking hot dogs in the air fryer. Itโ€™s hot enough that the outside gets that slight crisp, but not so hot that the exterior burns before theyโ€™re heated all the way through.

How long does it take to cook hot dogs in an air fryer?

It depends on the size of the hot dogs youโ€™re using. Plan for 5โ€“8 minutes but check early, then add time as needed.

A hot dog garnished with ketchup.

Serve it with

The side dish possibilities for hot dogs are basically endless. Here are just a few of my favorites:

More topping ideas

The hot dog toppings donโ€™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
  • Jalapeรฑo 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 350ยบF for 3โ€“5 minutes.

Three hot dogs with toppings on a serving platter.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

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.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

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

  • Donโ€™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!ย 
  • 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 wonโ€™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.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 3mg
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About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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