If you’re a fan of both bacon and hot dogs, you’re in for a treat with this recipe! The combination of crispy, savory bacon and juicy, tender hot dogs cooked in the air fryer is a match made in heaven. The best part? You can make this delicious snack in no time, perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a fun party appetizer. The air fryer gives you that perfectly crispy bacon without the need for any greasy stovetop frying, making it a healthier, less-messy option for enjoying these savory bites.
This recipe is incredibly simple but so flavorful. The bacon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, wrapping the hot dog in a delicious, smoky layer that adds so much to the flavor profile. Whether you’re serving these as a snack or adding them to a bun with your favorite toppings, these air fryer bacon-wrapped hot dogs are sure to be a hit!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Hot Dogs: The star of the show! You can use any type of hot dog, but for this recipe, classic beef hot dogs work best. They get juicy and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer.
Bacon: You’ll need some deliciously crispy bacon to wrap around the hot dogs. The bacon crisps up in the air fryer, creating a perfect crunchy layer. Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor.
Toothpicks: These are essential for keeping the bacon wrapped tightly around the hot dog. Just a few toothpicks will ensure everything stays together while cooking.
Ingredients List
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- Toothpicks (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Step 1: Prep the Bacon and Hot Dogs
Start by wrapping each hot dog with two slices of bacon. Be sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the hot dog, leaving the ends of the bacon slightly overlapping. Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during the cooking process.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the bacon crisp up nicely while keeping the hot dogs juicy inside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and discard the toothpicks. Serve immediately, either on their own or in a bun with your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, or pickles!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Bacon Thickness: The thickness of the bacon you choose will affect the final crispiness. Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, as it provides extra crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s enough space between each hot dog in the air fryer basket so the bacon crisps up evenly. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
- Cooking Time May Vary: Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check the bacon around 8 minutes and add more time as needed for extra crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon for this recipe?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative, but it may not get as crispy as regular bacon. If using turkey bacon, keep an eye on it during cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
These delicious treats go great with classic sides like French fries, chips, or a side salad. For drinks, an ice-cold soda, iced tea, or even a beer would pair perfectly!
Can I freeze the bacon-wrapped hot dogs before cooking?
Yes! You can wrap and freeze the hot dogs with bacon for later use. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, simply air fry straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes.