It’s a hot dog! But, of course, the grill isn’t the only technique to cook frankfurters.
Hot dogs can be dressed in various ways for summer barbeques and festivities. But first, let’s get back to basics: what’s the best way to prepare plain old hot dogs? What’s on the grill? Is it in the oven? Dare I suggest…in an air fryer?
There is no “right” way to prepare hot dogs. We’ve compiled a list for you to save you time searching the internet for numerous ways to cook hot dogs. Step-by-step instructions on the roast, microwave, pan fry, boil, slow cook, grill, air fry, and pressure cook hot dogs will be provided.
8 Different Ways to Cook Hot Dogs
1. How to Boil Hot Dogs
This tried-and-true approach makes it simple to cook many hot dogs.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Large saucepan
- Water
- Hot dogs
- Tongs
Instructions:
- Fill a large saucepan halfway with water to cover the hot dogs (approximately 1 cup each hot dog).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Using tongs, add the hot dogs one at a time.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the hot dogs simmer for 3 to 6 minutes (the longer they simmer, the crispier they will be).
- When finished, remove them from the water with tongs and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Oven
Oven roasting is a clean method for preparing large hot dogs for a party.
You’ll need the following items:
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Hot dogs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Aluminum foil should be used to line a rimmed baking pan.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes or until you hear a sizzle.
- Broil the hot dogs a few minutes longer to crisp the outside even more.
3. How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Microwave
This approach is the quickest way to heat a hot dog, so there’s little to say about it.
You’ll need the following items:
- Paper towel
- Hot dogs
- Microwave-safe plate
Instructions:
- Cover the hot dog(s) with a paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe platter.
- Microwave on high for 15 second intervals until the desired outcome is achieved.
4. How to Pan Fry Hot Dogs
If you enjoy a crispy frank, you’ll appreciate this easy pan-fry method for cooking hot dogs in a frying pan.
You’ll need the following items:
- Water (or butter or oil)
- Hot dogs
- Skillet
- Tongs
Instructions:
- Fill a 12-inch skillet halfway with water or until the entire surface is covered. You can also substitute a dab of butter or a few teaspoons of the oil for the water.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add a few hot dogs at a time with tongs.
- Roll the hot dogs with tongs regularly until both sides are browned.
5. How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Slow Cooker
Use a slow cooker for a hands-off technique of cooking hot dogs in bulk.
You’ll need the following items:
Slow cooker
Hot dogs
Instructions:
- Place hot dogs upright in the slow cooker. Don’t add any water!
- As the hot dogs reheat, they will emit steam and moisture.
- Cook for two hours on high or four hours on low.
6. How to Cook Hot Dogs on the Grill
Our list would be incomplete without mentioning the most traditional technique of preparing hot dogs: grilling! For additional information, see our grilling guide.
You’ll need the following items:
- A grill
- Hot dogs
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill.
- Grill hot dogs at an angle to generate diagonal grill marks.
- Hot dogs should be grilled for one minute on each side.
7. How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
What can’t you make with an air fryer?! This method is based on Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole’s Basic Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe. “I’ll never make hot dogs any other way again.” “This is pure genius,” reviewer Buckwheat Queen says.
You’ll need the following items:
- Air Fryer
- Buns (optional)
- Hot dogs
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the buns in the basket and cook for two minutes, if desired. Take out the buns.
- Cook for three minutes with hot dogs in the basket before transferring them to buns.
8. How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Instant Pot
Finally, we couldn’t leave out the Instant Pot. This countertop appliance can do everything, including cooking hot dogs.
You’ll need the following items:
- Instant Pot
- Steamer basket
- 1 cup water
- Hot dogs
- Tongs
Instructions:
- In the inside pot of the Instant Pot, place a steamer basket. Place the hot dogs in the steamer basket.
- Fill the bottom with 1 cup of water.
- Include the hot dog(s). Cook for 0 minutes on high pressure. The hot dogs will begin to cook as the pot rises to pressure.
- When the timer runs out, turn the valve to the “venting” position to release the pressure.
- Remove the lid and remove your hot dogs using tongs.
Learn more: How to Make a Frittata