Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air fryer hot dogs are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside. They taste just like they were grilled!

If you’re in the mood for hot dogs, but the weather isn’t right, don’t fret. The air fryer is all you’ll need.

Air fryer hot dogs are the easy way to make delicious hot dogs your whole family will love. Once you try them, you may never go back to grilling again.

They’re one of those easy meals that are a real game changer when it’s time for dinner. 

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

I’ve been using my air fryer a lot recently. From frying kale chips to heating pizza rolls, this handy kitchen gadget works wonders. 

Luckily, it’s just as convenient (and capable) for hot dogs. Not only does it yield perfectly cooked hot dogs, but it does so in a flash!

It’s hard to argue with that!

What Do I Need for Air Fryer Hot Dogs?

You’ll only need two things for air fryer hot dogs: hot dogs and buns.

• Hot dogs. Select a good-quality brand, such as Nathans or Hebrew National. You can use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, as you prefer.

• Hot dog buns. Grab a pack that would fit the length of your hot dogs. Either uncut or pre-cut is fine.

How To Cook a Hot Dog in an Air Fryer

The method for cooking air fryer hot dogs is almost as simple as the two-item ingredient list! 

1. Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. The bigger the air fryer, the longer it will take.

2. Toast the buns. Once the air fryer is hot, place the buns in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t overcrowd them! 

If you do, the hot air won’t be able to circulate correctly.

If you’re working with a smaller air fryer, cook in batches. Each batch of buns will need about 2 minutes or until they’re warm and toasty. 

Remove the warm buns from the air fryer and place them on a plate. 

3. Cook the hot dogs. Cut shallow, diagonal slits into the hot dogs for crispy edges. Then, place them – not touching – in the basket in a single layer.

Air fry them for 4 to 6 minutes, rotating them halfway through.

4. Assemble. Place the hot dogs into the toasted buns. Top them with your favorite condiments and toppings and enjoy!

How Long Does It Take to Cook Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer?

How long it takes to cook hot dogs in your air fryer depends on three factors: 

1. Your air fryer’s power level
2. The hot dogs’ thickness
3. How crispy you want the finished product to be

On average, it takes 4 to 6 minutes for hot dogs to cook in the air fryer. However, not all air fryers are created equally. 

For example, powerful air fryers (those that run on 1,700 watts) cook much faster than others. 

That said, cooking times will vary from one air fryer to the next.

If you’re air frying hot dogs for the first time, I recommend doing one or two pieces to test your machine.

Hot dog thickness also plays a role. I made this particular recipe using Nathans’ sausages, which are relatively skinny. 

You may need to add 1-2 more minutes for thick hot dogs or sausages.

Finally, if you want extra crispy hot dogs, cook them longer. If you’re fine with tender skins, stick to 4 minutes, maybe even 3.

Tips for the Best Hot Dogs 

This recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. Still, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use good-quality hot dogs. A cooked hot dog will only taste as good as its raw counterpart. Buns are less important, but wieners need to be high-quality.

• Don’t neglect the buns. Buns may be less important, but they’re still a key component in hot dogs. Don’t just air fry the hot dogs, but also the buns. They’ll get nice and toasty in just 2 minutes!

• Add melted butter. Before toasting the buns, brush the tops with melted butter. It adds flavor and gives the buns a nice golden color.

• Make cheesy dogs. Top the buns with a slice of cheese before toasting them. The air fryer will melt the cheese into the bun.

• Want extra crispy hot dogs? If so, cut shallow slits into the wieners. You can do diagonal, V-shaped, or X-shaped slits – whatever design works for you.

• Shake the basket halfway. This step is for the hot dogs only, not the buns. It’ll ensure they cook evenly and are crispy on all sides.

• Add extra time for frozen dogs. Add 2-4 minutes to the total cooking time.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each hot dog enough space to allow the hot air to pass through. The same goes with the buns.

• Remember the toppings! Hot dogs need toppings! Stick to classic ketchup and mustard or branch out! Chopped onions and pickle relish, salsa and guacamole, chili, coleslaw, and sauerkraut are all good options.

• Don’t neglect the sides. Serve hot dogs with tasty sides for a well-rounded meal. Pair them with French fries, onion rings, baked beans, coleslaw, or even macaroni salad!