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I’ve tested these air fryer hot dogs more than 100 times in air fryer baskets and air fryer ovens and they always come out perfect. Why so much? My kids keep asking for them!

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Quick and Easy Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipe

The first time I made air fryer hot dogs was actually a mistake. My husband went to put them on the grill and he realized our grill had run out of propane.

Our kids were hungry, so I threw them in the air fryer. Turns out when you air fry a hot dog, it tastes even better than grilling! Since then we’ve never grilled a hot dog and only eat them when they’re air fried.

My daughter absolutely loves hot dogs, so I’ve literally made this recipe more than a hundred times in the past few years because she requests it so much.

There’s just something about the skin, texture, and juiciness of the hot dog that the grill doesn’t replicate for us, so we’re obsessed!

I pair them with my french fries, corn on the cob, and watermelon salad recipes for a full everyday meal!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Hot dogs — I’ve used skinny hot dogs such as Ball Park and jumbo hot dogs
Hot dog buns — optional, but I love them

How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.

STEP TWO: Place the hot dogs inside the air fryer in a single layer not touching and cook them for 4 minutes.

STEP THREE: Place the hot dogs in a bun and air fry for another 1-2 minutes until the bun is slightly toasty (optional, but one of my favorite parts).

tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Cook the hot dogs in a preheated air fryer for even cooking
Cut slits in a diagonal line on the air fry hot dogs to look like they came off the grill — though this is not needed for even cooking. It’s just for aesthetics.
Use a silicone air fryer liner for an easy cleanup
Do not use parchment paper or foil unless your air fryer will be full of hot dogs. They are not big or heavy enough to hold them down.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
If you preferred a lesser browned hot dog, cook them at 380 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Hot Dog Variations

Use a vegan hot dog instead of the normal beef kind.
Use a turkey, chicken, or pork hot dog per your preference.
Add some BBQ sauce to the hot dogs to make an air fryer version of my BBQ hot dogs.
Top the hot dogs with chili and cheese to make a delicious chili cheese dog!
Wrap them in bacon for an extra bit of salty and savory flavor.

What to serve with Air Fryer Hot Dogs

I love to serve my hot dogs with some side dishes like baked beans, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad on a normal weeknight.

If I’m hosting a barbecue or party with some friends, I will also make some cucumber salad, potato salad, and pasta salad to go alongside them.

My Favorite Toppings For Hot Dogs

My kids love a ton of ketchup on their hot dogs, but I like to switch it up with other fun toppings and condiments such as relish, roasted peppers and onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, habanero mango salsa, buffalo sauce with blue cheese, and my current favorite — coleslaw.

Cooking Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer FAQs

How long to cook Hot Dogs in Air Fryer

Skinny hot dogs, like Ball Park or Nathan’s beef franks, will cook in 4 minutes.

Thicker hot dogs, like our local Zwiegles, or jumbo hot dogs can take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Holding an air fryer hot inside bun in hand

How to cook frozen Hot Dogs in The Air Fryer

I’ve had to cook hot dogs from frozen in a pinch on those busy nights. Just cook them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes until warmed thoroughly.

How to Reheat Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

Reheat any leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed.

More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Ideas