Beef hot dogs are a classic picnic and backyard barbecue food that nearly everyone loves. When cooked right they can be juicy plump, and full of flavor. While grilling is the traditional cooking method, using an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to make beef hot dogs too. With an air fryer, you can achieve that coveted crispy exterior and juicy interior in your own home, without having to fire up the grill.
But how long should you cook beef hot dogs in an air fryer for the best results? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from start to finish, to make perfect air fryer beef hot dogs every time
Selecting the Right Beef Hot Dogs
Obviously you’ll want to start with high-quality all-beef hot dogs. Check the ingredients list and aim for hot dogs made with 100% beef and minimal added preservatives or artificial ingredients. Popular brands like Hebrew National Nathan’s Famous, and Ballpark are all good choices.
You can use regular sized hot dogs or go for jumbo dogs – just keep in mind that larger hot dogs may need a minute or two more of cooking time. Definitely don’t use thin or “cocktail” style hot dogs, as these will overcook very quickly.
Preheating is a Must
It’s crucial to preheat your air fryer before cooking hot dogs. Preheating helps the air fryer recover its temperature faster when you add the chilled hot dogs, leading to more even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. This takes around 3-5 minutes depending on your model.
While that preheats, you can prep your hot dogs.
Prepping the Hot Dogs
Many people like to poke holes in hot dogs before cooking them. This prevents “hot dog explosions” from steam buildup inside.
To poke holes, use a skewer or fork and pierce each hot dog 4-5 times on all sides. Try to space the holes evenly for the best results.
You can also score the hot dogs lengthwise. Take a sharp knife and cut 3-4 shallow slits down the length of each hot dog. This will give you extra crispy edges.
Finally, brush both sides of hot dog buns lightly with butter or olive oil. This gives them a perfect golden brown toasted finish.
Cooking Time
Okay, now for the big question – how long should you actually cook beef hot dogs in an air fryer?
The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the size of your hot dogs, but here are general guidelines:
- For regular sized hot dogs, cook at 390°F for 6-7 minutes
- For jumbo hot dogs, cook at 390°F for 7-8 minutes
Regardless of size, always check them at the 5 minute mark and give the basket a shake to ensure the hot dogs cook evenly.
If they need a little longer, continue cooking in 1 minute increments, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer hot dogs every time:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F
- Prep hot dogs with holes/slits and brush buns with oil
- Place hot dogs in air fryer basket without overcrowding
- Cook at 390°F for 6-8 minutes based on size
- Check and shake basket halfway through
- When done, insert hot dogs in buns and cook 1-2 minutes more to toast buns
- Remove from air fryer and add desired toppings
It really is that easy! Just 6-8 minutes gives you plump, juicy hot dogs with crisp exteriors nestled into perfectly toasted buns.
Serving Suggestions
Beef hot dogs wouldn’t be complete without delicious toppings and sides!
For toppings, the classics like ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut are always crowd-pleasers. You can also get creative with chili, cheese, avocado, pineapple salsa, kimchi, or any of your other favorite condiments.
Pair your loaded dogs with sides like oven fries, pasta salad, coleslaw, beans, or fresh summer corn.
You could even take it up a notch with hot dog style mac and cheese, tater tots, or baked beans. The possibilities are endless!
Extra Tips for Air Fryer Hot Dog Success
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Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave space between each hotdog for maximum air circulation. Work in batches for larger quantities.
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Use cooking spray or oil to coat the basket for easier cleanup and prevent sticking.
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Feel free to experiment with higher heat (400°F) for extra crispness, or lower heat (375°F) for a little more juiciness.
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Frozen hot dogs work too – just add 1-2 minutes to the cook time if starting from frozen.
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Allow hot dogs to rest 1 minute before serving for perfectly distributed juices.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in air fryer or microwave as needed.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs vs Other Cooking Methods
Air frying hot dogs has some advantages over other common cooking methods:
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More convenient than grilling – no need to heat up the grill for a quick weeknight meal
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Less messy than pan frying – avoids greasy splatter without compromising on crispy texture
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Faster than baking – gets hot dogs perfectly cooked in just 6-8 minutes
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Lower calorie than deep frying – uses little to no oil for a healthier final product
So if you want quick, easy, and delicious hot dogs with less time and cleanup, an air fryer is clearly the way to go. Ditch the grill, stovetop, and oven – your new favorite way to cook hot dogs is with an air fryer!
