Best Damn Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Hot Dogs

As you sink your teeth into Air Fryer Hot Dogs, the sensation of breaking through the thin, crispy hot dog’s skin to reveal the tender and juicy meat inside is an experience all its own. It’s like cracking the caramelized sugar shell of Creme Brulee. The journey from crispy exterior to juicy tender interior is worth taking, and one you won’t soon forget!

Cooking in an air fryer has become a staple in my family’s kitchen. While we love indulging in air-fried hot dogs, we also enjoy trying new dishes and experimenting with different recipes. May I recommend some of our favorite dishes like Crispy Sweet Potato wedges, Chili Chicken wings, or Pasta chips?

My family’s latest obsession is the air fryer hot dog. Why settle for a soggy and microwaved hot dog when hot dogs in air fryer have an ideal texture of crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside – without any of the greasy mess or added calories of traditional frying? My kids keep it simple with ketchup and mustard topping. I love my dogs topped with Caramelized Onions or Onions and Mushrooms and cheese. I love to pair them with toasted buns for the ultimate flavor and texture combination.

Ingredients

The first step to mastering air fryer hot dogs is to choose the right kind of hot dogs. Not all hot dogs are created equal, and the choice you make can make a big difference in the final product.

Beef, Pork, or Chicken?

When it comes to hot dogs, you have several options—beef, pork, chicken, or even plant-based. Beef hot dogs are often the most flavorful, but pork can also offer a rich taste. Chicken or Turkey hot dogs are generally leaner and a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Natural vs. Artificial Castings

Hot dogs come in two types of casings—natural and artificial. Natural casings provide that satisfying snap when you bite into them, while artificial casings can sometimes be a bit rubbery. If you can, always opt for natural casings for the best experience.

Spices and Additives

Pay attention to the ingredients listed on the package. Some hot dogs are loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives, which can affect both taste and health. Look for minimally processed and uncured hot dog brands that use natural spices and minimal additives.

How to Make Hot Dogs in Air Fryer

• Thaw. If your hot dogs are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before air frying. This ensures even cooking. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Poke holes or make a few diagonal cuts along each hot dog. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from bursting.  This technique will create perfectly charred edges on your hot dogs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (195°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking hot dogs evenly. Most air fryers will take 2 to 5 minutes to preheat.
• Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray and place your hot dogs in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; this ensures that air circulates properly, cooking each hot dog evenly.
• Air fry the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket or turn the hot dogs to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Toast the Bun

To truly complement the flavors of your air-fried hot dog, you need a bun that’s just as delicious and well-crafted.

Look for buns that are fresh and soft. Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness, while potato buns offer a soft, pillowy texture. Whole grain or multigrain buns are great for a healthier option.

Yes, you can toast your buns in the air fryer too! After cooking the hot dogs, place the buns in the air fryer for about 1-2 minutes at the same temperature. This gives them a nice, crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the hot dog.

Tip: Lightly butter (or mayo) on the inside of the buns before toasting, (picture 1 below). This adds a delicious richness that elevates the entire hot dog experience.

Toppings Suggestions

You can never go wrong with the classics—ketchup, mustard, and relish. Or top your hot dog with Air Fryer caramelized onions, Air Fryer Sautéed Mushrooms, or cheese. Pop back in the air fryer for an extra 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges get charred. It’s the perfect finishing touch to take your air fryer hot dogs to the next level.

How Many Hot Dogs Can I Cook in the Air Fryer at Once?

You can cook as little as one or two, or up to 8-12 hot dogs at once, depending on the size of your air fryer. My Ninja 6-in-1 can comfortably fit 6 to 10 hot dogs at once. Although Ninja says that it can cook up to 24 hot dogs, I did not try that many at once yet.

And since hot dogs cook quickly in the air fryer, you can make them in batches.

May I Recommend Serving Hot Dogs with

Potato salad – The creamy dressing and chunks of potatoes complement the savory flavor of the hot dogs perfectly.

Coleslaw, baked beans, creamy cucumber radish salad, and corn on the cob. 

You can also keep it simple with air-fried potato chips or French fries.

What to do with Leftover Hot Dogs and Buns?

Slice leftover hot dogs and toss them in a salad, use them in a stir-fry, topping for Low-carb Pizza Crust, or chop them up and scramble them with eggs for breakfast. Wrap hot dogs in puff pastry and make Air-fryer Pigs in a Blanket or create a delicious Air Fryer Hot Dog Melt. This recipe transforms a classic hot dog into a cheesy, melty, and delicious version that you’ll want to make over and over again.

Turn leftover hot dog buns into French toast, using them as the bread base for a rich and satisfying breakfast treat. Or repurpose them into homemade Air Fryer Croutons by cutting them into small pieces, tossing them with olive oil and spices, and baking them in the air fryer until crispy.

Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 390F. 

More Easy Air Fryer Appetizers You’ll Love

• Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
• Crispy Potato Jalapeno Balls rolled in Panko
• 4-Ingredient Cheese Scones
• Yorkshire Pudding in the Air fryer

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