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When that hot dog craving hits, nothing satisfies faster—or tastier—than these crispy, juicy Air Fryer Hot Dogs. I’ve made them more times than I can count (because my family always asks for them), and let me tell you—they’re the easiest way to bring that ballpark flavor right into your kitchen, no grill required!
This recipe was born on one of those classic Florida days—everyone came over for an impromptu swim party and hot dogs were on the menu. Well, wouldn’t you know it? We went to fire up the grill… and yep, no propane!
Now my sweet hubby grew up on boiled hot dogs (bless it), but that’s a hard nope for me. So I grabbed my trusty air fryer—because if it can crisp up fries and toast like a champ, why not hot dogs?
Y’all… these were perfection. That juicy, ballpark-style center with the snappy, crispy outside you’d swear came off the grill? Total game-changer. And let’s be honest—living in Florida, where a rain shower can ruin an outdoor BBQ in a flash, it’s a good thing we’ve got an indoor backup that tastes this good!
Honestly, ever since that day, my husband’s convinced there’s no reason to grill them anymore—we’ve probably made them a thousand times since… because they’re just that amazing!
Why You’ll Love these Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Delicious Flavor! Air Fryer Hot Dogs come out perfectly each time! Just the right amount of crispy on the outside, while juicy on the inside. Ballpark-style hot dogs = the perfect hot dog taste!
- Easy and Fast! Grilled hot dogs are so incredibly scrumptious, but you don’t always have the time for that. Air fryer hot dogs give you a grilled-like flavor you can make indoors and in a flash! If you love a nice bite of a hot dog and don’t want to heat up the grill, the air fryer hot dog is the best way to go!
- No need to preheat the air fryer, and no oil is required! That means it’s easy to make and easy to clean up, too! HOT DOGS THE EASY WAY!
Much like grilling, Air Fryer Hot Dogs need very little cleanup. You simply toss the basket into the dishwasher! That is it; it takes more effort to clean a grill before and after you use it.
And honestly, isn’t that one of the main reasons for easy hot dog meals, besides the all-American flavor? They are a grab-and-go, and you can prepare and take them with you just about anywhere and anytime. And, most everyone loves a scrumptiously cooked hot dog!
Hot Dog Air Fryer Ingredients
- Hot Dogs: Choose the kind you and your family like the most. I love using a bun length all-beef, nitrate-free hot dog.
- Hot Dog Bun: There are so many options from a traditional hot dog bun to brioche buns, potato buns, or a pretzel bun.
- Butter: Softened Butter is optional and makes the bun extra tasty as well as toasty!
- Favorite Toppings: The sky is the limit. Pick your favorite condiments and toppings
How to Make The Best Air Fry Hot Dog Recipe
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prepare Air Fryer Hot Dog
Before cooking the hot dog place the hot dogs on a plate or cutting board and make small slits on one side of each hot dog. This will help the hot dog to crisp and also prevent it from bursting when cooking.
For extra crispy hot dogs, you can do this on two opposite sides.
Step 2 | Air Fry Hot Dogs
Place the hot dogs in the Air Fryer and cook at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes.
I have found that when cooking at this temperature, there really is no need to preheat the air fryer. That is a bonus, y’all!
After cooking to your desired doneness, remove hot dogs from the air fryer.
Step 3| Use the Air Fryer to Toast the Hot Dog Buns
Put hot dogs in a bun and return to the air fryer for 2 to 3 additional minutes for a nice crunchy bun – yes, put them in together! Only put as many as will fit in the air fryer in one layer with room around the buns to allow for air circulation.
I like to spread a little softened butter on each bun for additional flavor and to help achieve a golden color when cooking. Makes the perfect crispy buns!
If you aren’t going to crisp your hot dog buns and you like a nice charred hot dog, you may need to extend the cooking time in the previous step.
Note: If you want to toast a bun without the hot dog, the bread can tend to fly around in the air fryer. You can place a trivet on top to hold them in place. *Placing the hot dog in the bun will prevent this from happening, and that extra minute or two of cooking doesn’t overcook the hot dog.
Step 4 | Top and Enjoy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Simply remove the hot dogs from the air fryer, garnish, and enjoy!
There are so many ways to top your hot dog! Each person has their favorite toppings and favorite combinations for the perfect hot dog. So your way is the best way to enjoy it!
