Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Equipment

• Air Fryer (Basket or Oven style)
• Sharp paring knife (for cross-hatch scoring)
• Tongs
• Pastry brush (for buttering buns)

Ingredients

For the Hot Dogs & Buns:

• 4 large All-beef hot dogs or jumbo franks (higher fat content leads to extra crispiness)
• 4 classic Top-split hot dog buns or brioche buns
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (optional, for brushing onto the buns)

For the Cheesy Core & Toppings:

• 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese
• 4 slices American cheese (cut into thin strips to stuff into scores)
• Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard
• Ketchup
• Sweet relish or diced dill pickles
• Diced red or yellow onions

Instructions

1. Using a sharp paring knife, cut shallow diagonal slits (about 1/4 inch deep) along the entire top length of each hot dog, spacing them roughly 1/2 inch apart. You can also make a cross-hatch pattern by slicing diagonally in both directions. This prevents the hot dogs from bursting in the air fryer while creating crevices for the melted cheese to settle into.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for 3 minutes. Place the scored hot dogs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 4 to 5 minutes until the casings expand, turn deep golden-brown, and open up along the score lines.
3. While the hot dogs are undergoing their first fry, brush the inside and outside of the hot dog buns lightly with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
4. Carefully open the air fryer basket. Place each hot dog into a buttered bun. Stuff thin strips of American cheese or shredded cheddar cheese directly into the open score marks on top of the hot dogs, then sprinkle remaining shredded cheese across the top.
5. Return the stuffed hot dogs in their buns to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, and the buns are crispy and golden.
6. Using tongs, carefully remove the cheesy hot dogs from the air fryer. Top with yellow mustard, ketchup, sweet relish, and freshly diced onions. Serve immediately while piping hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal — · Protein: 18 g 36% · Fat: 28 g 36% · Carbohydrates: 26 g 10% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 13 g 65% · Fiber: 1.2 g 4% · Sugar: 4.5 g — · Sodium: 890 mg 39%