Making hot dogs in the air fryer is a total game changer for quick family meals. This method delivers perfectly crispy-skinned hot dogs with juicy interiors, paired with golden toasted buns. Once you try this technique, you’ll never go back to boiling, microwaving, or even grilling.
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Why you should make hot dogs in the air fryer
Do you want a quick and delicious meal for the whole family? Top these with your favorite toppings and condiments, and you will soon be on your way to the most delicious hot dogs ever. Do you love those grilled hot dogs? Learn the ultimate way, with this easy air fryer recipe.
Why this is the best recipe for air fried hot dogs
This is an easy way to make flavorful hot dogs. To be honest, once this method was tried in my house, we never went back to boiling, baking, or microwaving them. Best of all, there’s no need to fire up the grill for a cookout when you can make tasty hot dogs in your air fryer.
Ingredients
Here’s all you need to make the best air fryer hot dogs:
- Hot Dogs – pick your favorite brand of hot dog. We enjoy beef hot dogs the best, so brands like Nathan’s, Hebrew National, or whatever Costco is carrying is what we buy.
- Hot Dog Buns – your standard hot dog bun is fine, but if you can find pretzel hot dog buns, you will thank me later.
You can also make air fryer hot dogs with cheese. See the recipe card below for instructions.
How to air fry hot dogs and buns
I like my Phillips Air fryer. I turn up the heat to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. I pop a couple of hot dogs into the preheated air fryer right on the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes. You should start to see crispy skin at this point.
I like to pull the hot dogs out of the cooker, place them into the hot dog buns, and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes more. This makes the outside of the hot dog bun crispy. Who doesn’t love a crispy bun? And if you add a bit of cheese when you pop them back into the air fryer, the cheese melts perfectly.
Recommendations on hot dog buns
There is an endless variety of hot dog buns you can use for this air fryer hot dogs recipe. Here are some recommendations on what type of hot dog buns you may want to try.
Hot dog buns are a type of bread specifically designed to hold hot dogs or sausages. While the classic hot dog bun is a long, soft, and slightly sweet bun with a split down the middle, there are many variations in size, shape, and texture.
Here are some different types of hot dog buns you may come across:
- Classic buns: As mentioned, classic hot dog buns are soft, slightly sweet, and often made with enriched wheat flour, which gives them their distinctive taste and texture.
- New England-style buns: These are similar to classic hot dog buns but are rectangular and have flat sides instead of rounded ones. They are commonly used for lobster rolls in the Northeastern United States.
- Steamed buns: Also known as Chinese bao buns, steamed hot dog buns are typically made with a mixture of wheat and rice flour and are often used for Asian-inspired hot dogs, such as ones topped with pickled vegetables or kimchi.
- Pretzel buns: Pretzel buns have a chewy texture and a slightly salty, crusty exterior. They are a popular alternative to classic hot dog buns and are often used for gourmet or artisanal hot dogs.
- Sourdough buns: Sourdough hot dog buns are made with sourdough starter, which gives them a tangy flavor and a slightly denser texture than classic hot dog buns.
- Gluten-free buns: Gluten-free hot dog buns are made with alternative flours, such as rice, potato, or almond flour, to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Wheat buns: I do not recommend placing these into an air fryer; they will dry out. This is because wheat buns contain more fiber and protein than white buns.
Overall, the type of hot dog bun you choose can significantly impact the overall taste and texture of your hot dog or sausage, and there are many options to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
What can you serve with hot dogs?
These hot dogs can make a meal on their own, but here are a few suggestions:
- Potato Salad: A classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
- Baked Beans: A sweet and savory side dish that adds a hearty touch to your hot dog meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, this sweet and juicy veggie is an excellent complement to hot dogs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy side dish that adds a refreshing crunch to your hot dog meal.
- French Fries: Regular, crinkle-cut, or waffle fries are a classic pairing with hot dogs.
- Broccoli Pasta Salad: A cold pasta dish packed with veggies and dressing is a great side dish for hot dogs.
- Potato Chips: From plain to flavored, they’re a quick and easy side for hot dogs.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A crunchy and spicy snack perfect for dipping or topping your hot dog.
- Watermelon: A sweet and juicy fruit perfect for a hot summer day.
- Spicy Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy pasta dish perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet and refreshing dish perfect for a light and healthy side.
- Pickles: A tangy and crunchy snack perfect for munching on between bites of a hot dog.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just looking for something quick and easy, these side dishes are sure to be a hit!
10 Unforgetable hot dog toppings combinations you must try!
Here are many great options for you to try with his easy hot dog recipe. I know that you will find that the air fryer method is the way to make a perfectly cooked hot dog.
- Classic Ketchup and Mustard: Never underestimate the power of the classic combination. A timeless classic for a reason!
- Caramelized Onions: Slow-cook sliced onions in butter until they’re golden and sweet, then heap them on top of your hot dog.
- The New Yorker: Try this with Sabrett Onions
- Swiss cheese, mustard, and sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to your hot dog.
- Chili cheese dogs: Warm, meaty chili makes a delicious topping for hot dogs, especially when topped with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese can all be melted over a hot dog to create a delicious and gooey topping.
- Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole makes a delicious topping for hot dogs, especially when combined with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Salsa: Fresh salsa adds flavor and a little heat to your hot dog.
