Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Making a few hot dogs for a quick meal? Reach for your air fryer! Great for kids’ lunches and easy to upgrade for grownups.

A Plate of Air Fryer Hot Dog in a Bun Topped with Mustard and a Side of Pickles. Next to It Is the Air Fryer Basin with Another Hot Dog in a Bun and a Bowl of Pretzels.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Generally, I make hot dogs one of two ways. I either grill the hot dogs if I happen to be grilling season or I will boil the hot dogs for the kids. The concept of air frying hot dogs was new to me, but I must admit that it was immediately added to my list of ways to quickly make hot dogs. 

I’m not one to air fry everything in the kitchen, but the technology is really cool and if you are looking make a meal in a limited amount of time, it’s a great kitchen tool. 

I was shocked at how my air fryer hot dogs turned out and they have since become my #1 way to make hot dogs that isn’t on the grill. My kids liked them even more than grilled hot dogs because there is no char element to them, which some kids don’t love. 

The finished hot dogs end up a little crispy on the exterior with a nice snap to them and stay very juicy on the inside. Most importantly, they are ready in no time! I’m talking 5 minutes maximum.

A Plate of Air Fryer Hot Dog in a Bun Topped with Mustard and a Side of Pickles and Pretzels. Next to It Is the Air Fryer Basin with Another Hot Dog in a Bun and a Bowl of Pretzels.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

My Favorite Hot Dogs for Home Cooks

Before we dive into the air fryer method for hot dogs, I think it’s important to spend some time on the different brands of hot dogs on the market. While you can absolutely air fry any hot dog you have, I prefer to purchase all-beef hot dogs in a natural casing which will crisp up slightly in the air fryer. 

When it comes to brands, I tend to purchase either Hebrew National or Nathan's Famous. 

How to Air Fry Hot Dogs

It doesn’t get much easier than air frying hot dogs. I do recommend spraying the basket with some nonstick spray just to make sure there is no sticking (especially if you are toasting the buns as detailed below). 

There is no need to flip the hot dogs or anything as they air fry—they will cook evenly. 

I recommend cooking them at 350˚F for about 5 minutes and they will be steaming hot and ready to serve! 

Air Fryer Hot Dog in a Bun on a Plate with Mustard Drizzled on Top and a Side of Pickles and Pretzels

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Toasting Buns in the Air Fryer

This is a bonus step that I find completely fun and delicious. I love a toasted bun with my hot dogs and the air fryer makes this an easy add-on step. Once you have air-fried your hot dogs, add the hot dogs to the buns and place the entire thing back in the air fryer. You might only be able to fit 2 at a time, but the bread toasts quickly.

Turn on your air fryer for just 90 seconds and it will perfectly toast the bun around the hot dog! 

Simple Tip!

Add a slice of cheese between the hot dog and the bun and when you air fry it, the cheese gets melted and is SO delicious. This is definitely my new preferred cheesy dog situation. 

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Topping options are many! You can check out my cheesy baked hot dog ideas for some fun suggestions that would work just swell on these hot dogs. 

If you are looking for a side dish that isn’t just a bag of chips, I love the idea of serving these hot dogs with some homemade creamed corn or even this cheesy cauliflower dish!

A Plate of Air Fryer Hot Dog in a Bun Topped with Mustard and a Side of Pickles and Pretzels. Next to It Is the Air Fryer Basin with Another Hot Dog in a Bun and a Bowl of Pretzels.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Try These Hot Dog Recipes!

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 12 mins
Servings 2 servings
Yield 4 hot dogs

Although it is not required, you can preheat your air fryer following the instruction manual.

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray

  • 4 hot dogs

  • 4 hot dog buns (top cut is best)

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, optional

For serving

  • Mustard

  • Ketchup

  • Pickles

Method

  1. Spray the basket of an air fryer with nonstick spray.
  2. Air fry the hot dogs:

    Add your 4 hot dogs to the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each hot dog. 

    Air fry at 350˚F for 5 minutes. When the hot dogs are done, they should be glistening hot and slightly browned in spots.

    Hot Dogs in Air Fryer for Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

    Air Fried Hot Dogs in Air Fryer Basin

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

  3. Toast the buns in the air fryer: 

    Remove hot dogs from air fryer basket using tongs or a fork and place each hot dog in a bun. 

    Tip Box

    I prefer top-cut buns for this recipe.  The buns stand up easier for better toasting.

    Place 2 assembled hot dogs in the air fryer and cook for 90 seconds to toast the bun. The finished toasted bun will have a light toast on it and be slightly crispy on the edges.

    If you are adding cheese to your hot dogs—add a slice of cheese in the middle each bun and top with hot dog. Air fry for 90 seconds and cheese will be melted, and the buns toasted.

    Repeat with remaining hot dogs.

    Hot Dogs in Buns in Air Fryer

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

    Air Fried Hot Dogs in Buns

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

  4. To serve: 

    Serve hot dogs immediately topped with your favorite hot dog toppings including mustard, ketchup, and pickles.  

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below! 

    A Plate of Air Fryer Hot Dog in a Bun Topped with Mustard and a Side of Pickles and Pretzels. Next to It Is the Air Fryer Basin with Another Hot Dog in a Bun and a Bowl of Pretzels.

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
760 Calories
40g Fat
71g Carbs
27g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 760
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 40g 52%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 70mg 23%
Sodium 1919mg 83%
Total Carbohydrate 71g 26%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 27g
Vitamin C 2mg 12%
Calcium 251mg 19%
Iron 6mg 34%
Potassium 516mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.