Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Toothpicks, optional
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush, optional

Ingredients

• 6 beef, chicken, or pork hot dogs
• 6 thin-cut bacon strips
• 6 hot dog buns
• 1 tablespoon ketchup, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
• ¼ cup finely diced onions, optional
• ¼ cup diced pickles, optional
• 1 tablespoon melted butter, for toasting the buns
• Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

1. Remove the hot dogs from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. Drying the surface helps the bacon stay in place and encourages better browning during cooking.
2. If your hot dogs are especially thick, you can make a few shallow diagonal cuts across each one. Do not cut all the way through. These small cuts can help the hot dogs heat evenly and allow the bacon and toppings to add more flavor.

Step 2: Wrap Each Hot Dog With Bacon

1. Take one strip of bacon and carefully wrap it around one hot dog from one end to the other. Try to slightly overlap the bacon as you wrap so that it stays around the hot dog while cooking.
2. If the bacon does not stay in place, secure the ends with small toothpicks. Make sure the toothpicks are positioned securely and can be removed easily after cooking.
3. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs.
4. Tip: Thin-cut bacon generally works better than thick-cut bacon for this recipe because it cooks more quickly and becomes crisp at approximately the same time the hot dog is heated through.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
2. Preheating helps the bacon begin cooking immediately and can promote more even browning.

Step 4: Arrange the Hot Dogs

1. Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each one so hot air can circulate around them.
2. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If necessary, cook the hot dogs in batches.
3. You generally do not need to add oil because bacon naturally releases fat as it cooks.

Step 5: Air Fry

1. Cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes .
2. After about 5–6 minutes, carefully turn the hot dogs with tongs. Continue cooking until the bacon is browned and crisp and the hot dogs are heated through.
3. Air fryers vary considerably, so begin checking around the 8-minute mark. If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, continue cooking for another 1–3 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

1. While the hot dogs are cooking, lightly brush the inside of each bun with melted butter.
2. When the hot dogs are finished, remove them and place the buns in the air fryer. Toast at 350°F (175°C) for about 1–2 minutes , or until lightly crisp around the edges.
3. Watch the buns closely because they can brown quickly.

Step 7: Assemble

1. Place each bacon-wrapped hot dog inside a toasted bun. Add ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, cheese, onions, pickles, or any other toppings you enjoy.
2. For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot dog immediately after cooking. The residual heat will soften the cheese. You can also return the assembled hot dogs to the air fryer for about 30–60 seconds to help melt the cheese.
3. Remove any toothpicks before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 390 · Protein: 14 g · Fat: 27 g · Carbohydrates: 23 g · Saturated Fat: 9 g · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 4 g · Sodium: 1,000 mg