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If you want perfectly cooked hot dogs with slightly crispy skins and juicy centers, you have to try making Air Fryer Hot Dogs! They are ridiculously easy, ready in less than 10 minutes, and one of my favorite quick lunches when I don't feel like turning on the grill.

Once you learn how to cook hot dogs in the air fryer, you may never go back to boiling them again.

The best part? You can even toast the buns right in the air fryer!

Whether you're making a quick lunch for the kids, feeding the family on a busy weeknight, or just craving a good old-fashioned hot dog, this simple air fryer method gets them on the table fast.

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are already one of the easiest meals you can make, but the air fryer makes them even better.

The circulating hot air gives the outside of the hot dog that slightly blistered, grilled texture without having to fire up the grill.

Here are a few reasons I love this method:

• Ready in minutes — Dinner or lunch can be on the table in about 10 minutes.
• No grill required — Perfect when it's raining, cold outside, or you simply don't want to mess with the grill.
• Crispy outside and juicy inside — So much better than boiled hot dogs!
• Easy cleanup — There's hardly anything to wash afterward.
• Perfect for small batches — Make one hot dog or enough for the whole family.
• Toasty buns — Pop the buns into the air fryer at the end for an extra special touch.

Ingredients You Need for Air Fryer Hot Dogs

It doesn't get much simpler than this recipe!

For the Hot Dogs

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns

Your Favorite Toppings

This is where you can have some fun. Try:

• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Spicy mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet pickle relish
• Diced onions
• Sauerkraut
• Chili
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickled jalapeños
• Coleslaw

Set everything out and let everyone build their own hot dog.

What Kind of Hot Dogs Work in the Air Fryer?

Pretty much any kind!

You can use classic beef or pork hot dogs, all-beef franks, turkey dogs, chicken hot dogs, or even plant-based hot dogs.

Thicker hot dogs may need an extra minute or two of cooking time, while thinner hot dogs will cook more quickly.

You can also cook them straight from the refrigerator, so there's no need to let them come to room temperature first.

How to Make Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a couple of minutes.

Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little room between each one so the hot air can circulate.

Air fry the hot dogs at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, turning them about halfway through the cooking time.

You'll know they're ready when they're piping hot and the outside has started to brown and blister.

Depending on the size of your hot dogs and your particular air fryer, you may want to cook them another minute for an even crispier exterior.

Should You Cut Slits in Hot Dogs Before Air Frying?

You can, but you don't have to.

I like making a few shallow diagonal slits across the top of each hot dog before putting them into the air fryer.

Don't cut all the way through — you're just scoring the surface.

The little cuts help create more crispy edges as the hot dogs cook. They also give your toppings little places to settle into.

If you prefer a smooth, juicy hot dog, leave them whole. Both methods work great.

Don't Forget to Toast the Buns!

This little extra step makes air fryer hot dogs even better.

Once the hot dogs are cooked, place each one inside a hot dog bun.

Return the hot dogs and buns to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Keep an eye on them because buns toast quickly in an air fryer.

You want them warm and lightly toasted around the edges rather than hard and crunchy.

How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer?

At 400°F, most standard hot dogs will take about 5 to 6 minutes.

For a softer hot dog, check them around 4 minutes.

For those crispy, blistered edges that remind me of hot dogs straight off the grill, let them go for about 6 minutes.

Extra-thick hot dogs or jumbo franks may need 7 to 8 minutes.

Since air fryers can cook a little differently depending on the brand and size, check your hot dogs toward the end of the cooking time.

Can You Air Fry Frozen Hot Dogs?

Yes!

If you forgot to thaw your hot dogs, the air fryer can save the day.

If the frozen hot dogs are stuck together, cook them for about 2 minutes first. Open the basket and carefully separate them.

Then continue cooking at 400°F until they're completely heated through and browned on the outside.

Frozen hot dogs will usually need a few extra minutes compared to refrigerated ones.

How Many Hot Dogs Can You Cook at Once?

That depends on the size of your air fryer basket.

You want the hot dogs arranged in a single layer rather than piled on top of each other.

Most standard basket-style air fryers can easily hold 4 to 6 hot dogs at a time.

If you're cooking for a crowd, work in batches. Since they only take a few minutes, you can get quite a few cooked without spending much time in the kitchen.

Fun Hot Dog Topping Ideas

Of course, there's nothing wrong with mustard and ketchup, but sometimes it's fun to turn a basic hot dog into something extra special.

Chili Cheese Dog

Top your air fryer hot dog with warm chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions.

BBQ Hot Dog

Add barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, crispy fried onions, and a little coleslaw.

Jalapeño Cheese Dog

Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños.

Sauerkraut Dog

Add warm sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard for a simple but delicious combination.

Southern Slaw Dog

Pile on chili, finely diced onions, mustard, and creamy coleslaw.

Loaded Bacon Dog

Wrap the hot dog in bacon before air frying, then top it with cheese, onions, and your favorite condiments. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs will require additional cooking time, so make sure the bacon is fully cooked before serving.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are one of those meals that can be as simple or elaborate as you want.

Serve them with:

• French fries
• Tater tots
• Potato chips
• Onion rings
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Pasta salad
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Fresh fruit
• Pickles

You could even make your side dish in the air fryer before cooking the hot dogs.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Don't overcrowd the basket. Giving the hot dogs a little breathing room allows the hot air to circulate and brown them evenly.

Check them early. Air fryers vary, and smaller hot dogs may cook faster than expected.

Toast those buns. It only takes another minute or two and makes a huge difference.

Add cheese at the end. If you're making cheese dogs, put the cooked hot dog into the bun, sprinkle on the cheese, and return it to the air fryer just until the cheese melts.

Cook to your preferred doneness. If you love really browned hot dogs, give them an extra minute. If you like them softer, pull them out sooner.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover cooked hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

To reheat them, put the hot dogs back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they're heated through.

I recommend storing the hot dogs and buns separately so the buns don't get soggy.

Love air fryer recipes? Check these out

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower