Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs are a crispy, juicy, and crowd-pleasing upgrade to the classic hot dog. Whether you cook them in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, they’re always a hit. The bacon crisps up perfectly, the hot dogs stay juicy, and you don’t need much effort to make them taste like a backyard BBQ.
What Are Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs?
This simple but irresistible recipe involves wrapping a hot dog in bacon and cooking it until the bacon turns crispy and golden. It’s a fun twist on the usual hot dog and works great for parties, summer cookouts, or quick dinners.
While this version keeps it simple, you’ll also find regional variations like the Sonoran dog, which comes loaded with toppings and a soft bolillo bun. Here, we focus on the core recipe with a few variations and tips so you can make it your own.
Jump to:
- What Are Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs?
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Equipment and Essentials
- How to Make Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
- How to Make Them in the Oven
- How to Make Them on the Grill
- Expert Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- FAQ
- More Common Questions
- Storage and Reheating
- Nutritional Information
- Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs (Air Fryer, Oven, Grill)
This post was updated in July 2025 with fresh tips, a revised format, and improved structure for better search performance and user experience
Why This Recipe Works
- Super easy—just 3 main ingredients
- Bacon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer
- Works in the oven or on the grill for more options
- Family favorite that’s ready in under 15 minutes
- Perfect base for creative toppings or regional styles
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 hot dogs
- 3 slices of bacon (I used thick cut)
- 3 hot dog buns
Equipment and Essentials
Below are the tools I use to make this recipe
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)
2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs
GoodCook Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet Set (for oven version)
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
Step 1 – Wrap the hot dogs
Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling toward the other without overlapping too much. This helps the bacon cook evenly.
Optional: Secure each end with a toothpick if needed.
Step 2 – Cook in the air fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400F. Place wrapped hot dogs in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner bacon may need less time.
Step 3 – Toast the buns
Remove hot dogs and place them in buns. Return to the air fryer for about 30 seconds to toast.
How to Make Them in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap the hot dogs in bacon as above.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until bacon is crisp to your liking.
- Toast the buns with the hot dogs inside for a few minutes before serving.
- Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the bacon with a bit of maple syrup or BBQ sauce before baking. This adds a sweet and savory glaze that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Them on the Grill
- Preheat grill to low. If using charcoal, place coals on one side.
- Brush grill grates lightly with oil. A grill mesh mat works great here.
- Wrap hot dogs with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning often, until bacon is crispy.
Expert Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for meaty bites; thin bacon crisps faster but can shrink more.
- Don’t overlap the bacon wrap so the layers cook evenly.
- If using toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving!
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed: Cut a slit in each hot dog and stuff with cheddar before wrapping.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Sonoran-Style: Add pinto beans, diced tomatoes, onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce.
- Breakfast Dogs: Swap the bun for a biscuit and add scrambled eggs.
Serving Suggestions
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Pickled jalapeños or onions
- Grilled corn on the cob
Pairings and Related Recipes
Try more of my summer favorites:
FAQ
Yes. Wrap them and store in the fridge, then cook when ready.
Only if the bacon won’t stay in place. They help, especially on the grill.
Yes, but it’s leaner and won’t crisp the same. Keep a close eye on cook time.
I use a basket-style air fryer, but any model that fits the hot dogs will work.
More Common Questions
Yes. The oven version is great for bulk cooking.
Try grilled onions, spicy mustard, sauerkraut, jalapeños, or classic ketchup and relish.
You can, but they’re best fresh. If freezing, wrap tightly and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Air Fryer: 350F for 3–4 minutes.
- Oven: 375F for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use 50% power in 30-second intervals to avoid rubbery texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 370 kcal (per hot dog with bun)
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are one of those simple joys that deliver every time. Whether you toss them on the grill, air fry them for quick bites, or bake up a batch, the combo of smoky bacon and juicy hot dog is just unbeatable.
Let me know if you made them or tag me in your creations on Instagram or Facebook — #StuffMattyCooks
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs (Air Fryer, Oven, Grill)
Ingredients
- 3 Hot Dogs
- 3 Slices Bacon (I used Thick Cut)
- 3 Hot Dog Buns
Instructions
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Air Fryer
- Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling to the other without overlapping.Tip: Secure ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the basket.Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time for thinner bacon.
- Remove hot dogs, place them in buns, and return to air fryer for 30 seconds to toast.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap hot dogs in bacon as above and place on the sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the bacon is crisp to your liking.
- Add buns and toast for a few more minutes before serving.
Grill Instructions
- Preheat grill to low. If using charcoal, set coals to one side.
- Lightly oil grates or use a grill mesh mat.
- Wrap and secure hot dogs with toothpicks.
- Grill 8–10 minutes, turning often, until bacon is crispy.
Matt
If you love hotdogs give this recipe a try. The bacon really goes well with the taste of the hotdog. Top with anything that you were top your hotdog with anyway. This is one of my cheat day favorites.