Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these air fryer hot dogs are the ultimate quick win. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school, pulling together a speedy solo lunch, or looking for a low-effort dinner that still feels like a treat, this one ticks every box.
They’re nostalgic and ridiculously easy. No need to light the BBQ, dirty a frying pan, or watch over a boiling pot. Just pop your sausages straight into the air fryer, give them a few minutes to crisp up, and you’re away. You can warm the buns in the air fryer too (just for a minute or two at the end), and add your favourite toppings while everything’s still hot.
This recipe works with whatever hot dogs you like, classic, jumbo, veggie or chicken. It’s also easy to scale up for a party or family dinner. Think movie nights, birthday buffets, picnic teas, or even a no-fuss Friday night meal. You can keep it simple with ketchup and mustard, or go all-out with crispy onions, cheese, pickles, or chilli if you’re feeling fancy.
And because there’s very little prep or cleaning up involved, this one’s ideal when you need food on the table fast but still want something everyone will enjoy. Total time from start to finish? Around 20–25 minutes. That’s quicker than queueing at the burger van!
So if you’ve got sausages in the fridge and buns in the cupboard, you’re already halfway there. Let the air fryer do the hard work and enjoy this quick, comforting classic, your way.
PREP 2 minutes
COOK 20-25 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Hot Dogs
2 large pork sausages (or hot dog sausages if you prefer)
2 hot dog buns
1 brown onion, peeled thinly sliced
Optional: butter or oil spray for the buns
Toppings (choose your favourites): Ketchup, mustard, mayo, onion flakes, cheese, pickles, jalapeños, sauerkraut, crispy onions
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 2 to 3 minutes. This will help to get everything cooking evenly from the start and gives the sausages that lovely crisp finish.
While it’s heating up, slice your brown onion and lay the slices in a single, even layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place the pork sausages on top. Again, in a single layer with a little space between each. This allows the hot air to circulate properly so they cook and brown evenly.
Air fry at 180°C for around 20 to 25 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake or turning the sausages halfway through. This helps prevent sticking and ensures both the sausages and onions cook evenly. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your sausages, so if you’re using jumbo or thicker ones, you may need a few extra minutes. You’re looking for sausages that are golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and piping hot all the way through.
If you like your hot dog buns warm and slightly toasty, add them to the basket during the final 1 or 2 minutes of cooking. You can do this with the sausages still inside, or separately if you prefer. For an extra touch, lightly butter the insides of the buns before warming them to get a lovely golden edge.
Once everything’s cooked, it’s time to assemble! Nestle the sausages into the buns, pile over the soft, sweet air-fried onions, and finish with your favourite toppings. From classic mustard and ketchup to melted cheese, pickles or crispy onions.
Serve straight away while everything’s hot, and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer hot dogs.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Want to get the very best results from your air fryer hot dogs? Then these simple tips will help you make it even tastier, easier, and perfectly cooked every time.
1. Choose the right sausages
This recipe works with any kind of sausage, so pick what you love; classic pork, beef, chicken, or veggie. Just keep in mind that thicker or jumbo sausages will need a few extra minutes in the air fryer. Always check they’re cooked through before serving.
2. Add sliced onions for extra flavour
Laying sliced onions underneath the sausages is an easy way to level up your hot dogs. As the sausages cook, the onions soften and soak up all the savoury flavour. If you want them more caramelised, give them a quick toss halfway through cooking.
3. Toast the buns (if you like)
Adding the buns to the air fryer for the last 1–2 minutes gives you that lovely warm, lightly crisp finish. For extra flavour, spread a little butter on the inside of the buns before toasting. You can also sprinkle on a little garlic powder or grated cheese if you fancy something indulgent.
4. Scale it up for a crowd
If you’re cooking for more people, you can batch cook the sausages in stages or use a dual-drawer air fryer. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the second cooks, or pop everything back in for a minute to heat through before serving.
5. Topping ideas
Don’t stop at ketchup and mustard! Try crispy onions, jalapeños, grated cheese, coleslaw, relish, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Let everyone customise their own hot dog for an easy DIY meal.
These air fryer hot dogs are simple, quick, and totally adaptable. Perfect for busy nights, kids’ lunches, or casual get-togethers.
Related Recipes
If you loved how quick and tasty these air fryer hot dogs were, here are a few more easy recipes from the blog that keep things fuss-free but full of flavour:
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these are the perfect sidekick to your hot dogs. They only need a few simple ingredients and cook beautifully in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Goujons
Great for feeding kids or picky eaters, these homemade goujons are golden, juicy, and a hit every time. Serve with your favourite dips or stuff them in wraps for a quick lunch.
Air Fryer Hamburgers
So quick and satisfying! Whether you’re cooking for a midweek dinner, a weekend fake-away, or just want something delicious and fuss-free, these air fryer burgers tick every box.
Air Fryer Chicken Gyros
Packed with flavour and perfect for weeknights, these gyros are served with flatbreads, crunchy veg, and a creamy dressing. A great alternative if you’re after something a little lighter.
Air Fryer Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
Comfort food with a veg-packed twist. This one’s brilliant for a weekend dinner or meal prep and shows how versatile your air fryer really is.
Each of these recipes is tested to work in UK air fryers and written with real kitchens in mind. No faff, just good food fast.
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