Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs (Cheese Stuffed Optional)
There’s just something inherently magical about the classic combination of savory hot dogs and crispy, salty bacon. It’s a flavor match made in culinary heaven, often associated with sunny barbecue gatherings. But what if you could achieve that same mouth-watering perfection without firing up the grill or dealing with outdoor elements? My recipe for perfectly crispy air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs brings this barbecue favorite indoors, making it incredibly quick, easy, and mess-free to prepare any time of year. Get ready to elevate your hot dog game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Recipe
I wholeheartedly stand by the sentiment that everything tastes better with bacon! So, why stick to a regular hot dog when you can easily upgrade it to an extraordinary culinary experience by wrapping it in those irresistible salty, meaty strips? This recipe isn’t just about adding bacon; it’s about transforming a simple meal into something truly special with the convenience of an air fryer.
- Unbeatable Flavor & Texture: The air fryer works wonders, rendering the bacon perfectly crispy while ensuring the hot dog inside is plump and juicy. It’s the ultimate textural contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Lightning Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to long cooking times. These bacon wrapped hot dogs cook in just 10-15 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a flash.
- Incredibly Versatile: Customize these dogs to your heart’s content! You can still load them up with all your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, or even chili. They’re delicious on their own for a low-carb option, or nestled in a soft bun for a more traditional and satisfying serving.
- Cheese-Stuffed Perfection (Texas Tommy): Elevate your hot dog even further by adding some cheese inside before wrapping. A cheese-stuffed bacon wrapped hot dog, often called a Texas Tommy, is a delightful surprise that adds gooey, melty goodness to every bite.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s fun to eat, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers.
- No Grill? No Problem!: The air fryer allows you to achieve that “grilled” crispiness without ever having to step outside. Perfect for apartment living, cold weather, or simply when you want a quick and easy indoor cooking method.
If you’re looking for a classic hot dog experience without the bacon, my Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe is equally delicious and just as quick!
Katie’s Tip
If you’re a true bacon lover and enjoy innovative air fryer recipes, you absolutely must try my Bacon Cheeseburger Biscuit Bombs. They’re also made in the air fryer and pack all your favorite savory flavors into one delightful bite!
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Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Crafting these delectable air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your personal preferences.
- 4 hot dogs (your favorite brand and type)
- 4 slices regular-cut bacon (or more for full coverage/extra crispiness)
- 4 hot dog buns (optional, for traditional serving)
- 4 slices cheese (optional, for the Texas Tommy variation)
- Seasonings or desired toppings (ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.)
Ingredient Notes and Expert Tips for Best Results
- Hot Dogs: Feel free to use any brand or type of hot dog you love. I personally prefer Nathan’s bun-length skinless beef franks for their classic flavor and size, but all-beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian hot dogs will work wonderfully. The key is to choose a hot dog you genuinely enjoy, as its flavor will be enhanced by the bacon.
- Bacon: For optimal crispiness and even cooking in the air fryer, I highly recommend using regular thin-sliced bacon. Thicker bacon tends to take longer to crisp up and might not cook as uniformly around the hot dog. However, if you prefer a fattier, chewier bacon experience, thick-cut can certainly be used, just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time and potentially less uniform crisping.
- Achieving Fully Wrapped Hot Dogs: If you prefer to have the entire hot dog, including the ends, fully encased in bacon (which can also help contain any melting cheese), you’ll need additional bacon. Plan for approximately 6 slices of regular bacon, using about 1½ slices per hot dog for complete coverage. This ensures no browned ends on the hot dog itself, only crispy bacon.
- Seasoning Your Bacon: Don’t limit yourself to plain bacon! Before wrapping, consider rubbing your bacon with your favorite seasonings. Popular options that pair incredibly well include:
- BBQ rub: For a smoky and slightly sweet kick.
- Cajun seasoning: If you enjoy a bit of spice and depth.
- Maple garlic rub: For a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Brown sugar: To create a caramelized, candied bacon effect.
These seasonings will infuse extra layers of flavor into your bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
- Toppings Galore: While toppings are entirely optional, they’re half the fun! Beyond the classics like yellow mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish, consider these fantastic additions to elevate your hot dog:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole: For creamy richness.
- Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled): To add a spicy kick.
- Diced green bell peppers or sautéed onions: For a fresh or caramelized crunch.
- Cilantro and queso fresco: For a Mexican-inspired twist.
- Diced tomatoes: For freshness and acidity.
- Creamy mayonnaise or a tangy BBQ sauce: To add another layer of flavor.
- Chili or cheese sauce: For a hearty and indulgent experience.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match your favorites!
The Famous Texas Tommy Hot Dog Variation: Stuffed with Cheese!
