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Air Fryer Hot Dogs are faster, easier, and tastier than microwaving or boiling. Learn a simple trick to keep them from splitting and get perfect results every time.
Meggan’s notes
Six-year-old me would be absolutely thrilled to know that one day, I’d become a classically-trained chef who finally mastered the best way to cook a hot dog. Back then, the microwave was my go-to, mostly for the excitement of its occasional explosions. But now, I’ve discovered a better (and safer) way: Air Fryer Hot Dogs that are just as easy, minus the drama.
One of the best tricks for air fryer hot dogs is to score them before cooking. While optional, making a few shallow slashes along each hot dog helps prevent splitting, ensures even cooking, and speeds up the process. Just use a sharp knife and make a few quick cuts before placing them in the air fryer.
We also like to stuff the cooked hotdogs in their buns and put them back in for just a little bit to steam the buns and heat it all the way through. It’s a small step that makes them absolutely ballpark delicious.
At the end of the day, it’s just a hot dog—it’s not rocket science! But after microwaving my fair share, I can confidently say this method is a game-changer. If you’ve ever heard that tiny pop of an exploding hot dog, you’ll appreciate the difference. Pair these dogs with my easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe for the ultimate tailgate or game day meal.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Hot dogs: I choose bun-length hot dogs because they are sold in package of 8, the same as the hot dog buns. Score the hot dogs to keep them from exploding and for a campfire or “off-the-grill” look (optional).
- Buns: For an even crispier bun, brush bun with melted butter before placing the hot dog in the bun and air frying. For a softer bun, opt to microwave the bun 10 to 15 seconds.
- Toppings: Serve with all your favorite toppings like ketchup, homemade mustard, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and onions.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Working in batches, add hot dogs to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each link. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip hot dogs and continue to cook at 400 degrees until toasted and done, about 2 to 4 minutes more. Repeat with remaining hot dogs.
- Place hot dogs into hot dog buns and cook until buns are warm and toasted, 2 minutes more.
- Serve with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite toppings.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 8 hot dogs in buns.
- Storage: While best served immediately, any leftover hot dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Favorite toppings: Serve with ketchup, homemade mustard, or your favorite toppings. Spoon on some of my hot dog chili and top with shredded cheese and minced red onion to make it a meal.
- Favorite sides for Air Fryer Hot Dogs: Potato chips, potato salad, and baked beans are all fun sides for air fryer hot dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preheating isn’t necessary, but it helps cook the hot dogs more evenly and slightly faster. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it—just add an extra minute to the cooking time.
Yes! Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw them first.
Of course! Just make sure to arrange hot dogs in a single layer in your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
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Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 8 bun-length hot dogs scored if desired (see note 1)
- 8 hot dog buns (see note 2)
- Ketchup and mustard, for serving (see note 3)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Working in batches, add hot dogs to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each link. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip hot dogs and continue to cook at 400 degrees until toasted and done, about 2 to 4 minutes more. Repeat with remaining hot dogs.
- Place hot dogs into hot dog buns and cook until buns are warm and toasted, 2 minutes more. Serve with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Hot dogs: I choose bun-length hot dogs because they are sold in package of 8, the same as the hot dog buns. Score the hot dogs to keep them from exploding and for a campfire or “off-the-grill” look (optional).
- Buns: For an even crispier bun, brush bun with melted butter before placing the hot dog in the bun and air frying. For a softer bun, opt to microwave the bun 10 to 15 seconds.
- Toppings: Serve with all your favorite toppings like ketchup, homemade mustard, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and onions.
- Yield: This recipe makes 8 hot dogs in buns.
- Storage: While best served immediately, any leftover hot dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.