Hot dogs are one of those meals that bring back memories of cookouts and carefree summer days. But who says you need a grill to make them amazing?
Air fryer hot dogs are my modern twist on this classic favorite, and they’re so easy it almost feels like cheating.
With just a few minutes and hardly any effort, you can have crispy, juicy hot dogs that taste like they came straight off the grill.
Maybe you’re making dinner for the family or whipping up a quick snack – this recipe makes it simple to enjoy a little comfort food magic any time.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Hot dogs, hot dog buns, ketchup, mustard, and more
- Servings: 4
- Extras: Serve with chips, French fries, tater tots, and anything else you like!
Air Fryer Hot Dogs: A Busy Mom’s Go-To Quick Meals
The first time I made Air Fryer Hot Dogs, I had no clue how they’d turn out.
It was one of those crazy nights—homework everywhere, kids running circles around me, and me just trying to get dinner on the table.
I threw some hot dogs in the air fryer, hoping for the best. A few minutes later, they came out crispy and smelling so good.
The kids loved them and asked for seconds, and I just sat there like, “Why haven’t I done this before?”
It was such an easy win on a night when I really needed one!
Honestly, it’s so easy which is a total win on busy nights!
I start by preheating the air fryer. While the air fryer preheats to 400°F (just a couple of minutes), I like to make shallow little cuts in the hot dogs—just a few diagonal slits to give them that grilled look and help them cook evenly.
Once the air fryer is ready, I put the hot dogs in a row in the basket. I cook them for about 4 minutes, but I make sure to give them a little shake to turn them halfway through so they get evenly browned.
For the last minute or two of cooking, I’ll put the hot dogs in the buns to warm them up and make everything perfectly toasty, just like they’d be at a cookout.
While the hot dogs are finishing cooking, I set out toppings so everyone can put their own toppings on their hot dogs.
Air Fryer Hot Dog Cooking Tips
- Preheat the air fryer: You don’t have to preheat the air but it does help the hot dogs cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Slice the hot dogs: Make a few shallow cuts along the hot dogs to prevent them from bursting and to give them a nice grilled look.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave a little space between the hot dogs so they cook evenly and brown all over.
- Toast the buns with the hot dogs: Place the hot dogs in the buns during the last minute or two of cooking for warm, perfectly toasty buns.
- Skinny or thick hot dogs: Skinny hot dogs cook quicker, so check them early. Thicker ones just need a minute or two more!
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 package Hot dogs
- 1 package Hot dog rolls
- ketchup optional
- mustard optional
- relish optional
- onions optional
- chili optional
- cheese optional
- And More! Try lots of toppings!!
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- While the air fryer preheats, cut a few diagonal slits- a butter knife will do the trick.
- Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, depending on hot crispy you'd like the skin.
- You may want to rotate the hot dogs or shake the basket halfway through to get them crispy on all sides.
- Get the hot dogs out of the air fryer, pop them into their buns, and top them however you like.
- Optional- add the hot dogs back into the air fryer before you put on toppings (except maybe cheese or veggies), and let the buns get a little toasted, too.
Nutrition
Best Hot Dog Toppings
The toppings are where the fun begins! You can go classic with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or get creative and try something new.
My family loves chili cheese dogs—just pile on some warm chili and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
For a tangy kick, sauerkraut and spicy mustard are a perfect combo that gives your hot dog that deli-style flavor.
We’ve even tried a BLT Ranch Dog—topping a hot dog with crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch.
If you’re feeling bold, add some diced onions, jalapeños, or a little BBQ sauce for a kick of flavor. It’s a fun way to mix things up and give your hot dog some extra spice.
Easy Sides For Hot Dogs
When I make air fryer hot dogs, I like to keep the side dishes simple and fun.
French fries or tater tots are always a hit, and they’re so easy to throw in the air fryer while I’m getting everything else ready.
For something lighter, a quick side salad or some fresh veggies with ranch dressing does the trick.
On busy nights, I’ll grab a bag of chips and some fruit—my kids love it, and it saves me time.
For a cookout vibe, baked beans or coleslaw are perfect. It’s such an easy meal, but it always feels like a treat!
Want More Air Fryer Recipes?
If you love how quick and easy it is to make Air Fryer Hot Dogs, you’re going to want to try these recipes next.
Check out The Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer for inspiration, or try some Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes to start your day off right.
And don’t miss Air Fryer Recipes for Every Meal for even more ways to make mealtime easier and more fun!
FAQs
How long should I cook hot dogs in an air fryer?
Hot dogs usually take about 5-6 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them, though—you can always add a minute or two if you like them extra crispy!
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for hot dogs?
It’s not totally necessary, but preheating helps the hot dogs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. If you’re in a hurry, just toss them in—no big deal!
Should I only use skinny hot dogs in the air fryer?
Not at all! The beauty of cooking hot dogs in the air fryer is that it works for all sizes.
Skinny hot dogs will cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them and maybe shave a minute off the cooking time.
Thicker hot dogs, like sausages or jumbo franks, might need an extra minute or two to heat through and get that perfect crisp.
Can you cook frozen hot dogs in the air fryer?
Yep, totally! Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, and you’re good to go.
In many cases, meat shouldn’t go in frozen- but hot dogs are already pre-cooked and will be safe to eat once reheated.
How do I keep my hot dogs from splitting/bursting in the air fryer?
Score the hot dogs with a knife before cooking—this helps them cook evenly without splitting open.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s easy to make and makes everyone at the table happy.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs check all the boxes—they’re fast, fun, and perfect for a no-stress dinner.
Whether you dress them up with all the toppings or keep them simple, this classic meal is sure to be a favorite in your house, just like it is in mine!
