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Air Fryer Pizza Dogs

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

Transform classic hot dogs into a flavor-packed, handheld snack using your air fryer. Add pizza sauce, pepperoni, crispy bacon, and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to buns for a combination that melts together with every bite. Hot dogs are first crisped and then assembled with savory toppings, returning to the air fryer until piping hot and bubbling. Serve these for a quick dinner, party snack, or game night treat. Customize with your favorite pizza additions such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and variety.

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Updated on Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:02:57 GMT
Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese in a bun. Pin
Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese in a bun. | applefoodie.com

Hot dogs meet pizza in this fun air fryer recipe perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Crispy buns plus gooey cheese and that irresistible pepperoni bacon topping make these pizza dogs impossible to resist. Every bite delivers cozy pizza flavors without the mess or wait.

I whipped these up for a sleepover and the kids had a blast picking their favorite pizza toppings. Now it is one of my go-to tricks for picky eaters or game day snacks.

Ingredients

  • Hot dogs: Choose your favorite quality beef or turkey dogs for big flavor. Look for ones with natural casings for the best bite
  • Hot dog buns: Try to grab sturdy buns that hold up well to sauce plus toppings the bakery section is best
  • Pizza sauce: Use a thick and tangy pizza sauce so it does not run off the bun. Homemade or a good jarred one both work
  • Pepperoni slices: Go for mini or regular and opt for the kind that crisps up nicely in heat
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Buy whole milk mozzarella for stretchy melt If possible shred it yourself for fresher flavor
  • Bacon: Cook until crisp then chop. Adds smoky depth and extra crunch to every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set the temperature to three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and let it run empty for three minutes. This gives you time to prep your ingredients and ensures even cooking later.
Cook the Hot Dogs:
Arrange hot dogs in the air fryer basket so none overlap. Cook for five minutes at three eighty degrees until the casings start to crisp and the dogs are heated through. This creates a snappy texture and better flavor.
Prepare the Buns with Sauce and Pepperoni:
Split each bun without tearing through the bottom. Spread pizza sauce on the insides to completely line both halves. This prevents sogginess and adds that savory pizza punch. Layer two-thirds of your pepperoni slices inside each bun on the sauce.
Assemble the Pizza Dogs:
Nestle a cooked hot dog into each sauced bun. Pile on a generous amount of shredded mozzarella so it covers the hot dog and pepperoni fully for the best cheese pull. Sprinkle chopped bacon over the cheese followed by a few more pepperoni slices.
Melt and Crisp Everything in the Air Fryer:
Carefully set your assembled pizza dogs back into the air fryer basket. Make sure they have a bit of space so heat circulates. Air fry at three eighty for four minutes until the cheese bubbles and develops golden spots.
Cool Before Serving:
Remove pizza dogs with tongs and let them sit for one minute. Cooling helps the cheese set and prevents burning your mouth with the molten filling.
Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese. Pin
Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese. | applefoodie.com

I always reach for whole milk mozzarella for maximum stretch and creamy melt. My favorite part is those crispy edges where the cheese oozes out and caramelizes onto the bun.

Storage tips

Leftover pizza dogs store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer at three thirty degrees for about three minutes to revive the crunch and melt. Avoid microwaving which can make the buns tough.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap in chicken or plant-based hot dogs to suit dietary needs. For the cheese try provolone or a pizza blend. If you are out of pizza sauce a thick marinara will do in a pinch. Toppings like diced bell peppers olives or jalapenos are fun to mix in.

Serving suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad for balance or pair with classic potato chips for a real kid-friendly meal. Sliced pickles or a side of marinara sauce make fun dippers.

Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese in a black tray. Pin
Two hot dogs with pepperoni and cheese in a black tray. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and historical context

Pizza dogs are a distinctly American mashup born out of our love for comfort food hybrids. They capture the joy of both ballpark hot dogs and classic pizza night all in one handheld treat.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use different cheese alternatives?

Absolutely! Try provolone, cheddar, or even a vegan alternative for a different taste and texture blend.

→ Do hot dog buns get too crispy in the air fryer?

The buns warm up and become slightly crisp on the edges while staying soft inside if not overcooked.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or diced onions work great for customizing your own pizza-inspired flavor.

→ Is pre-cooking bacon necessary?

Yes, bacon should be cooked and chopped beforehand to ensure it crisps well and blends easily with toppings.

→ How do I prevent toppings from falling off during cooking?

Don't overfill buns and press toppings gently into the cheese before air frying to help them adhere better.

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs

Hot dogs loaded with pizza flavors, pepperoni, bacon, and gooey cheese—quick, melty, and delicious from the air fryer.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cook Time
9 min
Total Time
14 min
By: Ava

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Serves (4 pizza dogs)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Hot Dog Base

01 4 hot dogs
02 4 hot dog buns
03 120 ml pizza sauce

→ Pizza Toppings

04 85 g pepperoni slices
05 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
06 2 bacon strips, cooked and chopped

Steps

Step 01

Set the air fryer to 193°C and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes while preparing your ingredients.

Step 02

Arrange the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook at 193°C for 5 minutes until heated through and lightly crisped on the exterior.

Step 03

While the hot dogs cook, split each bun and coat the inner surfaces with pizza sauce.

Step 04

Layer approximately two-thirds of the pepperoni slices along the centre of each bun.

Step 05

Place one cooked hot dog onto each bun over the pepperoni, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.

Step 06

Scatter chopped bacon on top of the cheese and finish with the remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 07

Return the assembled pizza dogs to the air fryer basket and cook at 193°C for 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 08

Carefully remove from the air fryer and let rest for one minute before serving, as the cheese will be very hot.

Notes & Tips

  1. Cook and chop the bacon in advance for easy assembly.
  2. Avoid overfilling the buns to prevent toppings from falling off during cooking.
  3. These pizza dogs are perfect for kids' parties or game day gatherings.
  4. Customize with additional toppings such as mushrooms or peppers if desired.

Necessary Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and pork. Review all ingredients for potential allergens.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 565
  • Fats: 36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 27 g