If you have been around awhile, ya know that I love to eat all kinds of fancy meals out and about here in San Francisco. But, ya know what? One of my all-time favorite quick snacks is making simple microwaved hot dogs. It’s an easy meal or quick snack when made using this cooking process method. In the end, follow the below simple steps to get the perfect hot dog with no fuss – the easy way.
Quick Answer: How Long to Microwave a Hot Dog?
For best results, microwave a hot dog on high power for 30 to 45 seconds. If you’re microwaving multiple hot dogs, increase the time slightly in 15-second increments.
| Hot Dog Type | Microwave Time (High Power) |
|---|---|
| Regular hot dog | 30–45 seconds |
| Frozen hot dog | 50–60 seconds (thawed first if possible) |
| Jumbo hot dog | 45–60 seconds |
Rushed? Here’s the tea. Microwave hot dogs only require approximately 1 minute of cooking time. This all-American favorite satisfies day or night, kid or adult, and lunch or dinner. Perhaps the quick preparation time helps make them so popular – of course, the taste is a given. Is there anything more comforting or Americana? So I’m sure you are asking yourself what’s the quickest way to make microwaved dogs? Let’s dive in by answering some of the most commonly asked questions and must know details:
Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving a Hot Dog
- Prep the hot dog: Place it on a microwave-safe plate. You can use a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Poke small holes: Use a fork to prick a few holes in the hot dog. This helps prevent bursting.
- Add moisture (optional): Wrapping the hot dog in a damp paper towel keeps it from drying out.
- Microwave on high: Start with 30 seconds for a standard hot dog.
- Check for doneness: If needed, microwave in 10-15 second increments until heated through.
- Let it rest for 30 seconds: The heat distributes evenly, making every bite perfect!
Tips for the Best Microwaved Hot Dog
Cooking in Intervals
The secret? One of the most popular methods is cooking in short bursts or intervals of time to avoid having your delicious hot dog explode. No one likes that. Not only does it look unappetizing but the juice on the inside escapes leaving your would-be meal dry. The best thing about this method is that it doesn’t make more dishes or require any extra culinary skills. No one has the time for multiple dishes, and messy pots or pans.
Tip
One of the simplest, methods to make a hot dog in the microwave is to cook it in intervals – just make sure it’s wrapped in a single moist wet paper towel. Want to get more specific on how to make your next hot dog even more perfect? Read on.
Additional Tips
- For a juicier hot dog, wrap it in a damp paper towel while heating.
- Want a steamed bun? Wrap the bun in a separate damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For multiple hot dogs, space them out evenly and microwave for 45-60 seconds, flipping halfway.
Detailed Instructions on how to make microwave hotdogs:
- Take two sheets of paper towel and dampen them with cold water. I like to start with cold water so you don’t have excessive steam collecting in your microwave
- Wrap the hot dogs loosely in the paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. I like to place them on porcelain. If your plate has a small lip even better – you will want to catch some minor hot dog juice that will escape in the interval cooking process
- Place in the microwave and close the door. Microwave on full power for about 30 seconds. This is just for the first interval you can do short bursts after if you need time. But if you do, re-use the same paper towel.
- Open the door and check if the hot dog is heated through. This is a personal preference. Hot dogs are safe to cook out of the microwave. But I prefer a piping hot dog myself.
- Repeat in 15-20 second intervals until the hot dog is to your liking. Remember to rewrap in that damp paper towel.
- Place the hot dogs into the warm buns and add your favorite toppings. My favorite toppings include; ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and even a bit of mayo.
How long does it take to microwave a hot dog?
Okay, this will certainly vary by microwave. But I have tried this one on at least 6 different microwaves and the general rule of thumb is to cook your hot dog for 30 seconds for the first interval to be on the safe side. Don’t forget to wrap it in a wet paper towel on a paper plate or microwave-safe bowl to catch any hot dog juices. If you need to keep going, your best bet is to microwave for an additional 10 to 15 seconds for one or two more intervals.
