Air fryer grilled cheese hot dogs are this fun twist on two classic comfort foods that I love making for quick meals. This recipe combines the crispy goodness of grilled cheese with juicy hot dogs in one easy bite. We only need four simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen right now. Then, it has this amazing golden crust on the outside while staying warm and melty inside.
We can make these in just minutes using the air fryer, but they taste like you spent much longer cooking them. So, it works perfectly for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying fast.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
- 1 slice of bread
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 slice of cheese
- 1 beef hot dog
How To Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Step 1: Take your slice of bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side.
Step 2: Place the cheese slice on the side of the bread without mayonnaise.
Step 3: Put the hot dog on top of the cheese and carefully roll the bread around it, making sure the cheese stays inside.
Step 4: Use 2 to 3 toothpicks to secure both ends of the bread roll to the hot dog so it stays closed.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.
Step 6: Gently place the wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Step 7: Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Check if they’re done, and if not, cook for 1 more minute at a time until perfect.
Step 9: Remove carefully and serve right away while hot.
What To Serve with Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
These tasty treats pair well with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries from the air fryer. A simple side salad with ranch dressing balances out the richness perfectly. Potato chips or pretzels make great crunchy sides that kids love. You can also serve them with pickles and coleslaw for a classic deli-style meal. For something lighter, try fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes on the side.
Toppings Ideas for Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Classic Options:
- Ketchup and yellow mustard for dipping
- Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor
- BBQ sauce for a smoky taste
Creative Additions:
- Diced onions and relish for extra crunch
- Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Crispy bacon bits on top
- Different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack
Expert Tips
- Use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread for extra crispy results
- Make sure your hot dog is at room temperature before wrapping to prevent uneven cooking
- Don’t overstuff the bread or it will be hard to roll and secure
- Cut the toothpicks shorter if they’re too long for your air fryer
- Cook in batches if you’re making several to avoid overcrowding
- Let them cool for a minute before eating since the cheese will be very hot inside
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, white bread works best because it’s soft and easy to roll, but you can try whole wheat or even tortillas.
What if I don’t have mayonnaise?
You can use softened butter instead, but mayonnaise gives a better crispy texture in the air fryer.
How many can I cook at once?
This depends on your air fryer size, but usually 2 to 4 fit comfortably without touching each other.
Can I make these ahead of time?
It’s best to eat them right away while the cheese is melty, but you can prep them and keep in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
What if my bread keeps unrolling?
Use more toothpicks or try flattening the bread with a rolling pin first to make it more flexible.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 slice of bread
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 slice of cheese
- 1 beef hot dog
Instructions
Step 1: Take your slice of bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side.
Step 2: Place the cheese slice on the side of the bread without mayonnaise.
Step 3: Put the hot dog on top of the cheese and carefully roll the bread around it, making sure the cheese stays inside.
Step 4: Use 2 to 3 toothpicks to secure both ends of the bread roll to the hot dog so it stays closed.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.
Step 6: Gently place the wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Step 7: Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Check if they’re done, and if not, cook for 1 more minute at a time until perfect.
Step 9: Remove carefully and serve right away while hot.
Notes
- Use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread for extra crispy results
- Make sure your hot dog is at room temperature before wrapping to prevent uneven cooking
- Don’t overstuff the bread or it will be hard to roll and secure
- Cut the toothpicks shorter if they’re too long for your air fryer
- Cook in batches if you’re making several to avoid overcrowding
- Let them cool for a minute before eating since the cheese will be very hot inside
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled cheese hot dog
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 74mg