Here, I'll walk you through 6 ways to cook hot dogs : using a gas grill, a charcoal grill, an air fryer, boiling, a griddle, and a smoker. Each method brings its own unique texture and taste, so you can mix it up depending on your time, tools, and taste buds.
From the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill to the convenience of an air fryer, there's a method for every mood-and every kitchen setup.
With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July right around the corner, I was inspired to explore all the different ways to cook hot dogs. So, we fired up just about everything in the backyard-grill, smoker, griddle-you name it-and started experimenting.
Jump to:
1 | Grilled Chili Dog
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Chili
- Melted Queso
- Onions for topping
Instructions:
- Step 1: Grill hot dog on medium/high heat for 5-7 minutes. Heat up chili and melt cheese in a stock pot on medium heat. Chop onion.
- Step 2: Top hot dog in a bun with chili first, melted cheese on top and then sprinkle with chopped onions.
2 | Boiled Dog with Mustard
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Mustard
Instructions:
- Step 1: Boil water in a stock pot. Boil hot dog for 4-6 minutes.
- Step 2: Top hot dog in a bun with mustard.
3 | Air Fried Hot Dog with Pickles
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Mayo
- Ketchup
- Pickles, hamburger style
Instructions:
- Step 1: Place hot dog in a preheated air fryer for 4 minutes on 375°.
- Step 2: Layer bun with pickles and place hot dog on top. Drizzle mayo and ketchup on top.
4 | Smoked BBQ Hot Dog
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Que That BBQ Rub
- Pickles, diced
- Onion, diced
- Mustard
- BBQ Sauce
Instructions:
- Step 1: Cut diagonals all around the hot dog. Season with BBQ rub. Place on smoker for 30 minutes on 250°F.
- Step 2: Turn up smoker to 300°F and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Drizzle a hot dog in a bun with BBQ sauce and mustard. Top with diced onions and pickles.
5 | Griddled Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Burger Seasoning - Smash That
- Bacon
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions:
- Step 1: Wrap hot dog in bacon and season with a burger seasoning. Cook on the griddle on medium/high heat for 5-7 minutes. Flip half way through.
- Step 2: Top the bacon wrapped hot dog in a bun with ketchup and mustard.
6 | CHARCOAL Sonoran Hot Dog
Ingredients:
- Hot Dog and Hot Dog Bun
- Pico de Gallo
- Queso Fresco
- Cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Step 1: Grill hot dog on medium/high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Top the hot dog in a bun with pico, crumbled queso fresco and cilantro.
Substitutions and additions
- Saucy Topping Substitutions:
- Ranch, Buffalo Sauce, Sriracha Mayo, Chimichurri, Hot Honey, Mango Habanero, BBQ Sauces, and Chipotle Crema
- Crunchy Topping Substitutions:
- Red onion, jalapeños, banana peppers, coleslaw and lettuce
- More Vegetable Additions:
- Tomatoes, red peppers, grilled corn, kimchi, guacamole, mushrooms
- Cheese Substitions:
- Pimento cheese, feta, blue cheese, cotija, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Seasoning Substitutions:
- Basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, lime wedges (for the Sonoran Dog), smoked paprika or old bay for a cajun twist
Equipment and Supplies
- Air Fryer
- Coyote Griddle
- Traeger Pellet Grills - for the smoked hot dog
- Stock Pot - for our boiled hot dog
- Blaze Grill - gas grill for our grilled hot dog
- Weber Summit Kamado - charcoal grill for our charred hot dog
Storage
Store your unused hot dogs in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container (if unopened, they last 2 weeks). If cooked, store separately from toppings in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2 months in an airtight container.
Jordan says
That's exactly what I needed for the 4th of July!
CookitwithTim says
Labor Day grilling is around the corner!