Preparing a hot dog seems simple enough. However, finding the best way to cook this popular summer food is less straightforward. Chef Kenji López-Alt offers some guidance, starting with the type of hot dog to purchase. He advises buying hot dogs with natural casings, often made from lamb skins, as they provide a satisfying snap when bitten into.

Choosing the Right Cooking Method

There are countless opinions on the best way to cook a hot dog. Some may prefer boiling them in water, while others like to roast them over a fire. We explored several methods to find the most effective way.

Quick Cooking Techniques

López-Alt suggests that for the best flavor, slow cooking is ideal. However, for those who prefer quick cooking, microwaving is an option, though not the best one. Our tests showed that wrapping the hot dog in a paper towel and microwaving it for 45 seconds resulted in a split skin and limp texture. Despite this, microwaves are practical in kitchens with children.

Alternatively, the air fryer offers a quicker method with better results. Its strong convection fan reduces excess moisture, yielding a snappier skin and a crispy texture. Though effective, an air fryer may cause the hot dog to become a bit misshapen. Some chefs suggest cutting the skin to enhance surface area, but López-Alt warns against doing this with natural casing hot dogs.

Slow Cooking Methods

The slow cooker represents the lengthiest method, similar to those used at gas stations. López-Alt shares a recipe involving cocktail weenies, ketchup, brown sugar, and bourbon, which delivers a rich flavor, though the appearance might not be appealing. We tested placing hot dogs in a slow cooker on low heat for two hours. While the color was unattractive, the slow method enhanced the meaty flavor, proving looks can deceive.

The Traditional Grill

The grill, a favorite, produced excellent results during our tests. Placing hot dogs away from and then over the coals ensured a pleasing color and texture. The grill marks were desirable, and the saltiness was balanced. Regional toppings vary, with North Carolinians favoring mustard, coleslaw, onions, and chili, while New Yorkers might prefer sauerkraut and spicy mustard. López-Alt notes the unique Seattle style with cream cheese, jalapenos, and grilled onions.

Whether you choose the air fryer, grill, or slow cooker, your hot dog experience can be flavorful. Each method and topping offers a unique twist for your taste buds.