Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe
If you love comfort food mashups, you’re in for a treat with Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs. This dish is the perfect blend of crispy, buttery grilled cheese and classic hot dog goodness, all made wonderfully easy and mess-free thanks to the air fryer. Each bite is packed with gooey cheese, savory hot dog, and golden brown bun—a combination sure to win over both kids and adults at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs is how a few simple ingredients come together to create something irresistible. Each element has a role to play, from the richness of the cheeses to the aromatic garlic butter and the hearty hot dogs.
- Hot dog buns: These provide the perfect vessel for holding all the melty cheese and juicy hot dogs together.
- Beef or turkey hot dogs: Choose your favorite variety for a meaty, flavorful filling that gets perfectly heated in the air fryer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy kick and melts beautifully for that classic grilled cheese pull.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds creaminess and stretches for that irresistible cheesy texture.
- Butter, softened: Spreading this on the buns ensures a golden, crisp exterior that tastes indulgent and rich.
- Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle infuses each bite with a warm, savory depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Dried parsley: This adds a pop of color and a subtle herby note for a fresh finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Hot Dogs
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s hot, place the hot dogs directly in the basket and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes. This step ensures your hot dogs are juicy and perfectly warmed through before they get wrapped up in cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
While the hot dogs are cooking, mix your softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl. This quick-flavored butter is the secret to that classic grilled cheese taste and will help your buns get golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 3: Prep the Buns with Cheese
Remove the hot dogs from the air fryer and set them aside. Take each bun and generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the outside. Layer some cheddar and mozzarella inside each bun, creating a cheesy base for the hot dog.
Step 4: Assemble the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Nestle a hot dog into each cheese-lined bun, then top each one with a bit more cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is where all that gooey, melty magic happens!
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
Carefully place your assembled Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to work in batches. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the buns are golden brown and crisp. Serve these beauties hot, straight from the air fryer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra garlic powder on top adds a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. You can also drizzle with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick, or add sliced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or bacon bits for even more flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs with classic sides like crispy French fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a batch of dill pickles. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad balances the richness of the hot dogs and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these hot dogs on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo. For a party, slice the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs into bite-sized pieces and stick them with toothpicks for a fun and shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), let the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked hot dogs for longer storage. Wrap each hot dog individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer taste, pop your leftover Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through and the buns are crisp again. You can also use an oven or toaster oven if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Snack
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite melting cheeses—think Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella is classic, but experimenting with other cheeses keeps things fun and flavorful.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No air fryer? No problem! Simply assemble the hot dogs as directed, then cook them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden, about 8–10 minutes.
Can I make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef or turkey hot dogs for your favorite plant-based or vegetarian hot dog alternative. The cheesy, garlicky goodness will work just as well with veggie dogs.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
The garlic butter spread on the outside helps create a barrier that keeps the buns crisp. Be careful not to overfill with cheese, and avoid adding wet ingredients inside the bun until after air frying.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the hot dogs up to a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply air fry them until hot and crispy for that just-made taste.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs are pure comfort food bliss, and they couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends, or just craving a cheesy, crispy, satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy hot dogs!
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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 hot dogs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously crispy and cheesy twist on classic hot dogs made easy in the air fryer. These Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs feature melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in garlic buttered buns, cooked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick snack or main course with customizable toppings like jalapeños, caramelized onions, or bacon bits.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs & Buns
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 beef or turkey hot dogs
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking of the hot dogs.
- Cook Hot Dogs: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 4–5 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the hot dogs cook, mix softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl until combined.
- Butter Buns: Remove hot dogs and set aside. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the outsides of each hot dog bun for a flavorful crust.
- Assemble Hot Dogs: Inside each buttered bun, place a layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then add the hot dog, topping with more cheese to create a cheesy filling.
- Air Fry Again: Place the assembled hot dogs back into the air fryer basket in batches if needed, and air fry for 5–6 minutes or until the cheese melts and buns turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add sliced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or bacon bits inside the buns for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, drizzle with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot dog
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
