Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Hey there! You know those days when you’re just not sure if you want a gooey grilled cheese or a juicy hot dog? Well, I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve for you. Meet the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs! Trust me, it sounds quirky but it’s a game-changer. I remember the first time I whipped these up—it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I just wanted something comforting and fun. My kids went nuts for it! I think they even forgot about the rain for a bit.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this whenever I need to satisfy those cheese cravings without the fuss of firing up the stove. My family goes crazy for this because it’s like comfort food mashed up in the best way possible (and I get to skip the dishes afterward). Plus, it’s super quick—no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. My only gripe is remembering to buy enough cheese because it tends to disappear fast around here!
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs (or any veggie dogs if you’re feeling plant-based)
- 4 slices of bread (I sometimes use sourdough instead of white bread when I’m being fancy)
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese (swap it out for mozzarella if you like it stringier)
- Butter, softened (my grandma swears by salted, but unsalted works too)
- Optional: Mustard or ketchup for dipping
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. (Does anyone else forget to preheat? Just me?)
- Spread the butter on one side of each bread slice. Don’t be shy—get those edges!
- Place a slice of cheese on the non-buttered side of the bread, add a hot dog, then top with another slice of cheese. Sandwich it with another piece of bread, buttered side out.
- Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches depending on its size.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melty. If it looks a bit weird halfway through, don’t panic—it all comes together.
A Few Notes
I’ve tried toasting the bread first, but it got a little too crunchy for my liking. If you’re a fan of the extra crunch, go for it!
Variations I’ve Attempted
Once, I thought adding jalapeños would be a fun twist. Spoiler: it was too spicy for the kids, but I loved it! Another time, I tried using a bagel instead of bread, but it got a bit too chewy—lesson learned.
Equipment
All you really need is an air fryer. Don’t have one? You could use a skillet, but the air fryer makes it crispy without the extra oil.
Storage Info
These can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Although honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
We usually pair these with a simple side salad or some sweet potato fries. My little one loves dunking hers in ranch dressing—who am I to judge?
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the preheat step, and regretted it because the bread didn’t crisp up right. Take your time; it’s worth it!
Questions I’ve Gotten
Can I use different cheese? Absolutely! I think Swiss or pepper jack could be really delicious.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can grill these on a pan over medium heat. Just watch the bread so it doesn’t burn.
Any dipping sauce ideas? Oh, definitely! Try garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for a kick.
