Description
This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs recipe combines the classic comfort of grilled cheese sandwiches with juicy hot dog sausages, cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make snack or meal delivers a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Dogs & Cheese
- 4 hot dog sausages
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite melting cheese)
Seasonings & Butter
- 2 tablespoons of butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (oregano or basil, optional)
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare Hot Dogs: Remove hot dogs from packaging and ensure they are fully thawed if previously frozen. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow diagonal slashes on each hot dog for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Season Hot Dogs: Sprinkle garlic powder and dried herbs over the hot dogs if desired, adding extra flavor to the sausages.
- Prepare Bread: Lay bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice to ensure a crispy and golden crust when cooked.
- Assemble Sandwiches – Base Layer: Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices, covering the bread well to hold the hot dog in place.
- Add Hot Dogs: Place one prepared hot dog on top of the cheese on each bread slice. For extra cheesiness, add a second slice of cheese on top of the hot dog.
- Complete Sandwiches: Top each hot dog with another slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side faces outward for grilling.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), which typically takes 3-5 minutes depending on your model.
- Prepare Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the sandwiches from sticking.
- Cook Sandwiches – First Side: Place sandwiches carefully in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Flip Sandwiches: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the sandwiches over to cook the other side evenly.
- Cook Sandwiches – Other Side: Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese has melted.
- Cool and Slice: Remove sandwiches from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before slicing diagonally with a sharp knife.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra dried herbs or a dash of hot sauce on top for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or spicy aioli.
Notes
- Ensure hot dogs are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Butter the bread generously for the crispiest and most flavorful grilled cheese.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Feel free to customize the cheese and bread varieties to your preference.
- Use tongs to carefully flip the sandwiches to avoid breakage.
- Watch closely towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Adding a second slice of cheese on the hot dog makes the sandwich extra gooey and delicious.
