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My air fryer hot dogs are a quick and easy way to cook this BBQ classic, giving you juicy and slightly crispy dogs every time.
Love grilling classics in the air fryer? Try air fryer hamburgers, air fryer brats, air fryer bacon, and air fryer sausage links.
Making hot dogs in the air fryer was a complete accident on my end. We’d stopped using a microwave, and the grill was already filled with burgers and chicken, so I thought I’d try it in the air fryer.
Friends, this might be controversial, but I think air fryer hot dogs are even better than grilled hot dogs. I can’t believe it has taken me so long to make them this way! Since this fabulous experiment, my family has enjoyed air-fried hot dogs almost weekly!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Incredibly fast and easy. With just 5 minutes of cooking time and minimal clean-up, it doesn’t get simpler than cooking hot dogs this way.
- No mess. Microwave or grilled hot dogs are notorious for splattering and causing a mess, but not by using the air fryer.
- Versatile. I’ll whip up a few air fryer hot dogs when I want a simple yet filling dinner or when the grill is already crowded. When paired with my air fryer onion rings or air fryer French fries, my family think they are in for a treat.
- Fun to customize. Like any classic hot dog, you can jazz them up a plethora of eays. I’ve included plenty of ideas for you below!
Ingredients needed
- Hot dogs. Any store-bought hot dogs will work perfectly for these. I like using jumbo hot dogs, but skinny ones and also skinless ones are fine.
- Hot dog buns. While they aren’t technically necessary, I prefer to serve my hot dogs on buns.
- Toppings. I like to top my dogs with mustard, ketchup, and pickle relish, but feel free to use your favorites!
How to cook hot dogs in an air fryer
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1 – Score. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slits into each hot dog.
Step 2 – Air fry. Arrange the hot dogs in the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes.
Step 3 – Assemble and serve. Place the hot dogs in toasted buns and top with your favorite condiments. Enjoy!
Air fryer favorites to serve
If you own a dual air fryer or want to keep the machine going to make some sides to pair with these hot dogs, try these:
Arman’s recipe tips
- Leave room in the air fryer. I found that cooking the hot dogs in batches gave me the juiciest and crispiest hot dogs. Do not pile the hot dogs on top of each other, or else the outsides won’t crisp up well.
- Line the air fryer. Clean-up in my kitchen just wouldn’t be as easy without my disposable air fryer liners. They work just the same as parchment paper but fit perfectly in the round air fryer basket. If you don’t have these liners, you can use aluminum foil instead.
- Always score the hot dogs. And try to keep the slits even for the best results. You’ll want to slice on a diagonal, making short little slits. 3 to 4 slits per hot dog should be good.
Variations
- Make bacon-wrapped hot dogs. You can elevate this recipe by wrapping each hot dog with a piece of bacon and air frying for an extra 1 to 3 minutes.
- Make them vegan or vegetarian by using vegan hot dogs.
- Top the hot dogs with chili and cheese for chili cheese dogs.
Storage instructions
To store: Place the leftover hot dogs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
Cooking hot dogs from frozen is a great way to save even more time when making this meal. I usually add 4 to 5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re thawed and cooked through.
Preheat the air fryer to 350F and reheat any leftovers for two minutes.
More easy air fryer dinner ideas
- Air fryer turkey burgers
- Air fryer meatballs
- Air fryer chicken parmesan
- Air fryer filet mignon
- Air fryer pizza
- Air fryer chicken tenderloins
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Video
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
Instructions
- Prepare your hot dogs by scoring them on the top with a knife or fork to create vents.
- Place the hot dogs into the basket of your air fryer.
- Air fry the hot dogs for 4 minutes at 195C/390F.
- Place the cooked hotdogs on buns, top with your favorite condiments, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published February, updated and republished November 2024
Thank you for sharing this recipe, family loved it!
So welcome, Mona!
Best air fryer hot dogs recipe EVER!
I didnt know you can prepare hot dogs in airy fryer. I could do it for brother As I dont like hotdogs.
I love air fryer hot dogs! I like to cook mine then place them in the buns and back in the air dryer for a minute or two. Hot slightly crisp buns – yum-o!!
Yum!!! LOVE crispy buns!