If you’re looking to take your bacon wrapped hot dog to the next level of indulgence, introduce yourself to the “Texas Tommy” – a delicious bacon wrapped hot dog that’s generously stuffed with cheese. This Pennsylvania-born delicacy adds a gooey, melty center that perfectly complements the savory hot dog and crispy bacon.
To create a Texas Tommy, simply split your hot dog lengthwise about halfway through, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket perfect for stuffing with cheese. My top choices for cheese are classic Cheddar or American slices, as they melt beautifully and offer a comforting flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses – pepper jack for a kick, or mozzarella for extra stretchiness could also be delightful.
The amount of cheese you’ll need depends on the thickness and length of your hot dogs, but generally, ½ to 1 full slice of cheese, broken into quarters lengthwise, is ideal per hot dog. I find that cheese slices work best for stuffing as they are easier to manage and tend to stay put better than shredded cheese. To minimize any cheese oozing out during cooking, I recommend capping the ends of the hot dog with bacon first, before wrapping the rest of the dog. You might need an extra half-slice of bacon per hot dog for this technique, ensuring the cheese is fully contained for maximum melt and minimum mess.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
Making these delicious bacon wrapped hot dogs in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly crispy bacon and juicy hot dogs every time!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating is crucial for ensuring the bacon starts cooking immediately and crisps up evenly, preventing a soggy result and speeding up the overall cooking process. If your air fryer doesn’t have an exact 380°F setting, choose the closest option.
- Prepare for Cheese Stuffing (Optional Texas Tommy Style): If you’re making the Texas Tommy variation and stuffing your hot dogs with cheese, now’s the time. Carefully make a lengthwise cut across each hot dog, going about halfway through, creating a pocket. Take a slice of cheese, break it into quarters lengthwise, and gently stuff these pieces into the created gap. This will give you that irresistible cheesy center.
- Wrap Each Hot Dog with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and start wrapping it tightly around each hot dog, beginning from the larger end. Ensure there’s just a slight amount of overlap with each turn to help the bacon adhere to itself and stay in place during cooking. You can either tuck the end of the bacon slice securely underneath the wrapped hot dog or use a toothpick to hold it in place. *Important: If using toothpicks, always remember to remove them before serving and eating!*
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Carefully place the bacon wrapped hot dogs into your preheated air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there is some air space between each hot dog. This crucial step promotes even browning and crispiness, as proper air circulation is key to air frying success. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the hot dogs on the air fry setting at 380°F (193°C) for a total of 10-15 minutes. Remember to pause halfway through the cooking time (around 5-7 minutes) to flip each hot dog or gently shake the basket. This ensures all sides of the bacon crisp up beautifully. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer your bacon – use the lower end of the range for softer bacon and the higher end for extra-crispy results.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the hot dogs from the air fryer. Place them in hot dog buns if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite condiments and side dishes. Get ready to savor this incredibly satisfying and easy meal!
Delicious Sides and Toppings for Your Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
A great hot dog experience is never complete without the perfect accompaniments! Whether you’re serving these crispy air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs for a casual lunch, dinner, or a backyard get-together, pairing them with delicious sides and a variety of toppings will elevate the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
Classic Hot Dog Toppings:
- Ketchup: The timeless sweet and tangy classic.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty kick.
- Relish (Sweet or Dill): Provides a nice crunch and tangy sweetness.
- Diced Onions: For a fresh, pungent bite.
- Sauerkraut: A fermented cabbage topping that offers a unique sour and savory flavor, cutting through the richness of the bacon.
- Pickles (Sliced or Spears): Crisp and tart, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
- Chili: Make it a chili-cheese dog for extra heartiness.
- Cheese Sauce: For an indulgent, gooey topping.
- Jalapeño Slices: Fresh or pickled, adding a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: For a smoky and sweet dimension.
- Mayonnaise or Aioli: For a creamy, rich addition.
Perfect Side Dishes:
Complement your hot dogs with these crowd-pleasing sides:
- Potato Chips: Simple, crunchy, and always a hit.
- French Fries: Crispy and satisfying, a classic pairing.
- Onion Rings: Sweet, savory, and wonderfully crunchy.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy and cool, a great contrast to the warm hot dog.
- Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food side that everyone loves.
- Potato Salad: Another creamy, hearty classic for any picnic or barbecue.
- Coleslaw: Fresh, crunchy, and tangy, balancing the richness.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky, and hearty, perfect for a BBQ theme.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, especially delicious when grilled or air-fried.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet and savory bready side.
- Grilled Fruit: Unexpected but delicious, like grilled pineapple or peaches, for a sweet and smoky counterpoint.