- Coleslaw: Sweet and tangy coleslaw is a classic topping for hot dogs, especially in summer. Try my KFC coleslaw.
- BBQ Sauce, dill pickle relish, and chopped onion: Tangy and sweet, a drizzle of BBQ sauce can add some serious flavor to your hot dog.
Frequently asked questions about air fryer hot dogs
Most air fryer baskets can easily accommodate 4 to 6 hot dogs, this depends upon the size of your air fryer. Be sure to place the hot dogs on a single layer without overcrowding them. The hot dogs should not be touched to ensure even cooking.
Typically 3-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for standard hot dogs. If you have jumbo hot dogs, you may need to add 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 4 to 6 minutes. There is no need to thaw frozen hot dogs to cook them.
Yes, a quick 2-3 minute preheat helps ensure even cooking. Preheating to 400°F is recommended for best results.
While not strictly necessary, flipping halfway through cooking ensures even browning.
Hot dogs will have a slightly crispy exterior. Light grill marks or browning will appear.
This usually happens when cooking at too high a temperature. You can score them lightly before cooking to prevent splitting. Some splitting is normal and doesn’t affect taste.
More Favorite and Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Tempura
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Get the best recipes for restaurant appetizers and restaurant side dishes.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs – Crispy & Juicy in 5 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 hot dogs
- 2 hot dog buns
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 4 minutes.
- Place two hot dogs into the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer.
- Place each hot dog in a bun and add cheese if desired.
- Return the dressed hot dogs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
These came out great! The casings where crisp and they plumped up. We’re hot dog snobs so we usually just buy Nathan’s or Ball Park. We’ve also tried this recipe with Johnsonville jalapeno cheddar sausage and had the same great experience. Try wrapping these in a warm flour tortilla if you don’t have buns on hand.
Hands down the best hot dog recipe I’ve tried! The air fryer totally mimics the grilled flavor and texture. My kids and husband can’t tell the difference. Definitely giving this a thumbs up! 👍
Is the cooking time increased if you use a frozen hot dog?
Yes, I would add more time if I was going to make this from a frozen hotdog.
I cook my hot dogs at 400F for 5 mins.
it is best way for me.
I do not toast buns in fryer.
I just microwave the buns.
Microwaving buns makes them too soggy in my waver.
i’m so sorry ppl come on here and yell at you when this super simple amazingly easy extra tasty ‘recipe’ doesn’t work! i threw some tots in at 400, set the timer for 11. at 6 i tossed the tots scored the dogs and threw them in! at 2 i sprayed some avocado oil on my buns stuffed them with the dogs and waited with a napkin under my chin tucked in my shirt! beep beep toppings and done! these are so amazing. crispy on the out tender and juicy on the in. thanks for some recipes even i can do! keep up the gooooood work!
We have been doing dogs in the Air Fryer for over two years and they come out perfect like this every time.
thank you for the recipe
AMAZING I LOVE HOTDOGS AND THIS BY FAR THE BEST I HAVE EVER EATEN THANK YOU
I just lucked up on this recipe last night and decided to try it today. WOW So simple and yet so good. I am just learning to help in the kitchen so I followed the directions and was proud to make such a good lunch. Thanks, It deserves a “10”
Just kick it up with Rocky’s Dog Topper made from fresh fine chopped tomato, yellow onion, mustard and green sweet relish. Also fantastic on a burger.
I made these this past Thursday, and neither my husband or I cared for them
I have a french door air fryer, and the temp setting was at 400 (there is no 390)
and I put in 3 hot dogs, Cooked them for 3 mins (since it was hotter temp)’
Placed them in the bun, and cooked another minute.
The hot dog and bun were dry. The hot dogs were just purchased and fresh.
The buns were whole wheat and also fresh. The buns were too crispy.
We will never again make them in the air fryer. BBQ is best, then we just boil
them, and sometimes microwave. The air fryer will not see them again!
Very disappointed!
I am so sorry you were disappointed. I did some research on wheat buns vs. white buns. I never thought to consider someone would use a wheat bun for a hot dog bun.
When toasting wheat buns and white buns, you may notice that wheat buns tend to dry out more than white buns. This is because wheat buns contain more fiber and protein than white buns.
Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that is found in plants, including wheat. When wheat buns are toasted, the heat causes the fiber to become dehydrated, which can result in a drier, more crumbly texture. Additionally, wheat buns’ protein can contribute to a drier texture when toasted, as protein can become denatured and lose its ability to retain moisture when exposed to heat.
In contrast, white buns typically contain less fiber and protein than wheat buns. This means they are less likely to become as dry and crumbly when toasted. Additionally, white buns often contain more fat and sugar than wheat buns, which can help to keep them moist and tender when toasted.
Overall, the differences in fiber, protein, fat, and sugar content between wheat buns and white buns can contribute to the different textures you may observe when toasting these types of buns.
I am new to this so forgive me if this a dumb question. If you want to cook just one hot dog, how much less time do you cook it. Do you halve the time? Thanks
You cook it for the same amount of time.
This is a pretty good air fryer hot dog recipe. But it could use some improvement. First, I’d use 410 degrees, instead of 390. That extra heat really makes the hot dog pop. Also, try scoring the hot dogs a bit before frying, and then placing some cheese within the grooves. It’s delicious that way!
Fantastic!! The hot dogs come out delish! Thanks for the recipe.