Air fryer hot dogs (or chili dogs) are the perfect quick dinner idea our whole family loves! Here is how long to air fry hot dogs in buns so they are juicy and plump. With Hebrew National or Oscar Mayer we even share how to cook frozen hot dogs too.
Looking to make plain wieners or chili dogs for dinner tonight??!! Well we perfected how to keep the meat juicy but with a crispy bun lathered with chili, cheese and onions if you want. It is a great throw together meal that the kids ask for these air fryer recipes all the time after school.
We are all about easy family meals for those busy nights when you only have about 20 minutes to prepare and cook something. And if you’re wondering, can you air fry hot dogs? The answer is yes! Air frying hot dogs is a quick and delicious option that fits perfectly into our family-friendly meals. We started with making Instant Pot hot dogs which are great but not crispy at all.
Ninja Foodi Hot Dogs
When it comes to dogs we love them crispy on the outside, that’s the benefit of air fryers. Now that we have a Ninja Foodi we can pressure cook them but using the air fryer function makes them even better!
Tips: My Favorite models are the Cosori or making Ninja Foodi recipes with the lid that is attached.
It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. This is how to preheat air fryer first before adding your food so it becomes as crispy as possible. For best results, here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
Hot Dogs in Air Fryer No Bun
There is no need for the bread if you don’t want it. If you do you can toast them after the dogs are done, add chili on top with cheese and melt that too. So as simple as you want it to as loaded as others might this turns out incredibly well. We have even made hot dog burnt ends without the bread that are killer.
Frozen Hot Dogs in Air Fryer
A bit forgetful and forgot to defrost them the night before? No problem really because we recently shared how to cook air fryer frozen hot dogs in 8 minutes too! That is right, it just takes a few extra minutes but dinner can still be saved using this fail proof method. Here’s some information before you get going on this:
Tips
What are the best tasting hot dogs?
That is very subjective depending on the person When it comes to processed meats I prefer Boars Head hot dogs hands down I don’t always have them on hand though, thus the photo above which was what I found that day and what was on sale
The great thing about this machine is you can lift the lid and check as often as you’d like. Of course everyone is going to have a preference as to what texture is considered to be perfect for this food. You can take some out that have just a touch and leave the others in for a few more minutes.
Best hot dog buns
Once again this is subjective. For us we like Hawaiian hot dog buns which bring a bit of sweetness, salty-sweet is the best. Fresh and soft is great because they will get crispy on the edges when making air fryer hot dogs
Best hot dog chili recipe
We use our 5 ingredient dump chili that can be made in the pressure cooker, crockpot or just thrown together and warmed on the stovetop.
You will need an air fryer basket, some like the Ninja Foodi have a removable basket and some are attached.
How Long to Cook Hot Dogs in Air Fryer
You definitely want to make sure that you preheat your machine before adding any of them for the optimal crispy texture on the outside. Then you’ll be air frying for 6-8 minutes or so. Timing depends on how crisp you like them on the outside. f you’re continuing on to make chili cheese dogs then set air fryer and cook for 6 minutes
Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs
If you want chili dogs, follow same directions above. Then after minute 6 pick up dogs and place into a bun. Put back into the basket. Spoon chili and cheese on top and continue cooking for another 2 minutes or so until it’s browned and warmed.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 large hot dogs, use as many as will fit inside your air fryer without overlapping really
- 1/4 cup cheese, if making chili cheese dogs
- 8 oz chili, if making chili cheese dogs
- 4 large hot dog buns, if making chili cheese dogs
Instructions
- Put 2-4 hot dogs inside your air fryer (add as many as you like as long as they don’t overlap – keep in mind that typically only 2-3 prepared chili cheese dogs will fit at one time)
- Turn machine on, press air crisp, set to 375 degrees and cook for 6 minutes (8 if you want them quite crispy on outside).
- Serve if you just want air fryer hot dogs.If you want air fryer chili dogs put these cooked hot dogs inside buns.
- Spoon about 2 oz. of chili on top of hot dog in bun, add diced onions if you want on top of this, and then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on the very top.
- Close lid and set again to 375 degrees for 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown enough for you. (4 min. is perfect for us)
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to do with leftovers
If you have made a bunch of these and they aren’t finished you can make our hot dog casserole the next night! I hate wasting food so I get it.
Like I said, the brand doesn’t matter. We have quite a few and I haven’t found a difference other than the size of the basket. Larger is better for more people so you don’t have to make as many batches but other than that just go with whatever you have.
Best hot dog toppings
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Mustard
- Diced onions
- Chives
- Shredded cheese
- Chili
Best canned hot dog chili when making air fryer hot dogs into chili cheese dogs
We could probably get into a debate on this one but for us we choose Hormel canned chili over the others typically.
Ours come out looking like this! Seriously the slightly crispy hot dog underneath, with the edges of the buns toasted and smothered with chili and cheese. OH MY!! Here are a few other air fryer recipes you’ll love:
Other fun air fryer snacks you’ll love
Our air fryer frozen corn dogs are made by my girls often. Ninja foodi french fries are homemade
- Want to make air fryer pigs in a blanket?? We’ve done that too!!
- Make air fryer frozen tater tots to go with this one on the side.
You can print recipe below and keep it on hand for all your holiday get togethers, or for an after school snack. Nutritional information such as saturated fat and calories will vary with brands.
Made these tonight and they came out basically perfect! After doing the weenies, I put a little sliver of mustard on the bottom of the bun, then chili on either side of the dog, and cheese on top. Awesome!!
Trying these tonight. With all the toppings. I know we will love them. You can’t go wrong with recipes from typical mom.
OOhhhh that makes my day
This makes hotdogs so simple! Love it.
I recently bought an air fryer and it’s been the most amazing air fryer for Christmas and I’ve been on the hunt for the best air fryer recipes. This one was BOMB!! I loved it and it was so easy to make. The best recipe I’ve tried in a while. 🙂
With different messy recipes have you used the perforated parchment papers for easier cleanup/you don’t lose breading on chicken as it doesn’t stick?
I haven’t tried those yet
Yum making these Hot dogs tonight
How would you handle frozen dogs prior to air crisp?
Maybe add 1 more minute?
hi. I’m wondering what kind of cheese you used for the topping. thank you
I just had a bagged already shredded bag of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
I love how fast and easy these are! I’ve been meaning to try air fryer hot dogs, and these look delicious, especially with all those tasty toppings!
Wow I never thought of making hot dogs in an air fryer! My kids would love this, great idea thank you 🙂