Don’t forget that many of these easy side dishes can also be prepared quickly in your air fryer! Try serving your bacon wrapped hot dogs with my Air Fryer Ore Ida Fries, crispy Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer, a barbecue classic like Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread, easy Air Fryer Baked Beans, or some homemade Ninja Air Fryer Potato Chips for a full air fryer meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
What Exactly is a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog?
A bacon-wrapped hot dog is a classic hot dog that has been elevated by spiraling one or two strips of bacon around its exterior. This flavorful combination is then cooked until the bacon is beautifully browned and crispy, and the hot dog inside is perfectly heated through. Traditionally, they can be cooked on a grill, in the oven, deep-fried, or, as in this recipe, quickly and easily in an air fryer.
These savory dogs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed plain, on a bun with various toppings, or even stuffed with cheese for an extra indulgent treat. Depending on your region, particularly in certain parts of Pennsylvania, a cheese-stuffed bacon wrapped hot dog might be affectionately known as a “Texas Tommy.”
Can You Cook Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely, cooking bacon wrapped hot dogs in an air fryer is not only possible but highly recommended! The air fryer’s circulating hot air is ideal for achieving incredibly crispy bacon and a perfectly cooked hot dog in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. It’s a fantastic way to get that delicious barbecue-style char and crunch without the need for an outdoor grill.
One important note: as the bacon cooks, it will release grease. To prevent excessive smoking or a messy buildup, it’s a good practice to carefully tip out any accumulated grease from the air fryer basket at least once during the cooking process. You can also place a slice of bread at the bottom of the basket to absorb some of the grease.
How Long Do Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs Cook in an Air Fryer?
On average, bacon wrapped hot dogs cook beautifully in an air fryer in about 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon. For food safety, the internal temperature of the hot dog should reach 140°F (60°C), though most hot dogs are pre-cooked and primarily need to be heated through. Beyond that, the remaining cooking time is largely a matter of personal preference regarding how crispy you like your bacon. For softer bacon, stick to the lower end of the time range; for extra-crispy, golden-brown bacon, cook for the full 15 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.
What Temperature Should I Cook Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer?
The optimal cooking temperature for bacon wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer is typically 380°F (193°C). This temperature strikes the perfect balance, allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely without burning, while also ensuring the hot dog is thoroughly heated. If you desire an even faster cook time or exceptionally crispy bacon, you can increase the temperature slightly to 400°F (200°C), but be sure to monitor them closely to prevent over-browning or burning.
Do I Need to Pre-Cook the Hot Dogs Before Wrapping with Bacon?
No, there’s no need to pre-cook the hot dogs before wrapping them in bacon for the air fryer. Most hot dogs are already fully cooked and simply need to be heated through. The air fryer will effectively cook both the bacon and the hot dog simultaneously, ensuring everything is perfectly warm and crispy by the time it’s done. Pre-cooking the hot dog might even lead to it becoming overcooked and dry during the air frying process.
How Can I Prevent the Bacon from Falling Off While Cooking?
To ensure the bacon stays securely wrapped around your hot dogs, there are a few key techniques: wrap the bacon tightly with a slight overlap, starting from one end of the hot dog and working your way down. You can also tuck the loose end of the bacon under the wrapped portion. If you’re still concerned, a simple kitchen toothpick can be used to secure the ends of the bacon. Just remember to remove any toothpicks before serving to avoid any mishaps!
Additional Tips For the Best Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Achieving air fryer perfection for your bacon wrapped hot dogs is easy with these extra tips and tricks:
- Pre-Cook Bacon for Ultimate Crispiness: For bacon that’s extra crispy and ensures faster overall cooking, you can cook the bacon strips in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before wrapping them around the hot dogs. This gives the bacon a head start in crisping up, especially if you’re using thicker slices.
- Easily Scale the Recipe: This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to scale it up or down based on how many people you’re feeding. The core cooking time won’t significantly change, as long as you have enough room in your air fryer basket to arrange the hot dogs in a single layer without overcrowding. If you’re making a large batch, simply cook them in multiple batches.
- Air Fryer Model Variations: This recipe was tested in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, which conveniently holds up to 8 hot dogs at a time (4 in each basket). Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer brands and models due to wattage and basket size. It’s always a good idea to monitor your hot dogs during the first few minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Toasted Buns for an Extra Touch: For an even more delightful experience, throw your hot dog buns into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) after the hot dogs are done. This will warm them through and give them a light, appealing crispiness.
- Cheese Placement Options: While stuffing cheese inside for a Texas Tommy is popular, you can also opt to simply top your hot dogs with cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of air frying. Be aware that cheese placed on top tends to melt and ooze out more easily, potentially creating a bit of a mess in the air fryer basket. Stuffing generally keeps the cheese more contained.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Always ensure your hot dogs are placed in a single layer with enough space around them for air to circulate freely. Overcrowding will steam the food rather than air fry it, resulting in less crispy bacon.
