Air Fryer Hot Dogs are the next big thing this summer! They taste just as good as grilled hot dogs and this recipe takes half the time. It makes for a perfect quick and easy dinner.

Learn how to make deliciously cooked hot dogs using an air fryer, every time.
Are air fryer hot dogs good? Yes! This has become a go-to recipe for our family because it really is that quick and easy. We never use the microwave anymore and they are just as good as the grill. You can even air fry them from frozen!
Using the air fryer has become the norm in our house. We use it almost every day to reheat leftovers or cook a side dish or meal. Some of my family's favorite recipes include Air Fryer smore's, Air Fryer Salmon Bites, Air Fryer Tacos, and Air Fryer Biscuits.
Looking for more tips and tricks. We've made an Air Fryer Guide and How to for all your air fryer needs and recipes.
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Ingredients
This recipe is quick and easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. We've got the best tips to have the best tasting dogs.

- Hot Dogs- We love using high-quality beef franks. You also can use turkey dogs, or pre-cooked brats for this recipe. We used Nathan's Hot Dogs while recipe testing.
- Hot Dog Buns- Try to get hot dog buns that match the length of your hot dogs. It's nice to have an even balance of meat to bread ratio.
- Toppings- Make sure to serve the dogs with your favorite hot dog toppings like ketchup, mustard, diced onion, sour kraut, and relish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How long to cook hot dogs in the air fryer
Making this kid-friendly recipe is easy! Follow these step-by-step process photos for the best results.

Start by scouring the hot dogs with 3 shallow, diagonal cut marks across the top. After testing, this helped cook the dogs evenly and prevents them from exploding.

Place the hot dogs evenly in the air fryer basket. No need to spray it! Cook for 4-6 minutes at 400° F.

When the dogs are done, place the buns in the air fryer to toast. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn. It goes fast!

Place the cooked hot dogs in the toasted buns. Top with your favorite hot dog toppings and enjoy!
Hint: The time and temperature may vary depending on which type of air fryer you own. We used a Ninja Foodi Pro for this recipe.
Substitutions
- With cheese- After air frying, place the hot dog in the bun, then return to the air fryer. Sprinkle cheese on top and air fry for one minute, or until cheese is melted.
- With bacon- Wrap the uncooked hot dog with raw bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy on the outside. About 6-8 minutes.
- Frozen- Frozen hot dogs can be cooked in the air fryer. Make sure to adjust the cooking time to around 6-8 minutes depending on how thick it is. Flip the hot dog halfway through the cook time.
How to serve
Some of our favorite ways to air fry a hot dog is to make it bacon wrapped, or topped with chili cheese. They are both fun and unique ways to have an American hot dog!
Make this a 4th of July to remember by serving with some of our favorite backyard bbq side dishes. Try serving with these fun Corn Ribs, Broccoli Salad, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
Learn From Us
Have you ever cooked a hot dog and it exploded on you? Us too! After testing different methods of cooking and cook times we found the best way to prevent a food explosion is to make 3 diagonal slits across the top of the hot dog. It also gives it a fun professional look. Make sure not to cut too deep, these are shallow cuts.
Storing Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Store cooked leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, warm them up in the air fryer again or the microwave.
If you happen to make too many, you can always cool and freeze the cooked hot dogs. To reheat thaw and air fry, or air fry straight from the freezer. They may be a little dry when you reheat them.

Top tip
Don't air fryer the hot dog and the hot dog bun together in the air fryer. Especially don't cook the hot dog in the hot dog bun. The bun will either burn, or it will become soggy from the hot dog juices.
FAQ
Hot dogs cook in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes depending on the type of air fryer you have. Some air fryers may take longer to cook, or need a shorter cook time. The first time you try an air fryer recipe, it's important to check your food every couple of minutes to make sure it isn't burning.
We recommend cooking a hot dog at 400° F in the air fryer. Remember air fryers are like ovens, they need to preheat before using. If you put your food in too early, food will cook unevenly and may burn.
Yes, you can cook hot dogs and french fries together in an air fryer. The size of your air fryer will limit how many hot dogs and fries you can cook at once. Hot dogs and french fries don't take long to cook so we recommend cooking them separately so the juices of the hot dogs don't make the fries soggy.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are our favorite dishes to serve with Hot Dogs in Air Fryer:
Recipe

Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400° F.
- Open buns slightly and air fryer for 2 minutes. Remove and set to the side.
- Slice slits into the hot dogs then place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until sizzling and hot.
Notes
- Whatever form your bun is in, is the form it will take while in the air fryer. We like to open ours slightly.
- It is important to cut slits into the hot dogs to keep them from exploding and making a mess all over your air fryer
- There is no need to grease the air fryer basket before making hot dogs.
- We liked the buns air fried first as opposed to sticking the air fried hot dogs in the buns then air frying them together. We found while testing this recipe that the hot dogs made the buns a little soggy and soft this way. For crisp, toasty buns, we recommend air frying them separately.
- Our taste testers all agreed that air fried hot dogs tasted just as good as when they are made on the grill!
- All air fryers are not created equal. These hot dogs were made in a Ninja Foodi XL grill air fryer. Times and temperatures may vary.
Andrea says
My family all agrees that air fryer hot dogs are just as good as grilled hot dogs! And so much easier!!!