Air Fryer Bacon Mac & Cheese Dogs (Print version)
Crisp bacon-wrapped hot dogs cooked in the air fryer, tucked into toasted buns, and topped with creamy homemade mac and cheese.
# Ingredients:
For the bacon-wrapped hot dogs
01 -
6 beef hot dogs or wieners
02 -
6 slices thin-cut bacon, about 6 oz (170 g)
03 -
6 sturdy hot dog buns
04 -
1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, melted
05 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the mac and cheese
06 -
6 oz (170 g) elbow macaroni
07 -
1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
08 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
09 -
3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
10 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
11 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
13 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
1/2 cup (55 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
16 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For topping
17 -
2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
18 -
1/4 cup (35 g) sliced pickled jalapenos, optional
19 -
Smoked paprika or hot sauce, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
02 -
In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 45 seconds. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and evaporated milk until smooth.
03 -
Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until lightly thickened. Turn the heat to low and stir in the Dijon, garlic powder, cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, and pepper. Fold in the macaroni and keep warm.
04 -
Wrap one slice of thin bacon around each hot dog, slightly overlapping as you go. Place each one seam-side down. Use toothpicks if the bacon will not stay tucked.
05 -
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F if your model requires it. Arrange the wrapped hot dogs in a single layer and cook for 9-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and browned.
06 -
Mix the melted butter with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Brush the cut sides of the buns and air fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
07 -
Place one bacon-wrapped hot dog in each bun. Spoon warm mac and cheese over the top. Finish with chives, jalapenos, smoked paprika, or hot sauce and serve right away.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the bacon is crisp and the mac is creamy.
02 -
Cook in batches if the air fryer basket is small.
03 -
Remove toothpicks before serving.