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If you are looking for a playful twist on classic hot dogs or a wow-worthy weeknight meal, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Mac and Cheese Dogs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy bacon snuggled around juicy wieners pairs perfectly with creamy homemade mac and cheese all tucked into soft buns. A quick toast in the air fryer brings it all together for pure comfort food bliss.
I remember making these on movie night and everyone ended up building their own dogs with extra mac and cheese spilling over. They disappeared faster than the popcorn.
Ingredients
- Wieners: The base for a juicy bite Go for all-beef or your favorite kind for fullest flavor
- Bacon: Wraps the wiener and crisps up in the air fryer Thick cut adds more chew but regular gets crispier
- Hot dog buns: Carby comfort to hold everything together Look for sturdy buns so nothing falls apart
- Macaroni noodles: The vehicle for all that cheesy sauce Try to use elbow macaroni for the classic texture
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Brings a creamy cheesy backbone Choose high quality for best flavor
- Heavy cream: Turns the cheese sauce ultra rich Use fresh for optimal creaminess
- Salt and pepper: Boosts flavor taste as you go for balance
- Onion powder: For savory depth
- Garlic powder: Gives aromatic flavor without overpowering
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Melts perfectly for extra stretch and sharpness Shred your own for best melting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles until just al dente following package instructions. Drain them well so the sauce clings right.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 380F to ensure it is evenly hot for extra crispy bacon.
- Wrap the Wieners:
- Work on a cutting board. Wrap each wiener in a strip of bacon making sure the ends are tucked under so they do not unravel in cooking.
- Air Fry the Bacon Dogs:
- Lay the bacon wrapped wieners seam side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 380F for about eight minutes until the bacon is golden crisp and the wieners are heated through.
- Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pot on medium heat whisk together the condensed cheddar soup heavy cream salt pepper onion powder and garlic powder until completely smooth and starting to steam.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Gently fold in the cooked drained macaroni noodles making sure every noodle gets saucy. Do not rush this step. Once it starts to bubble lower the heat.
- Melt in the Cheese:
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend stirring until the cheese just melts for a stretchy creamy sauce.
- Build the Dogs:
- Spoon a generous amount of mac and cheese onto each bun. Carefully press one hot bacon wrapped wiener into the cheesy noodles.
- Toast in the Air Fryer:
- Place the fully assembled hot dogs back in the air fryer basket and cook at 380F for three to four minutes. This will crispen the buns and bring all the flavors together.
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The mac and cheese is my favorite part. Sometimes I sneak a bit extra in my own bun or save a scoop for lunch the next day. Once my niece helped stir in the cheese she was so proud to say she “made” dinner all by herself.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely then wrap each assembled dog tightly in foil. Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for four to five minutes. For best results store mac and cheese and bacon wieners separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the wieners for plant-based sausages if you want a vegetarian version. Turkey bacon works for a lighter touch. Any melty cheese such as Monterey Jack or gouda can be mixed into the cheese sauce for added variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp dill pickle and simple green salad to balance the richness. These dogs make fabulous party food just slice each into thirds for easy sharing bites.
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Cultural Context
Bacon wrapped hot dogs have roots at ballparks and local fairs across America. Adding creamy mac and cheese turns this into a next level comfort food mashup inspired by the best childhood classics.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the bacon wrapped around the hot dogs while cooking?
To keep bacon secure, wrap it tightly around the wiener and place the seam side down in the air fryer basket. Toothpicks can help, just remember to remove them before serving.
- → Can I use store-bought mac and cheese instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought mac and cheese can be substituted for the homemade version for extra convenience.
- → What air fryer temperature ensures crispy bacon?
Cooking at 380F provides a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Prepare components ahead, assemble just before air frying the final time to keep buns from getting soggy.
- → What kind of cheese blend is best for the macaroni?
A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella delivers the richest melt and flavor for the mac.