Hot dogs are perfect for barbecues and for dinner on busy weeknights! Load them up with your favorite toppings and you’ll have a delicious savory meal.
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Can you freeze hot dogs? Yes, you can!
In this article, I’ll be answering some common questions related to freezing hot dogs, including some of my favorite ways to cook and store them.
What is the Best Way to Freeze Hot Dogs?
Unopened hot dogs can go into the freezer in their original packaging. If you’re freezing hot dogs that have already been opened or didn’t come pre-packaged, follow these steps for the best results:
- Remove hot dogs from the packaging. Eliminate any excess liquid if necessary.
- Place hot dogs in an airtight container or freezer bag. Hot dogs can be placed together or wrapped individually in wax paper.
- Freeze until ready to cook. Once you’re ready to cook the hot dogs, remove them from the freezer so that they can thaw.
While wrapping the hot dogs individually takes a few minutes longer, this hack may save you time in the long run! Your hot dogs won’t stick together, and you’ll be able to defrost smaller portions as opposed to all of the hot dogs at once.
You can also alternatively place the hot dogs about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or wax paper and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Then remove the baking sheet from the freezer, place the frozen hot dogs in a freezer-safe bag and freeze as normal.
Can You Freeze Opened Hot Dogs?
Absolutely! Opened hot dogs will freeze and keep just as well (and as long!) as unopened hot dogs. The key to keeping them fresh is storing them properly in an airtight container.
How Long Can You Freeze Hot Dogs?
Hot dogs can be frozen for up to two months. There’s no hard rule that makes frozen hot dogs unsafe to eat beyond the two-month mark. However, they will start to lose their quality and freshness after this point.
You might also be wondering, can you refreeze hot dogs? The consensus is that it’s generally ok to refreeze hot dogs once, but only if they were frozen and thawed properly to start. Also, only do so if they remain uncooked!
Is It OK to Boil Frozen Hot Dogs?
Yes, it’s ok to boil frozen hot dogs –– and it’s easy too!
- Bring water to a rapid boil.
- Add your frozen hot dogs.
- Boil hot dogs for about 8-10 minutes until they’re fully heated through.
How Long Do Hot Dogs Last in the Fridge?
Unopened hotdogs will last in the fridge for up to two weeks beyond the date listed on the packaging.
Once opened, hot dogs will last one week. Be sure to store hot dogs in an airtight container if refrigerating after opening.
How Can You Tell If Hot Dogs Have Gone Bad?
Despite freezing well, hot dogs will still go bad eventually. Look for these telltale signs of spoilage for your hot dogs:
- Texture: The hot dogs are slimy to the touch –– likely an indicator of bacteria.
- Smell: There’s a rancid, rotten smell coming from the hot dogs. Trust your nose!
- Appearance: You notice an excessive amount of freezer burn on the hot dogs before defrosting them.
Can You Freeze Hot Dog Buns?
Yes! Not only can you freeze hot dogs, but you can also freeze hot dog buns too! Properly stored hot dog buns will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Want to freeze your hot dog buns? Here’s how to do it:
- Wrap individual buns tightly. I recommend using either plastic wrap or aluminum. This will prevent the buns from losing moisture when thawed.
- Seal in a freezer-safe storage bag. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Let frozen hot dog buns sit out at room temperature to thaw before cooking. For best results, heat your thawed buns in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
How to Use Frozen Hot Dogs
Frozen hot dogs can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave with a defrost setting. Want to cook frozen hot dogs without thawing them? Toss them in the air fryer!
My Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe will give you perfectly juicy hot dogs in just a few minutes.
Simply place the frozen hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 7-8 minutes. If you have time, I recommend defrosting them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute first, but this step is optional!
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