Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and indulgently delicious twist on two classic American favorites, look no further than these Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs. This recipe combines the comforting gooeyness of grilled cheese with the salty, savory bite of a hot dog, all wrapped up in a buttery, crispy bun — and thanks to the air fryer, it’s ready in just about 15 minutes!
Perfect for a quick lunch, a family-friendly dinner, or even a weekend game-day snack, this recipe brings together bold flavors with minimal mess. The result? A crispy, cheesy, melty, toasty hot dog that tastes like a fairground treat made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
4 hot dog buns – Soft, classic buns work best for this.
4 hot dogs – Use your preferred brand or type. Beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based — anything goes.
8 slices of cheddar cheese – Or substitute your favorite cheese: American, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss all melt beautifully.
2 tablespoons butter – Softened, for easy spreading. This gives the buns that golden grilled cheese finish.
Optional toppings – Ketchup, mustard, relish, chopped onions, pickles, or even jalapeños for a kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at the set temperature for 3 minutes to get it warmed up. This ensures your hot dogs and buns cook evenly and get that delicious crispy exterior. - Cook the Hot Dogs
Place the hot dogs directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re heated through and slightly crisped on the outside. This step brings out the flavor and adds a nice texture to the final dish. Once they’re done, remove them and set aside for assembly. - Assemble the Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Now it’s time to build your grilled cheese hot dogs! Start by buttering both the inside and outside of each hot dog bun. This might sound a little messy, but trust me — it’s the key to that golden, toasty, grilled cheese texture.
Next, open each bun slightly and place one slice of cheese inside. Lay the hot dog right on top of the cheese, and then place another slice of cheese over the top of the hot dog. This sandwich of melty cheese around a juicy hot dog is what takes this snack to the next level.
- Air Fry the Assembled Hot Dogs
Carefully place your assembled hot dogs into the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not stacked or overlapping, as air circulation is key for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
Air fry at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and crisp and the cheese is completely melted. Keep an eye on them during the last minute or two — they can brown quickly!
- Add Your Favorite Toppings & Serve
Once they’re done, use tongs to gently remove them from the air fryer — the cheese will be melty and the buns hot. Now’s the time to customize with your favorite toppings: drizzle with ketchup or mustard, add a spoonful of relish, or sprinkle on some chopped onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve them immediately while they’re hot and gooey. These make an excellent meal on their own or can be paired with fries, chips, or a simple side salad.
Recipe Recap
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (depending on toppings and cheese type)
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs are a true crowd-pleaser — easy to make, fun to eat, and full of comforting, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a creative snack, this recipe brings that diner-style magic right into your kitchen.
And the best part? You only need a few ingredients, and cleanup is a breeze. Once you try them, you might never go back to regular hot dogs again!