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.
Okay. I am a young teen who loves a nice grilled hotdog. This afternoon I wanted a grilled hotdog but I had two issues: I don’t know how to grill and we had no propane. It had me thinking is it possible to use the air fryer to cook hotdogs? Is the sky truly the limit? So I went on the internet and searched around and found this recipe. First of all, I want to thank you for making this straight to the point. I made it like you’re suppose to and the hotdog didn’t look right. I got kinda scared like oh no did I fall for a failure recipe. But then ya know I prepared myself mentally and took a bite. I was amazed. It might’ve not looked like the picture or a grilled hotdog but it very much tasted like one. Thank you for making me happy, I will definitely make this again to prove others I can cook.
I am glad this worked out for you!
I love hot dogs. I even have them for breakfast with a ice cold Coke.Breakfast of Champions.
I will be sure to try the air fryer dogs. Thanks
Wayne
Nakusp, British Columbia
Canada
I love how quickly the hotdogs cook and brown. I cannot stand a unbrowned hotdog. It cooks it perfectly and so easy to toss in a couple of partially opened buns to toast. My favorite way to cook hotdogs now.
You and me both 😉 Can I also add sausages also do well like this too!
I just found your website and tried the air fryer hot dogs. Wow! They not only turned out a beautiful brownish color but tasted great and were moist. Keep creating air fryer recipes, thank you Stephanie.
Hot dogs cooked in the air fryer are the best, aren’t they?
We did Polish Sausage in our air fryer they turned out excellant
I am glad you liked the recipe. This is such a great way to do hot dogs and sausages.
I also tried lots of recipes with my air fryer but not tried the hot dogs yet. This looks yummy and I will definitely try this recipe in the weekend.
Good. Need more recipes!
I am working on them 😉
How do you make fries in the air fryer and chicken strips. How long do you cook and what temp, have a new fryer.
I don’t know which model you have, but I turn the heat up to about 390 on mine, and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil in mine, and cook until everything becomes fragrant. I think this takes about 15 minutes. I use frozen french fries, not fresh potatoes. I start with frozen chicken tenders. I hope this helps.
I’m new at Air Frying , do you just add a tablespoon in the very bottom of the pan, not on the food ? Do you have a recipe for Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer ? I love it but don’t know how to use it yet, just a beginner. Please help me out ! Thanks
I do not think you need to do this for the hot dogs. You should do it for reheating other frozen things.
My mom was a well sought after Chef but for some reason I didn’t get her cooking skills. I don’t really like to cook but since I got my air fryer I have been expanding my cooking abilities and enjoying it. I never thought of cooking hot dogs in there, I am going to do it tonight. But, I am also going to try brats. Thanks for the recipe.
How did the brats turn out?
I made the hotdogs in my air fryer, I did 8 dogs following your instructions, they turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing
Hope you’ll be adding more air fryer recipes!!
Thanks for your recipe. I am trying to make new food on Air fryer. I have not made it yet. I hope I’ll prepare it tomorrow.
How do you cook friedchicken
Here’s a hint. If you’re cooking prepackaged foods ( frozen or regular), reduce the instruction temperature by 25 to 50 degrees and the cooking time by roughly 20 percent. Eg: if instructions say 400 degrees for 20 min, air fry at 370 for about 16 min. I hope this helps to make things easier and GOOD FRYING! You’re doing a great job Stephanie!
Thanks for your tip, I will have to give it a try.
Better than grilled.
I would love to find recipes for the air fryer oven
I have two ribeye steaks that are from a package of four. I grilled two and they were tough.how can I cook them in air fryer so they are tender?
This is the only way I do hot dogs and buns now. Even better with some Castleberry hot dog chili and shredded cheese.
I use mine almost everyday. Make tuna melts. Roasted potatoes. Steak. Pork chops. Delicious asparagus. Almost anything. I did try rhubarb crisp but it blew the crisp topping everywhere. Next time will make cobbler instead
Sounds like you really use your air fryer! I need to try tuna melts.
Thanks for the info Stephanie
I have just bought a air fryer and I am very interested in learning how
Brian (ps I am 68 years old x
I’m with you, I use my Air Fryer daily. Steak, Chicken, bacon, sausages, pork chops! Even those terrible gas station sandwiches you buy after getting hammered at the pub are better after sometime in the air fryer. The outside gets crispy and brown while the inside stays moist. i can roast parboiled veggies while my meats rest. That way my lady and I can have a great meal without going to the grill out in Florida heat.
yes! The air fryer was 1 of the best purchases I ever made. I left it in the box for 2 weeks cause I was unsure, but once I opened it….My life has changed. and makes the best french fries and baked potatoes
I am glad you enjoy your air fryer.
We bought an Air Fryer several months ago, but unlike the Instant Pot, we had not totally jumped on the bandwagon and used it as we should except for french fries & vegetable tots which we enjoy. Anyway, we had planned a picnic but that day was cold and rainy. Stayed home and decided to try the hot dogs in the Air Fryer. OM goodness…..these came out crisp and brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Wonderful! Now looking to widen our use of the Air Fryer and find more recipes. Thank you!
It’s easy to jump on the air fryer bandwagon!
I am cooking my hot dogs wrapped in pizza dough in my nuwave air fryer they look just like the ones that come out with a pretzel
That’s next making pretzels
How did you mark them like that with the air fryer?
I think that might be a stock pic of grilled dogs. However, the air fryer does impart a bit of char specks on them, particularly from sitting in the basket. I rotate them halfway through cooking.