Looking for a fun twist on classic hot dogs that will have the whole family rushing to the dinner table? These Air Fryer Pizza Dogs combine two all-time favorites into one irresistible meal. Juicy hot dogs nestled in fluffy pizza dough, topped with savory sauce and melty cheese—all cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
I created this recipe on a busy weeknight when I couldn’t decide between pizza and hot dogs, and now it’s become a regular request in our household. The air fryer gives these pizza dogs a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender and the cheese perfectly melted.
Why You’ll Love This
- Kid-approved and adult-craved—a true crowd-pleaser for all ages
- Quick 45-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Crispy exterior with juicy, flavorful interior
- Minimal cleanup with air fryer cooking
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs or wieners
- 4 hot dog buns
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 3 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes while you gather your ingredients.
- Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 5 minutes until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the hot dogs cook, open up each bun and spread pizza sauce on the inside surfaces, creating a flavorful base for your toppings.
- Take about two-thirds of your pepperoni slices and line them down the center of each bun, creating a nice bed for the hot dog.
- Place each cooked hot dog on top of the pepperoni in the buns, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over everything.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over the cheese, then top with the remaining pepperoni slices for that authentic pizza look.
- Carefully place the assembled pizza dogs back in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for just a minute before serving. The cheese will be very hot, so be careful!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to your toppings.
- Use chicken or turkey hot dogs for a lighter option.
- Try different cheese combinations like cheddar and monterey jack.
- Make ahead and refrigerate assembled (uncooked) pizza dogs for up to 24 hours.
- For a crispier crust, lightly spray the outside with cooking oil before air frying.
- No air fryer? Bake in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Pizza Dogs with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping and a simple green salad to balance the meal. For a fun game day spread, pair with sweet potato fries or a bowl of crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dressing.
These also make great after-school snacks or can be packed in lunch boxes (they taste great at room temperature too!).
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes for best results.
- You’ll know they’re done when the dough is golden brown and feels firm to the touch.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s rolled to about 1/4-inch thickness before cutting into rectangles.
My pizza dogs are browning too quickly. What should I do?
Lower your air fryer temperature to 325°F and continue cooking until the dough is cooked through.
Can I freeze these pizza dogs?
Yes! Freeze them after cooking and cooling completely. Wrap individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F for 6-8 minutes.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute vegetarian hot dogs or even carrot dogs for a plant-based alternative.
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