Boiled Hot Dogs

This is how long to boil hot dogs on the stove or in an Instant Pot, we will compare both cooking methods. They come out perfect every time. We’ll share how to cook frozen hot dogs with you too!

Boiling Hot Dogs in Beer

It shouldn’t be any question as to where to start but you’ll need to fill a pot of water (or beer adds more flavor) and turn your burner on to medium/high heat. If you want to know how to boil hot dogs in beer you would do it the same way, except with that liquid instead. You’ll need quite a bit to submerge these babies but go for it.

We have shared directions for air fryer hot dogs as well as frozen hot dogs in air fryer recently. That is probably our favorite method because the outside gets nicely crisp. What if you don’t have one of those devices though? We are here to help, every house has a burner so that can be your go to.

How Long to Boil Hot Dogs

Remember that these are already fully cooked, you are just warming them up. Unlike boiled whole chicken you could just leave in a very short time to warm. Or leave longer to get hot hot hot. You only need a few minutes once water is boiling for them to plump up and get warm in the center.

How Long to Boil Frozen Hot Dogs

Believe it or not you only need to add about 1 minute longer if you’re doing it this way in a large chunk. If yours looks like this and all stuck together you can unwrap and dunk the whole thing right in. After about 1 minute they will defrost and you can use a spoon to break them apart. Then your 2 minute timing would start until they are done. If they are already separated I would add just 30 seconds more vs. fresh.

Boiling Hot Dogs Over an Open Flame

If your “stove” is at the campsite it would work the same way except your heat source may not be as consistent. Just make sure you place your large pot near the open flame so it can begin to reach a rolling boil like this. The next is personal preference but I highly suggest that you add some salt too.

Some brands are higher in sodium than others and if you are cutting down on that then by all means skip that. Note that while hot dogs boil some of that will leach out though so keep that in mind.

How long to boil beef hot dogs is the same as if you were to choose low fat, turkey, chicken or pork. Hebrew National is our personal favorite for sure as far as flavor and texture goes. If you are making our Hot Dog Casserole you would only need a minute since it bakes longer in the oven.

Why do you boil hot dogs before frying?

This is ideal so the inside gets warmed before you brown the outer casing or it may burn otherwise. As far as timing is concerned you want to the liquid to bring to a boil where it doesn’t stop. You can use broth, beer or water. Adjust the heat so it is consistent but not wanting to bubble and overflow on to your burners, that is too much. Once you’ve reached that point you’re ready to cook boiled weiners.

Then you want to carefully drop the number you want into your pot and just wait a couple of minutes. Don’t walk away because it doesn’t take long! A minute too long and the outer texture won’t be ideal to your liking. For larger links, peek at How Long to Boil Brats.

Do you need to poke hot dogs when you boil them?

No, and actually they will be less flavorful if you do. There isn’t a need to do this as you would need to if microwaving weiners. Just wait until the water boils to submerge and follow our step by step directions below until plump and warm all the way through.

How do you know when hot dogs are done boiling?

Keep an eye on them because it only takes 1.5-2 minutes total. They will begin to darken a bit, plump in size overall but the skin will shrivel up slightly on the outside. That is when you know they are done and warmed in the center.

Can boiled hot dogs be cooked too long?

I mean anything can become overcooked where the meat dries out. First clue is the color will begin to change. Instead of a white-ish brown color it will begin to turn grey which is no good.

Instant Pot Boiled Hot Dogs

It only takes 1 minute to boil hot dogs in Instant Pot if you want to use that method. We have done this with larger pieces and other liquids too, you can read all about that in our Instant Pot brats with beer post.

If you want to make something incredible once they are tender, or start right out of the package, make our hot dog burnt ends!

Boiling Hot Dogs in Microwave

You don’t really need water for this at all. You are not going to boil but just heat, this is how long to cook hot dogs in microwave. Much faster than on the stove as described above. If you’re in a hurry this would be the way to go.

How do you make boiled hot dogs taste better?

You will need to add some flavor with the toppings. Ketchup, hot dog mustard is to die for, even a quick sauerkraut for others. A slice of pickle or relish is a must for us. Pair with your favorite side dishes like red cabbage coleslaw and enjoy.