Tips
- This recipe easily scales up or down. You can make one hot dog or as many as will fit into your air fryer without changing the cooking times or method. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Be sure to leave room around the hot dogs for hot air to circulate. Also, do not stack the hot dogs; leave them in one layer. This will help cook evenly and give that crisp texture you are trying to achieve.
- There are many varieties, sizes, and thicknesses of hot dogs, just as there are a variety of air fryers. Some may take slightly less time, while others may take longer. Keep an eye out the first time you make them in order to determine the correct cook time for the size of your air fryer and the type of hot dog you will be using.
Just look at how golden-delish those toasted hot dogs buns look? My daddy always said the perfect hot dog is one where the juices and toppings run down your hands. Now that sounds like a challenge!
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Air Fryer Hot Dog Serving Suggestions
Like I have said, your hot dog is the ultimate hot dog! So choose your toppings and really go for it. Here are a few ideas to get you started creating a grocery list for the next time you make these delicious dogs.
- ketchup and mustard (some even like mayo)
- chopped onions: red, yellow, or white
- pickle relish (sweet or dill) or chow chow
- cole slaw
- baked beans
- shredded cheese or nacho cheese
- pickled jalapenos or diced chilies
- BBQ sauce – adds a nice smoky flavor!
These juicy hot dogs are excellent for a hot dog bar. All you need are condiments and maybe some hot dog chili sauce! These are perfect for a party or even an easy easy dinner (let the whole family make their own)!
Sides to Serve with Hot Dogs
Try these fantastic side dish recipes to go along with your hot dogs in the air fryer.
How to Store Air Fryer Hot Dogs
The nice thing about this recipe is that you can make just the right amount needed, so you don’t have leftovers. But in case you do, here’s how to store them.
Storage:
Once room temperature, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container, and store leftover hot dogs in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat in the air fryer for a minute or two at 360°F. You can also reheat them in the microwave on a microwave-safe dish. Start with 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add 20-second intervals until heated to your liking.
Note: Buns can tend to harden more when recooking them. If you would like the bread to be fresh you can add a new bun when ready to eat and store hot dogs separately.
Hot Dogs Air Fryer FAQs
I prefer an all-beef, nitrate-free hot dog like Nathan’s or Hebrew National Beef Franks as they contain fewer preservatives.
There are so many varieties you can find in the meat section of your local grocery store, from beef and chicken dogs, to some with cheese in the middle. There are even plant-based veggie hot dogs or tofurkey dogs you can try.
The best hot dog is the one you and your family enjoy the most!
You can cook frozen hot dogs in the air fryer. Remove from the freezer and place slits in the hot dogs, then air fry for 7 to 9 minutes or until cooked through.
You can also thaw (defrost) the hot dogs in a microwave for 30 to 60 seconds before cooking. Then proceed with recipe instructions. Thawing first will result in more even cooking.
Not all hot dogs are gluten-free. It is important to check the labels. To make this gluten-free, be sure to check your packaging and buy gluten-free hot dog buns as well.
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Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- 4 hot dog buns
- softened butter, optional
- favorite hot dog toppings
Instructions
- Score hot dogs with a knife by slicing diagonally 6 to 10 times about ⅛ to ¼ inch deep on one side of the hot dog. For extra crispy hot dogs, you can do this on two opposite sides.
- Place the hot dogs in the Air Fryer and cook at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes. After cooked to your desired doneness, remove hot dogs from the air fryer.
- Place hot dogs in a bun and return to the air fryer for 2 to 3 more minutes to toast the bun (only put as many as will fit in the air fryer in one layer with room around the buns to allow for air circulation. You may spread softened butter on each bun for additional flavor and to help achieve a golden color when cooking
- At the end of cooking time, carefully remove hot dogs from the air fryer basket and serve with your favorite hot dog toppings.
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Notes
- This recipe easily scales up or down. You can make one hot dog or as many that will fit into your air fryer without changing the cooking times or method. If you have a smaller air fryer you may need to cook in batches.
- Be sure to leave room around the hot dogs for hot air to circulate. Also, do not stack the hot dogs, leave them in one layer. This will help cook evenly and give that crisp texture you are trying to achieve.
- There are many varieties, sizes, and thicknesses of hot dogs, just as there are a variety of air fryers. Some may take slightly less time, while others may take longer. Keep an eye out the first time you make them in order to determine the correct cook time for the size of your air fryer and the type of hot dog you will be using.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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