Crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs (Print Version)

Crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs bring together cheesy goodness and savory hot dogs. A quick, fun meal for any day.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Grilled Cheese Essentials

01 - 8 slices white bread
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 8 slices American cheese

→ Hot Dog Heroes

04 - 4 all-beef hot dogs

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ Optional Drizzles

07 - Ketchup, for serving
08 - Mustard, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those hot dogs ready! If they’re fresh from the fridge, a quick par-boil or a minute in the microwave helps them cook evenly in the air fryer and prevents them from getting too dry. You want them warmed through, but not fully cooked. This step is where I always make sure they’re just right, because nobody wants a cold center in their cheesy goodness! Slice them lengthwise almost all the way through, creating a little pocket for the cheese. Don't cut them completely in half, oops, I've done that before!
02 - Now for the bread. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice – this is my little secret for extra crispness, honestly. Then, on top of the mayo (or directly on the bread if you skip the mayo), spread a generous, but not excessive, layer of softened butter. Mix a tiny pinch of garlic powder into your butter beforehand for an extra flavor boost. You want an even coat, because this is what gives us that beautiful golden crust. I sometimes get a bit messy here, butter ending up everywhere, but it’s all part of the fun!
03 - Lay two slices of American cheese on the unbuttered side of one piece of bread. Place a prepped hot dog on top of the cheese, nestling it into the cheese slices. Add another slice of American cheese over the hot dog, then top with the second slice of bread, butter-side out. Gently press down. This is where you really start to see your creation come to life, a cheesy hot dog sandwich just waiting for its crispy moment!
04 - Carefully place your assembled sandwich into the air fryer basket, butter-side down. Make sure it has enough space; don't overcrowd the basket, or it won’t get properly crispy. I usually cook one or two at a time. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 4-5 minutes, or until that first side is gloriously golden brown. Keep an eye on it, air fryers can be quirky, and what’s golden in mine might be burnt in yours in a flash!
05 - Using tongs or a spatula (be gentle!), flip the sandwich over. Now air fry the second side for another 3-4 minutes, or until that side is also perfectly golden and the cheese inside is all melty and bubbly. You'll start to smell that amazing grilled cheese aroma filling your kitchen—that's how you know it's working! Sometimes a little cheese oozes out, which, honestly, is part of the charm (and mess) of this dish.
06 - Once both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted, carefully remove the hot dog grilled cheese from the air fryer. Let it rest for just a minute or two – that cheese is molten! Slice it in half diagonally, because that's just the classic, fun way to do it, right? Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. The steam rising from the crispy bread and gooey cheese is just heavenly. Enjoy your creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; airflow is key for that crispy magic.
02 - A thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread *before* buttering makes a huge difference in crispness.
03 - Always par-cook your hot dogs a little first to ensure they're hot all the way through without overcooking the bread.
04 - For extra cheesy goodness, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar to the outside of the buttered bread before air frying.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Tongs
03 - Spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 20g

Back