The Takeaway
Cooking beef hot dogs in an air fryer takes just 6-8 minutes at 390°F. Preheating, poking holes in the hot dogs, and lightly oiling the buns will ensure you get plump, juicy franks in perfectly toasted buns every time. Top them however you wish and pair with classic sides for an easy meal. Air frying makes enjoying backyard BBQ flavor possible 365 days a year!
Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Before cooking, make slits in each hot dog. You don’t need to do this, but I like to because those little edges get extra crispy and hold the delicious toppings.
- Brush the top of each bun with softened butter. This is totally optional, but I think it adds a bit of flavor and helps the bun toast to a beautiful golden color.
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and no oil is needed.
Store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked air fryer hot dogs in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place the hot dogs in the air fryer set to 350 degrees, for 3 minutes. You can also heat them in the microwave.
How Long And What Temperature To Cook Hot Dogs In The Air Fryer?
Place the hot dogs in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees, and set the timer to 6 minutes. After the hot dogs are done, take them out of the basket, place them in the butter bun, and then place them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to toast.
HOW TO AIR FRY HOT DOGS TO PERFECTION
FAQ
How long does it take to cook beef hot dogs in an air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 400°F and air fry the hot dogs for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are browned as desired. If you preheat the air fryer, it will take slightly less time. Really, you can choose what temperature you like. If you set it slightly lower, the hot dogs will just take a bit longer to cook.
Is it better to boil or air fry hot dogs?
Not only are air fryer hot dogs super quick and mess-free, but you’re also bound to get a superior texture compared to boiling.
How long does it take to cook beef hot dogs?
HEATING RECOMMENDATIONS. Add 1 hot dog to the grill, rolling onto a new side every minute or so, until evenly browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes total.
How long does it take to cook hot dogs in air fryer?
Cooking hot dogs in the air fryer takes a mere 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll be left with perfectly crisp, juicy hot dogs that rival ones hot off the grill. Do you need to flip hot dogs in the air fryer? Because the air fryer circulates hot air all around the food, flipping isn’t crucial, but it can produce a better hot dog.
How many hot dogs can you cook in an air fryer?
Most air fryer baskets can easily accommodate 4 to 6 hot dogs, this depends upon the size of your air fryer. Be sure to place the hot dogs on a single layer without overcrowding them. The hot dogs should not be touched to ensure even cooking. How long do you cook hot dogs in an air fryer?
Should you flip a hot dog in an air fryer?
Because the air fryer circulates hot air all around the food, flipping isn’t crucial, but it can produce a better hot dog. Flipping allows all sides of the hot dog to get close to the heat, resulting in franks that cook more evenly and have a nice crisp skin. Even if you don’t flip your hot dogs, they’ll still taste delicious.
Can You air fry hot dog buns?
If you like your hot dog buns toasted, the air fryer can take care of that too! You can also air fry the beef franks in the buns by simply placing them back to be air fried for another 2 minutes to heat them and crisp them up a little. Just remember if you do want to toast the buns to get ones small enough to fit in your air fryer!
Do air fryer hot dogs have onions & relish?
Air fryer hot dogs are typically served with onions and relish, just like at a ballpark. While we serve our air fryer brats with a beer cheese sauce, that would also be a good option for hot dogs. You don’t have to worry about your hot dogs exploding or splitting in the air fryer, and heating up the buns is optional.
How do you air Fry a hot dog?
Hold a small, sharp knife at an angle into the hot dog, rotating the skewer until the knife runs down the full length of the hot dog. Remove the skewer. Step 3 Working in 2 batches (4 hot dogs a time), air fry the hot dogs, turning them halfway through, until crisp and heated through, 5 to 6 minutes.