- Manage Grease Effectively: As bacon releases fat, a small amount of smoke can sometimes occur. To minimize this, you can place a slice of bread underneath the air fryer basket (if your model allows) to absorb excess grease, or simply empty the grease from the basket halfway through cooking.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? No problem! These air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs are great for meal prep or enjoying later. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Store any leftover bacon wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. When freezing, wrap each hot dog individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating for Best Results:
- Air Fryer (Recommended for Crispiness): For the crispiest results, reheat your bacon wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is re-crisped.
- Oven: If you have several to reheat, the oven is a great option. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
- Microwave: For the quickest reheat (though bacon won’t be as crispy), place hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1 minute per hot dog, or until warmed through.
- Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat on the stove, turning occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through and bacon is re-crisped.
More Hot Dog & Air Fryer Delights to Explore
Air Fryer Frozen Mini Corn Dogs: Crispy Carnival Snack!
Air Fryer Cocktail Franks: The Perfect Easy Party Food!
Air Fryer Frozen Pigs in a Blanket: Yummy Bites
Nathan’s Pretzel Dog Air Fryer Recipe: Delicious and Easy
State Fair Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer: Perfectly Delicious!
Nathan’s Bagel Dog in the Air Fryer: Coney Island Snack!
27 Easy Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes You’ll Want to Try!
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
This crispy air fryer bacon wrapped hot dog recipe is truly a must-have for any time of the year, not just summertime! Forget worrying about the weather or complicated grilling setups when you can effortlessly create this delicious crowd-pleaser inside your home with your air fryer. The convenience, speed, and incredible flavor make it an instant family favorite.
Whether you opt for the classic combination of savory hot dog and crispy bacon or dive into the extra indulgence of a cheese-stuffed Texas Tommy, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Add your favorite bun, pile on a medley of toppings, or enjoy it plain – tailor it precisely to your tastes!
With a cooking time of 15 minutes or less, this recipe shines as an easy weeknight meal solution that delivers big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, a fun addition to backyard barbecues, or a portable treat for your next tailgate party. Its simplicity and universal appeal guarantee it will be a hit every time.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of bacon wrapping hot dogs, why not elevate your dinner game even further? Try out my equally impressive Bacon Wrapped Filet in the Air Fryer, perfectly topped with a rich garlic herb butter for a truly gourmet experience!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs (Cheese Stuffed Optional)
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Toothpicks (optional)
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Sharp knife (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 Hot dogs any brand
- 4 slices bacon (or more to taste)
- 4 Hot dog buns (optional)
- 4 slices cheese (optional)
- Condiments or toppings as desired
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has)
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If you are stuffing with cheese (optional), make a cut with a sharp knife lengthwise across the hot dog going about halfway through. Break a slice of cheese into quarters lengthwise, and then stuff them into the gap4 Hot dogs, 4 slices cheese
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Start with the larger end of the bacon, and tightly wrap each hot dog in a slice with just a slight amount of overlap to hold the bacon in place. You can tuck the end under, or use a toothpick to secure (just don’t forget to remove them before eating)4 slices bacon
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Place the bacon wrapped hot dogs into your preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing some air space between each one to promote even browning
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Cook on the air fry setting at 380°F for 10-15 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip or gently shake the basket. Use the lower end of the time range if you like soft bacon, and the higher end for crispy bacon
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Place hot dogs in buns if desired, and serve with your favorite toppings and sides4 Hot dog buns, Condiments or toppings as desired
Notes
- Any brand of hot dog works fine. I’ve got Nathan’s bun length skinless beef franks, but you can use your favorite
- If you prefer less browned ends on your hot dog, you’ll need additional bacon to wrap the entire dog including the ends. In this case, you’d need approximately 6 slices of bacon and use an additional ½ a slice per dog
- Want to add cheese? Cheddar or American are my top choices, but you can use your favorites. I find that slices work best to stay put, and recommend capping the ends with bacon to lessen how much melts out. How much cheese you need really depends on the thickness of your hot dogs, but ½ to 1 full slice is average. You may also top with cheese instead of stuffing if preferred. The cheese does tend to ooze out in the air fryer and make a mess as it melts during cooking, though
- Feel free to season your bacon before cooking. Try barbecue, Cajun, maple garlic, brown sugar, and other seasonings for additional flavor
- For extra crispy bacon, feel free to cook the bacon for 5 minutes before wrapping the hot dogs to give it a head start
- If you’d like a toasted bun you can throw them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to get them warm and lightly crisped
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any condiments, cheese, or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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