If you’re hunting for a playful, crave-worthy twist on two all-time favorites, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Pizza Dogs. Imagine hot and juicy wieners, tangy pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and crispy bacon all cozied up in a fluffy bun — then cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. This is a dish for pizza and hot dog lovers alike, bursting with bold flavors, a contrast of textures, and incredible ease. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight treat, game day, or family movie night, Air Fryer Pizza Dogs deliver all the nostalgic fun you want, minus the fuss.

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs are all about simple ingredients coming together to create maximum taste and comfort. Each element elevates the experience, adding its own personality from savory to creamy, crispy, and oh-so-cheesy.

Wieners: Choose classic all-beef, chicken, or veggie wieners — they’re the hearty base of every pizza dog.
Pepperoni slices: For some zesty, iconic pizza flavor and a satisfying bite — try turkey pepperoni if you want to lighten it up.
Hot dog buns: The perfect fluffy vessel that holds all those delicious toppings and soaks up every drop of sauce.
Pizza sauce: That tangy, herby kick turns your hot dogs into something seriously special — jarred or homemade both work!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melt factor can’t be beat; mozzarella gives you that classic pizza gooeyness.
Bacon, cooked and chopped: For a smoky, salty crunch on top, be sure it’s crisped up before adding it.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Dogs

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, get your air fryer nice and hot. Set it to 380F so it’s ready to give your wieners and buns that irresistible, toasty finish. This quick preheat gives you the perfect starting point for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Wieners

Place the wieners directly in the basket of your preheated air fryer. Let them cook at 380F for 5 minutes. This step ensures your dogs are juicy, snappy, and warmed through, making them the ultimate centerpiece for your pizza dogs.

Step 3: Prep the Buns and Sauce

While the wieners are sizzling, split open your buns and spread the inside of each one with a generous layer of pizza sauce. Don’t skimp — this makes the whole thing deliciously messy in the best possible way!

Step 4: Layer on Pepperoni

Take about two thirds of your pepperoni slices and lay them down the center of each sauced bun. The heat from the wieners later on will warm them up and release those classic pizza aromas.

Step 5: Assemble with the Wieners

Once the wieners are ready, nestle each one onto the pepperoni-lined buns. They’ll sit right on top, soaking up all that sauce and flavor while anchoring your toppings in place.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon

Next, scatter a healthy handful of shredded mozzarella over each bun, followed by a sprinkle of crispy, chopped bacon. You want a good layer so every bite is extra cheesy and smokey.

Step 7: Finish with More Pepperoni

Top it all off with the remaining pepperoni slices. They crisp up beautifully and amp up that pizza flavor you’re after.

Step 8: Air Fry the Pizza Dogs

Gently place your assembled Air Fryer Pizza Dogs back into the basket. Cook at 380F for another 4 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and browns, pepperoni edges curl up, and everything melds together into a melty, savory masterpiece.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove your finished Air Fryer Pizza Dogs and get ready for the best part: biting into that cheesy, saucy, savory goodness while it’s hot and fresh!

How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Dogs

Garnishes

Don’t forget a final flourish! Scatter some chopped fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes over your Air Fryer Pizza Dogs just before serving. A drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese will also elevate your creation, making each bite burst with extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs absolutely shine alongside a few simple sides. Crunchy veggie sticks, a tangy coleslaw, or even a crisp green salad balance the richness. If you’re going for the comfort food vibe, try pairing them with classic fries, onion rings, or herby potato wedges for a real treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice your pizza dogs into bite-sized pieces and spear them with toothpicks for easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers. Or, serve them in a paper-lined basket with plenty of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo. Kids (and adults!) will love making their own personalized Air Fryer Pizza Dogs at a DIY toppings bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, let your Air Fryer Pizza Dogs cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days, and are easy to grab for a quick lunch or snack.

Freezing

To freeze, fully assemble and cook your pizza dogs, then let them cool. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months — just defrost for a simple meal anytime!

Reheating

To reheat Air Fryer Pizza Dogs, pop them back in the air fryer at 350F for 4 to 5 minutes, or until hot and melty again. You can also use the oven or microwave, but the air fryer gives you the best texture, reviving the bun and crisping up the pepperoni and bacon.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausages instead of wieners?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with bratwurst, Italian sausage, or even plant-based links. Adjust cook time as needed for thicker sausages, but the rest of the method stays the same.

What can I use if I don’t have pizza sauce?

If pizza sauce isn’t in your pantry, try marinara, tomato sauce with some Italian spices, or even a bit of ketchup jazzed up with oregano and garlic powder for a DIY fix.

Can I make Air Fryer Pizza Dogs dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the mozzarella cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Make sure your buns and pepperoni are vegan if that’s your goal, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based pizza dog in no time.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Don’t overload them with sauce; a light spread on the inside of each bun usually does the trick. Also, assembling the buns just before air frying and not letting them sit too long helps ensure everything stays pleasantly crisp.

Are Air Fryer Pizza Dogs good for kids?

Kids love them! Air Fryer Pizza Dogs are fun to make and eat, and you can let little ones help with the toppings. They’re perfect for family meals, birthday parties, or anytime you want smiles around the table.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly joyful about sinking your teeth into an Air Fryer Pizza Dog: the cheesy stretch, the zing of pepperoni, the juicy wiener, and that toasty golden bun. If you’re ready to liven up dinner or impress at your next get-together, give these a go and share the delicious fun. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Pizza Dogs are a fun twist on classic hot dogs, combining the flavors of pizza in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Dogs:

4 wieners
3 oz pepperoni slices
4 hot dog buns
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 380F.

2. Place the wieners in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Cook the wieners at 380F for 5 minutes.

While the wieners are cooking, open up the hot dog buns and spread the insides with pizza sauce.
Take about two thirds of the pepperoni slices and place them in a row down the center of the hot dog buns.
Once the wieners are cooked, place a cooked wiener on top of the pepperoni in each hot dog bun.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the hot dog buns.
Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over the cheese.
Place the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket.

10. Cook the hot dogs at 380F for 4 minutes.

11. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize these pizza dogs with your favorite pizza toppings.
Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model and preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pizza dog
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Pizza Dogs, Pizza Dogs, Hot Dogs, Air Fryer Recipe