If you want to cook more than one hot dog, just increase the time needed per hotdog For example, two hot dogs would take about a minute
What are the steps for microwaving a hot dog?
Firstly, start with a good quality hot dog. I know it’s easy to grab the cheapest hot dog at the grocery store but if you can swing it try my favorite hot dog. These hot dogs and buns are great because it has minimal artificial flavors and no harmful chemicals or preservatives. Plus, they are all beef. I think the rich bold flavor is well worth the few extra dollars over your standard hot dog and hot dog buns. Other great options include; Nathan’s hot dogs and these all beef Hebrew’s National dogs.
Wrap in a paper towel
Once you have your perfect hot dog ready for the microwave oven you will want to wrap each in a damp paper towel. This is the easiest way to keep the hot dog moist and get the best results beyond a water boil. These hot dog recipes cooking techniques are the most popular because the way the hot dog cooks keeps the dog moist and retains the flavor. The paper towel trick is literally just as good as boiling in water with no fuss and way quicker.
Cook in Intervals
The next step in how long to microwave a hot dog is to cook each with this pro tip heating process. Place in the microwave and cook in intervals. The first should be 30 seconds. Then if you need more time, re-wrap in the same damp paper towel for 15 more seconds. This is one is the simplest methods to get a fast delicious hot dog. Don’t be afraid, to try an additional 15 seconds. Don’t forget that if you are making jumbo-sized hot does that you might want to add 5 seconds to each interval so that your cook time is 30-20-15 seconds. This is the easiest method for a jumbo dog.
How to prepare a hot dog bun
Once you have your ideal hot dog internal temperature you are going to want to grab a warm bun to place it in. I prefer to use the same method I cook my hot dogs in – with a damp paper towel. This makes them feel freshly baked. Wrap your bun into a damp paper towel for 10 seconds each. If you want a slight toast, consider placing them in a skillet for 30 seconds.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes! Increase the time to 50-60 seconds and check every 15 seconds to avoid overheating. If possible, let it thaw for a few minutes first for even cooking.
Hot dogs burst due to trapped steam inside. To prevent this:
Poke a few small holes before microwaving.
Use medium-high power instead of full power for gentler cooking
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s heated to 165°F (74°C) for food safet
Yes, hot dogs are pre-cooked, making them easily re-heatable in the microwave and a quick easy way to make a delicious snack. They are totally safe out of the package. Don’t worry! However, if you are immune compromised consider cooking first to be safe.
Cook on high. Start at 30 seconds for one frank. Then try another interval (or two) at 15 seconds each. Be sure to wrap in that damp paper towel each time.
You can, as hot dogs arrive fully cooked, But don’t. They are so easy to cook with the steps above that you should never have to really do this.
Now that we know how Long to Microwave a Hotdog you probably want to know what condominets to use. I like (e.g., yellow, Dijon, whole grain, etc.) ketchup, mayonnaise, BBQ Sauce, Hot Sauce (e.g., Buffalo Sauce, Sriracha) Cheddar cheese, onions, relish, pickles, and even horse radish. Don’t forget to liven things up with a topping of chili and shredded cheese. Need a side? Try my strawberry capers salad recipe, or air fryer zucchini chips.
In Conclusion
Microwaving a hot dog is quick, easy, and foolproof when done right. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a hot, juicy, and delicious hot dog in under a minute. Enjoy! Will you give this super easy hot dog microwave cooking technique a chance? I sure hope you will. It’s my go-to late at night or on a busy lunch break for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy and xoxo
You can use a fork to poke small holes in the hotdogs before wrapping them in the damp paper towels to prevent them from bursting in the microwave. 🌭
Britt! I’m sorry for not getting back to you sooner. That is a great idea. I often make two small slices in the hot dog for the same reason. Thanks for sharing this great tip with our readers. – Ant