Best Air Fryer Chili Hot Dogs ( Quick and Easy)

What if I told you that you could have the perfect chili hot dog without going to a baseball game, backyard grill or local pub. Well you can!

The air fryer makes my favorite and the best hot dogs. In 6 minutes you will get hot dogs with a crisp skin, juicy mouthwatering inside, all without ever leaving your home.

What hot dogs should I use? What toppings are the best on a chili hot dog? How can I turn air fryer chili hot dogs into a meal?

How to make air fryer chili hot dogs?

1. Select number of hot dogs and place hot dogs on a cutting board.
2. Choose a sharp serrated knife. Serrated knifes work best as it has a saw-like edge that can easily cut through dense items. Carefully hold one hot dog with your non-dominant hand on the cutting board and slice slits every inch apart from one end of the hot dog to the other end with your dominant hand. Repeat process for all hot dogs.
3. Place hot dogs in the basket or air fryer tray in a single layer without hot dogs touching.
4. Select Airfry at 400 degrees F for 6 minutes. Shake basket or air fryer tray at 3 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides.
5. Once timer goes off carefully remove hot dogs.
6. If desired, place hot dog buns in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 1 minute for toasted hot dog buns.
7. For chili dogs, select homemade or canned chili. For canned chili, carefully open the can and pour contents into a medium sized saucepan on the stove. Heat slowly on medium heat stirring occasional with a heat safe spatula or wooden spoon to ensure an even cooking temperature throughout.
8. Place each hot dog into a hot dog bun.
9. Carefully spoon or ladle desired amount of chili onto each hot dog.
10. Place desired toppings on top of chili.
11. Serve warm.

What hot dogs should I use?

Any packaged hot dogs will work. To keep our menu healthier I chose nitrate free hot dogs. I try to pick organic, all beef hot dogs.

What does nitrate free hot dogs mean? Nitrate free hot dogs are hot dogs made without using or adding nitrate preservatives. Nitrates can be found in processed meats as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth and to give meat a pink color. There are health concerns related to increase nitrate consumption.

What type of chili should I use for chili hot dogs?

Chili is one of those comfort foods that warm the soul. Homemade chili is a popular option for chili hot dogs as it is made the way you like it and you are re-purposing leftovers. However, homemade chili requires prep work and you still want the comfort of chili without all the work. Store bought canned chili is another option as they are easy to store, readily available and come in many kinds. You can find several varieties of canned chili like vegetarian, with or without beans, mild and spicy. You can also find chili made with different types of protein like beef, turkey and tofu. We like, Amy’s Light in Sodium Organic Chili. This chili is made with organic red beans and tofu with a Mexican-style broth. It is also gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, tree nut free, vegan, kosher, plant based and reduced sodium to meet your dietary needs. Now that was a mouthful.

What toppings should I add to chili hot dogs?

Toppings are where the fun comes in. Hot dogs are like the ice cream in a sundae. Is that true? That may be a stretch. But seriously, toppings can turn a hot dog from a simple weeknight meal to an entree.

Try adding:

• Chopped onion
• Chopped jalapeños
• Relish
• Shredded cheese
• Cheese sauce
• Bacon
• Sauerkraut

What Should I serve hot dogs with?

Traditionally hot dogs are served with french fries or tater tots. Hot dogs can also be served with

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Chips
• Corn on the cob