Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs combine grilled cheese and hot dogs into one delicious dish. This creative dish wraps hot dogs in gooey melted cheese and crusty bread, making grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs more fun. The air fryer makes it easy to get a crispy outside and a melty, cheesy interior.
How to make this delicious fusion at home.
1. Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs are the ideal comfort food combo. Combining the crispy, buttery richness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory flavors of a hot dog creates a unique and delightful lunch, supper, or party appetizer. Using the air fryer offers consistent cooking and crispiness without oil.
Ingredients Required
- 4 hot dogs
- 8 slices of bread (thick slices are ideal)
- 4 slices cheddar, American, or your favorite melted cheese
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional for flavour)
- Butter or spray for the air fryer basket
3. Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cutting Board, Knife
- Spatula
- Butter knife/spreader
- Mixing Bowl (mayo)
- Measure Spoons
Recipe Steps
First: Making Hot Dogs
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer heats up, carefully score the hot dogs with a knife for even cooking and texture.
Step 2: Grilled Cheese Hot Dog Assembly
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin coating of softened butter on one side of each slice. Add garlic powder to butter for flavour.
- Put a slice of cheese on the non-buttered side of four slices of bread.
- Hot Dog Assembly: Place a hot dog on the cheese. You can add another piece of cheese and a buttered slice of bread on top. Gentle pressure helps everything stick.
- A small layer of mayonnaise on the non-buttered side of the bread pieces before adding the cheese is optional. This enhances crispness and flavour.
Third, air-fry the grilled cheese hot dogs
- To avoid sticking, lightly coat or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or melted butter.
- Place the Sandwiches: Arrange the grilled cheese hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. You may need batch cooking.
- Air fry: Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese melts.
- Serve: Let the air-fried hot dogs cool before slicing or serving whole.
5. Serving Ideas
- Serve with your favorite ketchup, mustard, relish, or pickles.
- For a complete dinner, serve with potato chips, salad, or coleslaw.
- Cutting grilled cheese hot dogs into smaller pieces is a fun and appetizing party appetizer.
6. Perfect Grilled Cheese Hot Dog Tips
- Thicker bread holds up better during air frying and adds crunch.
- Spread butter evenly on bread for a golden, crispy crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave room between hot dogs in the air fryer basket for even frying and crisping.
7. Changes and Options
- Cheese Variety: Try Swiss, provolone, or a combination for new flavors.
- Add-Ins: Add sautéed onions, peppers, or bacon for flavour and texture.
- Spice it up with hot sauce or spicy mustard.
8. FAQs and Storage Advice
- Can I Prep These? Yes, you can assemble and chill hot dogs before cooking. They’re best cooked fresh but can be frozen.
- How to Reheat Leftovers? Use the air fryer to reheat leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Are Pre-Cooked Hot Dogs OK? Hot dogs that are pre-cooked take less time to heat through, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
9. Conclusion: Fun and Delicious Takes on Classics
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs combine two comfort foods in a novel and tasty way. They’ll please anyone with their crunchy exterior and melty cheese center.