Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Anyone else just absolutely love discovering new ways to use your air fryer?! Today I’m sharing a ridiculously simple recipe for air fried hot dogs, and if you ever find yourself needing to get a kid-friendly dinner on the table in ten minutes (that you know they’re actually going to eat!), then you need this one in your back pocket.
They come out perfectly cooked with crispy edges, juicy centers, and zero grill or stovetop required. Just pop them in, set the timer, and you’re good to go. Perfect for busy weeknights, backyard cookout vibes without the effort, or those “what’s for dinner?” moments when you need something fast and satisfying.
I love mine served in buns with mustard and ketchup, though I’m also sharing some more ideas in case you want to get a little more fancy.
(Be sure to check out more of my favorite air fryer recipes, including air fryer tortilla chips, air fryer potato wedges, air fryer egg and cheese toast, air fryer twisted bacon, air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders, and air fryer banana donut holes!)
Ingredients
If you prefer a printable recipe card, you’ll find one at the bottom of this post!
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Hot dogs: Use your favorite brand — beef, turkey, plant-based — whatever your crew likes. This recipe works with pretty much any kind of hot dog.
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Hot dog buns: Soft, classic buns are great, but you can use brioche, pretzel buns, or even toast up some sandwich rolls. Want extra credit? Pop the buns in the air fryer for the last 1–2 minutes to get them warm and lightly toasted.
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Mustard: Classic yellow or spicy brown — totally up to you. Adds that tangy punch that pairs perfectly with a crispy dog.
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Ketchup: A must for kids (and ketchup lovers). Add as much or as little as you like, or swap it out for BBQ sauce if you’re feeling bold.
How To Make Air Fryer Hot Dogs
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Add the hot dogs to the air fryer: Place your hot dogs in the basket in a single layer — no stacking or overlapping. A little space between each one helps them cook evenly and get that delicious crisp on the outside.
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Air fry ‘em: Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and get golden with crispy edges — just how you want them.
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Serve and enjoy: Pop the hot dogs into buns and add your favorite toppings. Classic ketchup and mustard? Always a good call. Or go wild with relish, onions, or a little shredded cheese.
Serving Ideas
Air fryer hot dogs are perfect for quick lunches, easy weeknight dinners, or low-effort cookout vibes. Serve them with classic sides like potato chips, fries, coleslaw, or baked beans. Want to make it feel like a backyard barbecue without the grill? Add some corn on the cob or a cold pasta salad.
They’re also super kid-friendly — pair them with fruit and veggie sticks for a simple meal that keeps everyone happy. Hosting a crowd? Set up a DIY hot dog bar with toppings like relish, onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or chili and let everyone build their own.
Tips & Variations
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Toast the buns.
For extra flavor and a little crunch, pop the buns into the air fryer for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on them — they toast fast! -
Add cheese.
Want cheesy dogs? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or place a cheese slice inside the bun before adding the hot dog. The heat from the dog will melt it perfectly. -
Make it a chili dog.
Top with warm chili and a handful of shredded cheese for a hearty, diner-style upgrade. -
Switch up the dogs.
This recipe works with beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based hot dogs — whatever you’ve got in the fridge. -
Cut slits for extra crisp.
Score your hot dogs with a few shallow diagonal cuts before cooking. It helps them crisp up and adds that classic look.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Mustard optional
- Ketchup optional
Instructions
- Add the hot dogs to the air fryer: Place your hot dogs in the basket in a single layer — no stacking or overlapping. A little space between each one helps them cook evenly and get that delicious crisp on the outside.
- Air fry ‘em: Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and get golden with crispy edges — just how you want them.
- Serve and enjoy: Pop the hot dogs into buns and add your favorite toppings. Classic ketchup and mustard? Always a good call. Or go wild with relish, onions, or a little shredded cheese.
Air fryer hot dogs are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — fast, fuss-free, and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, making a quick lunch, or just craving something classic without the grill, this one’s got you covered. Keep it simple or load them up with toppings — either way, they disappear fast. Let me know how you serve yours!
