This air-fried hot dogs recipe might be the easiest and most delicious way to cook a hot dog. The outside gets perfectly crisp, the inside stays juicy and flavorful, plus you only need hot dogs and buns!

a photo of three hot dogs in buns with the tops scored

I’ll just say it. I love hot dogs. Like, really love them. I’ll choose one over a cheeseburger any day. There’s something about that snap when you bite in, the juicy center, and a soft bun with a little ketchup that just hits every time.

One night, Claire asked for hot dogs for dinner. I almost said we should wait for  grilling  weather, but then I thought about the air fryer. It turned out even better than I expected.

The result? Crisp edges, juicy inside, and those little caramelized bits if you score the top. I’m officially hooked.

What Do I Need to Make Air Fried Hot Dogs?

All you need are hot dogs, buns, and toppings. Seriously, that’s it. Just be sure to use a nice quality, good hot dog. It makes all the difference. And since you’re using an air fryer,  it will be an extra easy cleanup!

How to Make Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer

Get ready for a quick and easy dinner recipe because dinner is going to be on the table in less than 15 minutes! Here are the basic steps:

  1. Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up while you prepare the hot dogs.
  2. Prep & Cook: Lightly score the tops of the hot dogs, then place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes.
  3. Toast: Carefully open the air fryer, tuck each hot dog into a bun, and return them to the basket. Air fry for 1 more minute to warm and lightly toast the buns.
  4. Serve: Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer and load them up with your favorite toppings.

The instructions can be found in more detail in the recipe card at the end of this post.

a photo of a hot dog in a bun and the hot dog is topped with ketchup

Tips for the Best Fried Hot Dogs

  • Choose high-quality hot dogs:
    For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend Nathan’s Famous or Hebrew National hot dogs. They cook up juicy with a great snap.
  • Use a soft, buttery bun:
    Nature’s Own Brioche Buns are my absolute favorite. They’re soft, flavorful, and hold up perfectly when warmed in the air fryer.
  • Warm the buns in the air fryer:
    Toss the buns into the air fryer with the hot dogs during the last minute or two of cooking. It makes a big difference! The warm bun adds that fresh, bakery-style feel.
  • Try toasted buns for extra flavor:
    Want something a little different? Spread a little butter on the inside of each bun and pop them under the broiler for a few minutes until golden. The toasted edges are insanely good.
  • Lightly score the tops of the hot dogs:
    Use a sharp knife to gently score the tops, being careful not to cut too deep. It creates extra texture and helps sauces cling better. Totally optional, but so worth it!
  • Use a liner for easy cleanup:
    A parchment paper or silicone air fryer liner will help keep cleanup quick and painless.
  • Customize your toppings:
    Hot dogs are super versatile. I like mine simple with just ketchup! Hunt’s Natural is my favorite, but feel free to load yours up with whatever you love.

Toppings for Fried Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are one of those dinner recipes that can be simple or as loaded up as you want. Here are some more ideas for hot dog toppings:

Sauces: ketchup, mustard, J.Dawg’s Special Sauce, spicy brown mustard, garlic and herbs aioli, and BBQ sauce

Vegetables: onions, scallions, relish, pickles, banana peppers, sauerkraut, Pickled Red Onions, jalapenos, sautéed bell peppers, radish, coleslaw, and avocado

Other: Chili, bacon bits, celery salt, fried egg, and shredded cheese

a photo take over the top of three hot dogs that have been scored and cooked in an airfryer and they are in buns.

What to Eat with Air-Fried Hot Dogs

Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to eat with hot dogs:

Can I Cook a Frozen Hot Dog in an Air Fryer?

Yes! Frozen hot dogs cook up just great in the air fryer. They just need a little lower temperature and a couple of extra minutes.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
  2. Place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer and cook for 7 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add the buns and let them cook for 1 more minute, or until golden brown, and then add the toppings and enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

Hot dogs on their own store extremely well. I would keep them separate from the toppings and buns for storing, as the buns will start to get soggy. They should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat hot dogs cooked in the air fryer, you’ll want to use the air fryer again for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook for 4-5 minutes.

a photo of three crispy sausages sitting in buns with the tops of the sausages scored.

This fried hot dogs recipe is family friendly, budget friendly, busy schedule friendly, and just simply delicious! If you are looking for an easy air fryer recipe, bust out the air fryer and cook up some fried hot dogs for dinner tonight!

More Hotdog Recipes You’ll Love:

Easiest Air Fryer Hot Dogs

5 from 1 vote
Servings: 8 Hot Dogs
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes

Description

This air-fried hot dog recipe might be the easiest and most delicious way to cook a hot dog. The outside gets perfectly crisp, the inside stays juicy and flavorful!

Ingredients 

  • 8 Hot Dogs
  • 8 Brioche Hot Dog Buns
  • Toppings

Instructions

  • Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  • Slice the hot dogs in a diagonal 3-4 times, and then cook for 6 minutes, turning once.
    8 Hot Dogs
  • Add the bun and cook 1 minute more.
    8 Brioche Hot Dog Buns
  • Add your favorite toppings and eat!
    Toppings

Nutrition

Serving: 1hot dogCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 518mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0.4IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 3mg
Author: Carrian Cheney
Course: Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas

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a photo of three sausages in buns with the tops scored