The Best Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs

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Juicy hot dogs are a favorite meal the whole family can enjoy. And the ultimate way to get them is using your air fryer! Not only will you get the perfect hot dog, you'll get crispy buns too. This recipe is a game changer!

prepared hot dogs with condiments on the side

Highlights

Quick - the quick and easy way to get the best hot dogs is the air fryer cooking method. In just 6 minutes cooking time, you'll get a delicious hot dog that will be the envy of backyard cooks!

Crispy hot dog, crunchy bun - not only can you use the air fryer for your hot dogs, you can cook the buns in there too. These air fryer hot dogs will have a crispy skin with a nice snap.

Kid-friendly - air frying is excellent because it cooks quickly, making this recipe perfect for cooking with kids. It's the best way to get some help in the kitchen. Your family will be happy prepare and eat this delicious meal together.

Weeknight meal that's great any time of the year - a good hot dog can be enjoyed anytime. You don't need to wait for grilling season.

Key ingredients

Hot dogs - you can use your favorite brand of hot dogs for this recipe. Some good ones to try are Nathan's, Ball Park, and Hebrew National beef franks.

Hot Dog Buns - you can use a regular bun or something more dense. If you are watching your carbs, you don't need to use a bun at all. You can slice and serve your hot dogs bun-less with your favorite dipping sauce or smothered in chili and cheese.

Instructions

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 390 F. Cut little slits in the hot dogs to allow steam to escape.

Step Two: Place hot dogs in the air fryer basket, evenly spaced in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray if using lower-fat hot dogs, if desired. Then, cook the hot dogs for 6 to 7 minutes or until desired doneness.

uncooked hot dogs in air fryer basket — Evenly space hot dogs

cooked hot dogs in air fryer basket — Evenly space hot dogs

Optional Step Three: Put hot dogs in buns and place back in the air fryer. Cook for about one minute, depending on the kind of bun you have. Denser hot dog buns, like sausage rolls, may need a minute more.

To make cheese dogs - top with cheese after placing in buns and cook until melted.

Step Four: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Top tips

Air fryers time and temperature vary depending on the size of your air fryer.

Be sure to make small slits in the hot dogs so steam will escape.

If you're unsure about how much time you need, open the air fryer and check your dogs!

Cook as many hog dogs as you need, just be sure you don't over crowd the air fryer basket.

I get perfectly cooked air fryer hot dogs with the following equipment:

I use the Cosori Pro Gen 5.8 QT for all my air fryer recipes. It's perfect for 4 to 6 people. I also use these Cosori Air Fryer Accessories and these Air Fryer Liners for easier clean up.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great options to serve with your air fryer hot dogs!

Make a hot dog bar by setting out everyone's favorite condiments and side dishes. Great for a fun, easy dinner or parties and get togethers!

Check out all my side dishes for more great ideas.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate any leftover hot dogs in a shallow airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Your leftover cooked hotdogs will freeze well and maintain their flavor in the freezer for up to four months. Just make sure to store them in airtight freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat from refrigerated: you can cover your hotdogs and heat them in the microwave until warmed through. However, if you want to prevent them from exploding a bit, you can heat them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 325 degrees F oven until heated through.

To reheat from frozen: I do not recommend reheating your hotdogs from frozen. It is best to let them completely thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.

Always use your meat thermometer to be sure your meat is warmed to the safe temperature of 165 degrees F.

Common questions

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

With this Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe, it only takes 6-7 minutes to cook them completely. You can also air fry your hot dog buns for about a minute as well.

Will hot dogs explode in an air fryer?

No, they shouldn't. You do need cut little slits in your hot dogs before air frying though which also helps to prevent exploding by hot allowing steam to be released.

Do you preheat the air fryer for hot dogs?

Preheating allows foods to cook more quickly and evenly and at a safe temperature. If you don't pre-heat, you will likely have to cook your hot dogs longer.

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