Whipping up hot dogs in an air fryer is both safe and speedy. While frying them in a pan is another quick option, the air fryer simplifies the process by eliminating the need to stand by and turn them constantly.

The air fryer shines when you need to cook multiple hot dogs at once, making it an ideal choice for big family meals or casual get-togethers that call for quick, tasty food.

As the hot dogs cook, you have the perfect window to whip up a quick salad or slice some fresh bread to complete a satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hot Dogs

There’s no need to preheat the air fryer or to oil the hot dogs before cooking.
Setting the air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300°F (150°C), will ensure the hot dogs are heated through and crispy, though they won’t develop much color.
A higher setting, like 360°F (180°C) or more, will cause the hot dogs to crack similar to when they’re boiled, but they’ll also gain a gorgeous fried color.
I personally love scoring the hot dogs about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch apart—they turn out adorably, and my kids can’t get enough! Of course, this step is optional. Feel free to cook them whole.