Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 hot dog buns; 4 beef hot dogs; 8 slices American or cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons softened butter; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

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If you love comfort food that’s easy, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs. This fun twist on two classic favorites wraps beefy hot dogs and gooey cheese in a crispy, buttery bun for the ultimate mashup. Kids and adults alike can’t resist that golden crunch and melty center, making this recipe a go-to for speedy weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or whenever you crave something seriously satisfying.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each element here plays an important part in making these Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs completely irresistible. From oozy cheese to toasty buns, every single addition brings something special—so don’t skip out!

Hot dog buns: The ideal vessel for holding everything together while crisping up beautifully in the air fryer.
Beef hot dogs: Classic, juicy, and packed with flavor—you can use your favorite brand.
American or cheddar cheese slices: Melts perfectly, giving you that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite.
Softened butter: The secret to a gorgeously golden, crunchy exterior on your buns.
Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory punch if you want to kick up the flavor just a notch.
Dried parsley (optional): A classic grilled cheese finishing touch, delivering a hint of freshness and bright green color.

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and have them at arm’s reach. Soften your butter so it’s easy to spread, and if you’re using garlic powder or parsley, mix them both into the butter for a little extra flavor magic. This makes assembly a breeze once you’re ready to get rolling!

Step 2: Assemble the Hot Dogs

Using a sharp knife, gently split each hot dog bun open—be careful not to tear them all the way through. Tuck a slice of cheese inside each bun first, nestle in a beef hot dog, and then lay another slice of cheese on top. Think of it as building the perfect cheesy blanket around your hot dog!

Step 3: Butter Up

Now the fun part: brush the outside of each assembled hot dog bun with your softened butter mixture. This step turns those buns impossibly crispy and golden in the air fryer, and the hint of garlic and herby parsley takes things to the next level. If your buns are especially soft, you can even secure them with a toothpick so everything stays perfectly together as it cooks.

Step 4: Air Fry to Melty Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the buns in a single layer in the basket so they crisp up evenly. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through. Once the outside is deep golden and the cheese is deliciously gooey, you’ve nailed it. Serve these Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs piping hot and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and a pop of brightness. For extra indulgence, drizzle on a little honey mustard or spicy mayo—or go classic with a squiggle of ketchup and yellow mustard right before serving. The toppings make these hot dogs feel gourmet!

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs with crispy fries, potato chips, or a tangy vinegar coleslaw for that diner-style experience at home. A simple green salad helps balance out all the cheesy richness, or try classic baked beans for a nostalgic comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For party vibes, set up a “grilled cheese hot dog bar” with little bowls of toppings like pickled jalapeños, sautéed onions, crispy bacon bits, or even different cheese slices so guests can build their own. Slice them into smaller pieces for easy appetizer bites, or wrap each hot dog in parchment for a grab-and-go treat at your next family movie night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunchbox additions.

Freezing

Freezing is easy: just wrap each cooked hot dog individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll hold up for about a month. To prevent freezer burn, make sure they’re tightly wrapped and place parchment paper between each for easy separation.

Reheating

The best way to recapture the original crunch is by popping leftovers back in the air fryer for about 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the bun will be softer, so the air fryer is definitely worth it if you have the time!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for these hot dogs?

Absolutely! While American or cheddar are classic choices for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss are all delicious options that bring their own cheesy flair and melt-factor.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from opening up during cooking?

If your buns are especially soft or loaded with extra toppings, use toothpicks to gently secure each hot dog before placing it in the air fryer. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Can I make these with turkey or veggie hot dogs?

Definitely—Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs are super versatile! Substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based hot dogs for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing on comfort or flavor.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking into the air fryer?

Make sure the cheese is tucked neatly inside the bun and don’t overstuff. Slightly squishing the bun around the hot dog helps create a snug seal as it cooks, and using toothpicks can also help keep things tidy.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes! Just work in batches so each Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dog has space in the basket to crisp up evenly. They cook quickly, so making more for a hungry crowd is no problem at all.

Final Thoughts

If you adore melty cheese and crave a little fun in your comfort food routine, you have to try Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make any table (or movie night!) just a bit more special. Give them a whirl and let the cheesy smiles begin!

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful twist on classic hot dogs with these Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs. A perfect combination of juicy beef hot dogs, gooey cheese, and flavorful buttery buns, all crisped up in the air fryer for a deliciously easy and fun meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Dogs:

4 hot dog buns
4 beef hot dogs

Cheese:

8 slices American or cheddar cheese

Butter Mixture:

2 tablespoons softened butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Hot Dogs: Split the hot dog buns open and place a slice of cheese inside each bun. Add a hot dog and top with another slice of cheese.
Butter Buns: Mix softened butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush the outside of each bun with the butter mixture.
Air Fry: Place hot dogs in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!