Description
Craving a fun, quick meal that combines the best of hot dogs and pizza? Air Fryer Pizza Dogs are a delicious mashup featuring juicy wieners, zesty pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and crispy bacon, all nestled in a hot dog bun and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Pizza Dogs use simple ingredients to deliver bold, pizza-like flavors. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Wieners (4): The hearty base, providing classic hot dog flavor and texture.
- Pepperoni Slices (3 oz): Adds spicy, savory pizza flavor, layered for extra pizzazz.
- Hot Dog Buns (4): Serves as the soft, toasty vessel for the toppings.
- Pizza Sauce (½ cup): Brings tangy, tomatoey pizza taste to the buns.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer, mimicking pizza cheese.
- Bacon (2 slices, cooked and chopped): Provides smoky, crispy bursts of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Wieners: Swap for turkey franks, chicken sausages, or plant-based hot dogs for vegetarian or lighter options.
- Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni, salami, or omit for vegetarian (try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers instead).
- Hot Dog Buns: Replace with whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free buns; use slider buns for mini pizza dogs.
- Pizza Sauce: Substitute with marinara, spaghetti sauce, or a homemade mix (¼ cup tomato sauce, ½ teaspoon oregano, pinch of garlic powder).
- Mozzarella: Try cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend; use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free.
- Bacon: Swap for bacon bits, turkey bacon, or omit for vegetarian (add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for smokiness).
- Add-Ins: Include diced onions, jalapeños, olives, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra pizza flair.
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting; pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Cook bacon ahead for convenience, and pat wieners dry to prevent sogginess.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results; skip if your model doesn’t require it.
- Cook the Wieners:
- Place 4 wieners in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook at 380°F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway for even browning.
- Remove wieners and set aside.
- Tip: No oil is needed, as wieners release fat; check at 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare the Buns:
- Open 4 hot dog buns and spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce inside each bun, coating both sides evenly.
- Place about two-thirds of the 3 oz pepperoni slices (roughly 5-6 slices per bun) in a row down the center of each bun.
- Tip: Spread sauce thinly to avoid soggy buns; arrange pepperoni neatly for balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Pizza Dogs:
- Place a cooked wiener on top of the pepperoni in each bun.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the wieners (about ¼ cup per bun).
- Top with the remaining pepperoni slices (2-3 per bun) and sprinkle with chopped bacon (from 2 cooked slices, divided evenly).
- Tip: Press toppings gently to keep them in place; don’t overfill to fit in the air fryer.
- Air Fry the Pizza Dogs:
- Place the assembled pizza dogs in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding (2-4 at a time, depending on basket size).
- Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the buns are toasted.
- Tip: Check at 3 minutes to avoid burning; use tongs to remove carefully.
- Serve:
- Serve the pizza dogs hot, straight from the air fryer, with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping if desired (makes 4 servings).
- Tip: Let cool for 1 minute to avoid burning your mouth; serve with napkins for cheesy drips.
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches to ensure even air circulation and crispy buns.
- Cheese Melt: If cheese isn’t fully melted, add 1 minute but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Bun Fit: Trim buns slightly if they’re too large for your air fryer basket; wrap in foil for extra stability if needed.