Reheating hot dogs

The internal temperature to aim for when reheating hot dogs is between 150 and 160 Fahrenheit. Any less, the hot dog becomes spongy and bland. More heat could pop open and dry out. There are multiple options, depending on effort, time, and availability.

Oven

The buns heat faster than sausages. You should check on their progress at the halfway mark. Some want their hot dog’s dryer, placing your hot dog sausages in the oven without a foil covering. It is ideal for larger quantities of hot dogs, but it takes longer than the other methods.

If you follow instructions, you will have soft, moist, and tender hotdogs. The method retains all its flavor, and the absence of foil makes the sausages papery and dry.

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Disassemble your hot dogs and scrape off any condiments.
3. Sprinkle the sausages and buns with water, and wrap them in foil, separately.
4. Warm them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. To crisp your sausages, place them under the broiler, uncovered, until they start to change color.
6. Reassemble, refresh your condiments, and serve.

Stovetop

Refrying your hot dog in the oil gives better results. It leaves the skin crispy and the bun toasty and warm.  The steaming method also gives you juicy sausage. Keep your heat to medium, so you do not burst or split the sausage before it is warm.

Steps

1. Disassemble your hot dog by separating the sausage from the bun.
2. Scrap off any condiments.
3. Set your stove to medium heat and warm oil or butter in a frying pan.
4. Fry your sausage, turning it frequently until browned for about 5 minutes.
5. Fry your bun, cut-side down, for a minute or two until toasty.
6. Reassemble your hot dog and refresh the condiments before serving.

Grill

Grilling is for a delicious taste and signature grill marks, making the hotdog appetizing. For this method, your sausages should not have direct heat. You will burn them. Steaming a hot dog bun on the grill, mist it with water and wrap it tightly in foil. Place it on the grill’s indirect heating section for a minute.

Use the barbecue grill to reheat your hot dogs as the flavor and taste are exceptional. It takes a lot of effort to reheat on the grill if you were not planning to barbecue.

Steps 

1. Reheat your hot dogs on a gas or charcoal grill. 
2. After a few minutes, they start warming. 
3. Frequently turn them to heat evenly.

Reheating hot dogs in an Air fryer

This method can turn hot dogs a bit papery and dry (Mashed.com).

Steps

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place your sausages, not touching, in the basket. 
3. Heat them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them once or twice.
4. Once warm, pop your buns in the air fryer for a few seconds. 

Boiler

The method makes sausages watery and drains out the flavor. Wrapping your hot dog sausages tightly in plastic wrap will prevent them from drying out.

Steps

1. Wrap your sausages in plastic wrap.
2. Place your hotdogs in a pot of lightly boiling water on the stove. 
3. Heat them for 4 to 6 minutes or until evenly warm. 

Best method

The microwave is the best way to reheat a hot dog. This method produced is convenient and gives you a tasty, moist hot dog. Heat the sausage and the bun separately, as the latter heats up much faster. Wrap your sausage in a damp paper towel to lock in moisture, keeping it juicy and tender. It creates a steaming effect on the bun, which is ideal for stale bread.

Be careful not to burst your sausages. That is a sign of overcooking, and it compromises their taste and texture. The method is convenient, especially if you are reheating one portion and in a hurry. It leaves your sausage moist and hot and the steamed bun soft and fresh.

Steps

1. Separate the sausage from the bun and scrape off any condiments.
2. Set the bun aside.
3. Wrap the sausage in a damp paper towel and set it on a microwave-safe plate.
4. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals until hot.
5. Wrap the bun in a piece of damp paper towel.
6. Microwave it in 15-second intervals until hot.
7. Reassemble the hot dog.
8. You can add new fresh condiments to your taste like lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread of your choice.
9. Serve immediately.

Storage

Remove the sausages from the buns and scrape off condiments. Wrap the sausages in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep your buns in airtight packaging for five days.

Keeping your hot dog buns sealed in an airtight container reduces the risk of bacteria and keeps them fresher for longer. When freezing hot dogs, spread them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Wrap your hot dog buns up individually in plastic wrap or foil, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. Make sure they are not touching so that they do not stick together. Place them in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours. Once hard, transfer them to a heavy-duty zip-lock bag. Remove the air, seal the bag, and store for 1 to 2 months.

Hot dog sausages should stay within 2 hours of being cooked to prevent the development of harmful bacteria. Use them within 1 to 2 months of freezing.

Safe Temperatures

The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). When cooked food like hot dogs sits at room temperature,  they enter the Danger Zone. The Danger Zone is the range of temperatures between 40 ° and 140 °F, where bacteria grows. That is why you should never leave food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (Healthline.com).  

FAQs

Can you reheat frozen hot dogs?

No. Reheat hot dogs from room temperature, as reheating them from frozen can compromise the texture of a frozen center. Thaw hot dogs by leaving them in the fridge overnight, or defrost them in your microwave on medium heat in 15-second intervals until soft.

Defrost the buns by holding one in a pair of tongs over a steaming pot of boiling water, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. You can cover the sausages in hot water until thawed. The method is faster than cold water.

Can you eat cold hot dogs?

No, cook them before consumption. Hot dogs taste better hot. Heat will reduce the risk of bacteria and foodborne diseases.

Is heating hot dogs safe?

Yes, reheated hot dogs are safe to eat. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) or higher. If the hot dogs are reheated when steaming hot, it is safe. Be careful when the hotdogs have been sitting outside for hours.