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Quick Air Fryer Hot Dogs

These air fryer hot dogs have completely changed our quick meal game because they come out perfectly browned and slightly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside and what makes them really special is how you can toast the buns right in the air fryer too and even melt cheese on them if you want plus everything is ready in just minutes with basically no cleanup and I love how you can make as many or few as you need and everyone can customize their toppings which makes it perfect for casual family meals or when kids have friends over.

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:26:57 GMT
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A close-up of two hot dogs in buns topped with diced vegetables, cilantro, and drizzled with yellow mustard. Pin it
A close-up of two hot dogs in buns topped with diced vegetables, cilantro, and drizzled with yellow mustard. | alicesrecipes.com

I discovered my Quick Crispy Dogs recipe when my air fryer changed the hot dog game in our house. These beauties come out with the most amazing snap while staying perfectly juicy inside. When sports practice runs late or friends pop over unexpectedly these save dinner time. The best part? They taste even better than grilled but without any of the fuss.

Perfect Every Time

My family cant believe how crispy and delicious these turn out in the air fryer. No more waiting for the grill to heat up or dealing with boiling water. The buns get toasty warm with slightly crisp edges and you can top them any way you like. From start to finish dinner is ready in minutes which makes this busy mom very happy.

What You Need

  • Hot Dogs: Four good quality ones with natural casings give you that perfect snap.
  • Buns: Four fresh soft ones ready for toasting.
  • Oil Spray: Just a light spritz keeps everything from sticking.
  • Toppings: Whatever makes you happy from classic mustard to loaded chili cheese.

Lets Make Magic

Get Ready
Give your air fryer basket a quick spray and set it to 350°F.
Cook Those Dogs
Pop your hot dogs in making sure they have room to crisp up. Five minutes is usually perfect giving them a roll halfway if you like.
Time for Buns
Nestle those hot dogs in their buns and back they go for a quick toast.
Top it Off
Add your favorite toppings while everything is nice and warm.

My Best Tips

Spring for the good hot dogs with natural casings they make such a difference. Dont crowd your air fryer basket or they wont get that perfect crisp. Watch those buns closely while toasting they can go from perfect to too dark in seconds.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I use fancy brioche buns for a special touch. Adding cheese at the end creates the most wonderful melty goodness. My kids love creating their own combinations with everything from bacon to avocado.

Keep Them Fresh

Leftover hot dogs stay good in the fridge for three days. A quick trip through the air fryer brings back that perfect crisp. Always use fresh buns though they make all the difference.

Serving Ideas

We love setting up a little topping station with all the fixings. Some tangy coleslaw on the side makes it feel like a real cookout. Add your favorite chips and an ice cold drink for the perfect casual dinner.

Two hot dogs in soft buns are topped with diced onions, green onions, cilantro, and yellow mustard. Pin it
Two hot dogs in soft buns are topped with diced onions, green onions, cilantro, and yellow mustard. | alicesrecipes.com

What You Need

Your air fryer does most of the work here. Keep tongs handy for handling those hot dogs. A good knife helps prep any special toppings and dont forget your oil sprayer for the basket.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook in batches of 2?
Cooking in small batches ensures proper air circulation and even toasting of the buns. Overcrowding can lead to uneven results.
→ Why are top-cut buns preferred?
Top-cut buns sit more stably in the air fryer basket and hold toppings better. They're less likely to tip over during cooking.
→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is optional for this recipe. The short cooking time means the food will cook properly either way.
→ How do I prevent buns from flying around?
The hot dog helps weigh down the bun. If using cheese, placing it in the bun first adds extra weight before adding the hot dog.
→ Can I cook the hot dogs from frozen?
Yes, but add 2-3 minutes to the initial cooking time. Make sure they're heated through before adding to buns.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Hot dogs cooked to perfection in the air fryer with toasted buns and optional melted cheese. A quick and easy way to make this classic favorite.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
8 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 hot dogs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 hot dogs.
02 4 hot dog buns (top-cut preferred).
03 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional).
04 Nonstick cooking spray.
05 Mustard for serving.
06 Ketchup for serving.
07 Pickles for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray.

Step 02

Air fry hot dogs at 350°F for 5 minutes until glistening and browned.

Step 03

Place hot dogs in buns, air fry 2 at a time for 90 seconds.

Step 04

If using cheese, add slice to bun before dog, air fry 90 seconds until melted.

Step 05

Top with mustard, ketchup, pickles as desired.

Notes

  1. Top-cut buns work best.
  2. Cook in batches of 2.
  3. Preheating optional.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (if using cheese).
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~