Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
What I like about this air fryer method is how quickly the bacon starts rendering once it hits a hot basket. The part that makes the biggest difference is spacing: if the hot dogs are crowded or the bacon is wrapped too loosely, the outside can brown unevenly and stay softer than you want.
This version keeps the build simple. You can slit thicker hot dogs and tuck in mozzarella string cheese for a melted center, then wrap each one in bacon and air fry until the bacon is browned and the hot dogs are heated through. Toast the buns right after, and dinner is on the table in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
- 4 hot dogs (about 240g), preferably thicker hot dogs if you want to stuff them
- 4 sticks mozzarella string cheese (about 110g)
- 4 slices bacon (about 120g), preferably long slices
- 4 hot dog buns (about 160g)
For serving, use any toppings you like, such as mustard, ketchup, relish, thinly sliced onions, or jalapeños.
If you want a simpler version, skip the cheese and make plain bacon wrapped hot dogs. Mozzarella string cheese is the easiest choice for the stuffed version because it melts smoothly and fits neatly into the slit.
Cheese Stuffing Tips for Hot Dogs
Thicker hot dogs are easier to stuff cleanly, so they are the better choice here. Cut only a shallow slit down the top, just deep enough to hold the cheese, since a deeper cut makes it easier for the filling to spill out as it melts.
I keep the filling moderate for the same reason. A full stick of string cheese usually fits, but trim it if needed so it stays centered instead of sticking out the ends.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
- Prep the hot dogs: If making the cheese-stuffed version, cut a shallow slit lengthwise in each hot dog without slicing all the way through. Tuck 1 string cheese stick into each slit, trimming the cheese if needed so it fits neatly.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each hot dog in a snug spiral. Do not leave it loose, but do not stretch it too tightly either, since bacon shrinks as it cooks. Tuck the ends underneath when possible.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes if your air fryer benefits from preheating. I find this works best when the basket is already hot, since the bacon starts rendering right away instead of sitting and steaming.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the hot dogs in a single layer with a little space between them. Set them seam-side down when possible so the bacon ends can set in place early in cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. Start checking early if your bacon is thin or your air fryer runs hot.
- Flip halfway through: Turn the hot dogs with tongs about halfway through for more even browning. If you are using an air fryer oven, rotate the tray if one side cooks faster.
- Check for doneness: They are ready when the bacon looks browned and cooked through at the edges and the hot dogs are hot all the way through. If you are using raw sausage-style hot dogs instead of standard pre-cooked hot dogs, cook them to 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the buns: Remove the hot dogs, then toast the buns at 350°F to 370°F (177°C to 188°C) for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warm and lightly crisp. Watch closely so they do not dry out.
- Assemble and serve: Place each hot dog in a toasted bun and add your toppings. Serve right away while the bacon is at its crispest and the cheese is still soft.
Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
380°F (193°C) is a solid starting temperature for bacon wrapped hot dogs. In most air fryers, they take about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon, the size of the hot dogs, and how your machine runs.
I rely on the visual cue more than the clock here because air fryers vary. Look for bacon that is browned at the edges and no longer looks raw or stretchy, plus hot dogs that are heated through. If you stuffed them with cheese, a little leaking is fine, but heavy leaking usually means the slit was too deep or the filling was packed too full.
How to Keep Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs from Unraveling
The part I pay attention to is how the bacon is wrapped before it goes into the basket. A snug wrap holds better than a loose one, but bacon that is pulled too tight can shrink and lift away as it cooks.
Long bacon slices help. Place the hot dogs with the bacon ends facing down when possible, and if one still wants to lift, secure it with a toothpick and remove it before serving.
Variations for Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Plain Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Skip the string cheese and wrap the hot dogs with bacon only. The cook time and method stay the same; just cook until the bacon is browned and the hot dogs are heated through.
Different String Cheese
You can use another type of string cheese in place of mozzarella, but some melt less smoothly or leak more easily. Keep the slit shallow and avoid overstuffing if you go that route.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
These are easy to finish with classic toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, or jalapeños. For sides, fries, chips, or a simple slaw all work well.
If you want another salty bacon dish to serve with these, try air fryer bacon wrapped pickles. For a fun bacon-themed party idea, you may also like air fryer bacon roses. If you like easy air fryer bacon sandwiches, try air fryer bacon and egg breakfast sandwich.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Store cooled hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate if you can so they do not turn soggy.
To reheat, return the hot dogs to the air fryer at a moderate temperature until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up a bit. I reheat the hot dogs first, then use fresh buns and toppings for the best texture.
The air fryer reheats the bacon much better than the microwave, but it will usually not be quite as crisp as when freshly cooked.
Nutrition
Nutrition is approximate and will vary with the brand and size of the hot dogs, bacon, cheese, and buns used.
- Serving size: 1 bacon wrapped hot dog with 1 cheese stick and 1 bun
- Calories: about 470
- Protein: about 21g
- Fat: about 31g
- Carbohydrates: about 26g
- Per 100g: about 250 calories
- Protein: about 11g
- Fat: about 17g
- Carbohydrates: about 14g
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Equipment
- air fryer
- tongs
- knife
- toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
Main
- 4 hot dogs (about 240 g), preferably thicker if stuffing
- 4 sticks mozzarella string cheese (about 110 g)
- 4 slices bacon (about 120 g), preferably long slices
- 4 hot dog buns (about 160 g)
For serving (optional)
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Thinly sliced onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- If making the cheese-stuffed version, cut a shallow lengthwise slit in each hot dog without slicing all the way through.
- Tuck 1 string cheese stick into each slit, trimming the cheese if needed so it fits neatly.
- Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each hot dog in a snug spiral and tuck the ends underneath when possible.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes if your air fryer benefits from preheating.
- Place the hot dogs in a single layer in the basket with space between them and set seam-side down when possible; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, checking early if your bacon is thin or your air fryer runs hot.
- Turn the hot dogs with tongs about halfway through for even browning and rotate the tray if using an air fryer oven.
- Check that the bacon is browned at the edges and the hot dogs are hot all the way through; if using raw sausage-style hot dogs, cook to 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the hot dogs and toast the buns at 350°F to 370°F (177°C to 188°C) for 1 to 2 minutes until warm and lightly crisp.
- Place each hot dog in a toasted bun, add toppings, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use thicker hot dogs for easier stuffing and to reduce cheese leakage.
- Cut only a shallow slit to keep the cheese from spilling out as it melts.
- Wrap bacon snugly but not overly tight so it can shrink and set without unraveling.
- Preheat the air fryer so the bacon starts rendering right away instead of steaming.
- Place hot dogs seam-side down and use a toothpick to secure loose ends if needed.
Variations
- Plain Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Skip the string cheese and wrap the hot dogs with bacon only; cook the same way until bacon is browned and hot dogs are heated through.
- Different String Cheese: Use another type of string cheese in place of mozzarella, but keep the slit shallow and avoid overstuffing to prevent leaking.