Description
Quick and easy air fryer hot dogs! Perfectly cooked and ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Hot dogs (all beef recommended for best flavor)
- 4 Hot dog buns
- Optional toppings: Ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, chili, cheese sauce, sauerkraut, jalapenos, bacon bits
- Optional: Butter or oil spray for the buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: Take your hot dogs out of the package. You can cook them as is, but I prefer to score them lightly. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from bursting in the air fryer. To score, use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts along the length of each hot dog, about ½ inch apart. Repeat on the opposite side. Be careful not to cut too deep! You just want to score the surface.
- Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional): Some air fryers benefit from preheating, while others don’t require it. Check your air fryer’s manual. If preheating is recommended, preheat to 390°F (199°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a slightly crispier exterior. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.
- Arrange Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the scored hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry the Hot Dogs: Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 6-8 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of the hot dogs. I recommend checking them after 6 minutes. They should be heated through and slightly browned. If you want them crispier, cook for another minute or two, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Check for Doneness: The hot dogs are done when they are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispness. They should be plump and slightly browned. If they are still pale, cook for a bit longer.
- Prepare the Buns (Optional): While the hot dogs are cooking, you can prepare the buns. This step is optional, but I find that toasting the buns adds a nice texture and flavor.
- Toast the Buns (Optional): There are several ways to toast the buns. You can use a toaster, a toaster oven, or even the air fryer.
- Toaster/Toaster Oven: If using a toaster or toaster oven, simply toast the buns until they are lightly golden brown.
- Air Fryer: If using the air fryer, lightly butter or spray the inside of the buns with oil spray. Place them in the air fryer basket for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until lightly toasted. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
- Stovetop: You can also toast the buns in a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the buns cut-side down in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- Assemble the Hot Dogs: Once the hot dogs are cooked and the buns are toasted (if desired), it’s time to assemble your hot dogs!
- Place Hot Dogs in Buns: Carefully remove the hot dogs from the air fryer basket and place one hot dog in each bun.
- Add Toppings: Now comes the fun part adding your favorite toppings! Get creative and load up your hot dogs with whatever you like. Here are some ideas:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- Chopped onions
- Chili
- Cheese sauce
- Sauerkraut
- Jalapenos
- Bacon bits
- Serve Immediately: Serve your air fryer hot dogs immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Hot Dog Type: Feel free to use your favorite type of hot dog. All-beef hot dogs tend to have the best flavor, but you can also use pork, chicken, or turkey hot dogs.
- Scoring the Hot Dogs: Scoring the hot dogs is optional, but it helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from bursting. It also creates more surface area for browning.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the hot dogs. Check them after 6 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns is optional, but it adds a nice texture and flavor. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, or skillet to toast the buns.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of flavors and textures. Some popular toppings include ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, chili, cheese sauce, sauerkraut, jalapenos, and bacon bits.
- Cheese Stuffed Hot Dogs: Before air frying, slice the hot dog lengthwise and stuff it with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Air fry as directed.
- Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Wrap each hot dog with a strip of bacon before air frying. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Air fry as directed, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the bacon is cooked through.
- Chili Cheese Dogs: Top your air-fried hot dogs with chili and cheese sauce for a classic chili cheese dog.
- Hawaiian Hot Dogs: Top your air-fried hot dogs with grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a tropical twist.
- Chicago Style Hot Dogs: Top your air-fried hot dogs with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers and a dash of celery salt.
- Air Fryer Cleaning: To make cleaning easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. This will prevent the hot dogs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Storage: Leftover cooked hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or skillet before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes