Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 4 hot dog buns or thick slices of white or brioche bread (trimmed to size if needed); 4 all-beef or turkey hot dogs; 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or American, mozzarella, or your fave melty option); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; Optional extras: mustard, ketchup, pickles, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or relish

Ingredients

Scale

4 hot dog buns or thick slices of white or brioche bread (trimmed to size if needed)
4 all-beef or turkey hot dogs
4 slices of cheddar cheese (or American, mozzarella, or your fave melty option)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional extras: mustard, ketchup, pickles, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or relish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F. This gives it time to warm up while you assemble your cheesy creations, so everything cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the hot dogs

Place the hot dogs into the air fryer basket and cook for 4–5 minutes until they’re warmed through and starting to brown slightly. You don’t want them shriveled, just a little crisp around the edges. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prep the bread and cheese

If you’re using slices of bread instead of buns, lay out the slices and flatten them slightly with your hands or a rolling pin so they wrap more easily. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outsides of each slice or bun. This is what gives that golden, grilled cheese effect.

Step 4: Assemble the grilled cheese hot dogs

On the non-buttered side of the bread or inside the bun, lay down your slice of cheese. Place a hot dog on top of the cheese. If you’re adding extras like mustard or onions, now’s the time. Gently fold the bread around the hot dog, pressing the edges together slightly so it holds its shape.

Step 5: Load into the air fryer

Place the assembled hot dogs seam-side down into the air fryer basket, buttered side facing out. Make sure they’re not touching too much, so they crisp instead of steam.

Step 6: Air fry until golden and melty

Cook for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer doesn’t circulate air evenly. You’re looking for golden-brown bread and bubbly, melted cheese.

Step 7: Let them cool slightly before serving

They’ll come out piping hot, so give them a minute or two to cool slightly. The cheese will settle, and you’ll avoid burning your mouth on molten dairy lava.

Step 8: Slice and serve

Serve whole for a hearty meal or cut them into halves or thirds for party-perfect appetizers. Add dipping sauces on the side if you’re feeling fancy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g