Hot dog burnt ends, also known as poor man’s burnt ends, are a budget-friendly twist on a classic BBQ dish. Instead of brisket tips, hot dog pieces are coated in sweet sauce and caramelized to perfection. I use my air fryer to make the process even quicker and easier!
What Are Hot Dog Burnt Ends?
Delicious hot dog burnt ends are a fun, budget-friendly twist on traditional beef brisket burnt ends. Instead of using smoked brisket, this dish features hot dogs that are sliced, cooked, and then caramelized in a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce.
The result is a bite-sized, smoky, flavorful treat with a slightly crisp exterior and juicy interior! I love making them in my air fryer for speed, but you can also use the oven, smoker, or grill if you prefer.
They’re popular as a party appetizer, game day snack, tailgate food, for celebrating national hot dog day, or as an easy weeknight BBQ dish. They require far less time and effort than classic burnt ends but still deliver that same sweet, savory flavor punch!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- 8 all beef hot dogs (such as Nathan’s)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp BBQ dry rub of choice
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can substitute your favorite hot dogs or thin sausages, including chicken or turkey if preferred!
- I use a sweet barbecue sauce. If you use a vinegar-based sauce, you may want to omit additional vinegar (and feel free to adjust the sweetness to preference as well). Try my Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce for a fruity twist!
- Feel free to add other seasonings as desired – onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper are some of my other favorite choices
- If you’re missing the smoky flavor from a traditional smoker version, you can add a few dashes of liquid smoke seasoning, but I personally prefer to omit it
Step By Step Instructions
- Place the hot dogs in the air fryer in a single layer with air space between them
- Air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot dogs are browned (you can also skip this step and use leftover hot dogs)!
- Remove hot dogs from the air fryer and cut into approximately 1” pieces. Then, toss in a large bowl with the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, hot sauce, vinegar, and BBQ rub, stirring until thoroughly mixed
- Add the coated hot dog chunks back into your air fryer in a single layer, then cook at 400°F for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes, until deep brown and caramelized to your liking
- Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, or pair with your favorite sides for a meal! Feel free to add extra BBQ sauce after cooking if you want a saucier burnt end!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Add hot dogs to a sheet pan and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
- Remove the hot dogs, slice them into pieces and mix with the remaining ingredients
- Spread the cubes evenly on the baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for an additional 10-15 minutes until browned and caramelized to your liking
- Salmon Burnt Ends
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Chicken Burnt Ends
What to Serve With Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Side Dishes
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the smoky, caramelized hot dogs!
- Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy slaw cuts through the richness and adds freshness
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory beans complement the BBQ flavors. Try my Air Fryer Baked Beans!
- Cornbread or Corn Pudding – Adds a soft, sweet element to balance the smoky, salty bites. I love to serve mine with Air Fryer Corn Casserole!
- Potato Salad – Classic creamy or mustard-style potato salad works well as a cooling contrast. You can even make some Air Fryer Potato Salad!
- Grilled Vegetables – Charred zucchini, bell peppers, or corn offer a lighter complement
Dips & Sauces
- Ranch or BBQ Ranch – For dipping or drizzling
- Spicy Mustard or Honey Mustard – Adds a zingy contrast
- Jalapeño Aioli – Great if you want a little heat!
Drink Pairings
- Cold Beer – Light lagers, pilsners, or even a smoky porter pair well
- Hard Lemonade or Cider – The sweetness and acidity balance the BBQ glaze
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – Great for non-alcoholic options
- Whiskey Cola or Bourbon Cocktail – If you want something stronger to match the BBQ theme. Try a Maple Old Fashioned!
Recipe FAQs
Why Is It Called Poor Man’s Burnt Ends?
“Poor man’s burnt ends” refers to using affordable cuts of meat—like hot dogs or chuck roast—instead of traditional brisket. The term reflects a budget-friendly twist on the classic BBQ delicacy while still delivering rich, smoky, caramelized flavor.
What Is The Best Meat For Burnt Ends?
The best meat for traditional burnt ends is the point cut of a beef brisket due to its marbling and tenderness. However, chuck roast, pork belly, and even hot dogs are great alternatives for different takes on burnt ends, offering varying textures and flavor profiles.
Why Do They Call Them Burnt Ends?
Burnt ends got their name from the dark, crispy, caramelized tips of a smoked brisket point cut. These flavorful, bark-heavy bits were once considered scraps but became a beloved BBQ delicacy for their intense smoky taste and chewy texture.
Tips For the Best Hot Dog Burnt Ends
- This recipe doubles easily if you’re feeding a larger crowd!
- I made this recipe in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. I cooked my hot dogs for 10 minutes, and then an additional 7 minutes after saucing. Different air fryers, hot dogs, and ingredients can all alter the time by up to a few minutes, so adjust as needed for your specific circumstances
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2 months
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying
- Air Fryer: Crisp them back up in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes (shake the basket once halfway through)
- Microwave: Microwave in short bursts (30–45 seconds) with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture. While fast, they will lose crispiness with this method
More Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes
Final Thoughts
This easy air fryer hot dogs burnt ends recipe is perfect to enjoy a backyard BBQ classic in less time, while not sacrificing flavor either! All it takes is a few simple ingredients to create something sweet, savory, and delicious.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or even a light meal paired with sides, they’re sure to be a huge hit at your next party. They always make my game day table since they’re such a fan favorite!
Katie’s tip
Looking for more creative ideas? Check out all of my amazing Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes for inspiration!
Air Fryer Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 8 all beef hot dogs
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp BBQ dry rub of choice
Instructions
- Place the hot dogs in the air fryer in a single layer with air space between them8 all beef hot dogs
- Air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot dogs are browned (you can also skip this step and use leftover hot dogs)!
- Remove hot dogs from the air fryer and cut into approximately 1” pieces. Then, toss in a large bowl with the remaining ingredients, stirring until thoroughly mixed¼ cup barbecue sauce, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp yellow mustard, ½ tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp BBQ dry rub of choice
- Add the coated hot dog chunks back into your air fryer in a single layer, then cook at 400°F for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring after 4-5 minutes, until deep brown and caramelized to your liking
- Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, or pair with your favorite sides for a meal! Feel free to add extra BBQ sauce after cooking if you want a saucier, messier burnt end!
Notes
- You can substitute your favorite hot dogs or even thin sausages
- I use a sweet barbecue sauce. If you use a vinegar-based sauce, you may want to omit additional vinegar (feel free to adjust the sweetness to preference as well)
- Feel free to add other seasonings as desired – onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper are some other good choices
- If you’re missing the smoky flavor from a traditional smoker version, you can add a few dashes of liquid smoke seasoning, but I personally prefer to omit it
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or seasonings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
These were delicious, so easy to make! I used hot honey bbq ,gave it a great kick, didn’t have to use hot sauce.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Hot Honey BBQ definitely sounds like a perfect sweet and spicy combination to use, so thanks or sharing!