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How to Defrost Frozen Hot Dogs in Microwave

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Do you know defrosting frozen hot dogs prior to reheating or cooking works the best? If you have been thawing on the counter top or having hard time to separate frozen hotdogs, using microwave is quick and easy way to resolve the issue.

How do you defrost frozen hotdogs in the microwave? Place the frozen hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate, adjust the power to 30% or use defrost setting, and microwave for 30 second intervals for a total of 1 minute or until fully defrosted.

Once the hot dogs are thawed out, immediately cook or reheat with the preferred method so the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius to be safe to serve.

When in a hurry, many try to microwave hotdogs that are frozen without defrosting them. However, it is not recommended to cook the hot dogs if they are still frozen, defrost to room temperature for even cooking. 

When defrosting hot dogs using the microwave, it is fundamentally necessary to remove the hot dog from the original packaging. When microwaving the hot dog inside the package, the plastic starts to melt and leach harmful chemicals onto the food. 

This article demonstrates the best way to defrost frozen hotdogs in the microwave. Answered below are frequently asked questions about using a microwave to defrost frozen hot dogs for the best results possible.

Can you microwave frozen hot dogs?

Yes, you can microwave frozen hot dogs. For best results, thaw the frozen hot dog before reheating.

Set the microwave on thaw using the defrost function or lowering the power level. The hot dog is placed on a microwave-safe plate and covered with a wet paper towel to preserve the moisture to prevent it from drying during the process. 

Defrost with intervals of 30 seconds, keep rotating the hotdog to ensure it defrosts thoroughly. 

After completely thawing, use the reheat setting and microwave the hot dog to an internal temperature of 74℃ or 165℉ so that it is safe to serve.

How long are hot dogs good after you defrost them?

Frozen hot dogs defrosted by the refrigerator tend to stay 1 or 2 days longer since they are kept at cooler temperatures while thawing. However, frozen hot dogs thawed through the microwave or with cold running water are recommended to cook immediately after the defrosting process to minimize time spent in the temperature danger zone. 

In general, hot dogs are good for 3 to 5 days when kept in the refrigerator after opening.

Even though defrosting frozen hotdogs using the refrigerator takes a long time, the method is the most effective and efficient way to extend shelf life. 

Always smell and look at the nature of the hot dog before cooking it. A spoiled hot dog has a sour smell with a dull color and a slimy texture. 

When a defrosted hot dog exhibits such traits, discard it immediately instead of cooking or reheating it.

How long do you cook a frozen hotdog in a microwave?

First thaw the frozen hot dog for 1 to 2 minutes until fully defrosted. Then, microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time taken to cook a frozen hot dog in the microwave depends on the number of hotdogs and the wattage of microwave appliance. 

The most important part is that the microwave should be stopped every 30 seconds to check that the hot dogs do not start overcooking. Rotating is needed to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. 

The process is repeated until the hot dog is fully thawed before reheating. An entire package of frozen hot dogs may take between 8 to 12 minutes to be completely defrosted then thoroughly heated. 

The microwave is set to defrost or 30% power function for the frozen hotdog to defrost. Bringing the frozen hot dogs to room temperature can help you to reduce cooking time and also even heat without jeopardizing the taste or texture.

Tips for defrosting frozen hot dogs in the microwave

There are many ways to defrost frozen hot dogs from overnight fridge to running cold water. However, these method takes too long for complete thawing. 

As a result, microwave defrosting is the quickest and easiest way to prepare hot dogs in just a few minutes. 

The following microwave tips will help to defrost frozen hotdogs quickly:

  • Place the frozen hot dogs on a microwave-safe dish.
  • Use a damp paper towel to cover the dish to keep the hot dogs moist while thawing.
  • Select defrost button or adjust the microwave power level to 30% instead of full power.
  • Flip the hot dogs over on the other side every 30 seconds to change their position for equal heat distribution.
  • Do not defrost more than 30 seconds at a time to prevent the hotdogs from cooking instead of defrosting.
  • If microwaving more than 1 hot dog, ensure to put them in a single layer on the dish and do not overlap each piece.
  • To see if the hot dogs are thawed, carefully feel them with finger that it has spongy and slightly flexible texture. Also look for visible signs of ice crystals on the surface.

Best way to defrost frozen hot dog in the microwave

Microwave is a preferred defrosting method that is quick and easy to follow because it reduces meal prep and cooking time when in a hurry. However, it needs to be done right with proper power setting and microwave time to avoid any potential health risks or reduction in quality.

In order to defrost frozen hot dog in the microwave, place the frozen hot dog in a microwave-safe dish after it has been removed from its package. Do not use the plastic package to defrost them. 

If the hot dogs are hard to separate because they are frozen together, simply run in cold water until the pieces separate easily or nuke for a minute on the defrost setting in the microwave.

Cover the dish with a damped paper towel, set the microwave on a defrost function or 30% power setting, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time. 

Rotate the frozen hot dogs after each interval of 30 seconds to change their positions for equal heat distribution. The process continues until the hot dogs are fully thawed.

After completely defrosted, the hotdog should be microwaved on high for a minute or until the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to defrost frozen hot dog in microwave

Defrosting Hotdogs in Microwave: Conclusion

A fully thawed hotdog looks spongy and feels flexible, and more importantly, they can be easily cooked with even heat and in short amount of time. Out of all defrosting method, microwave is less time consuming and makes it simple to thaw the hot dog without cooking them or even altering the taste and texture.

Transfer the desired amount of frozen hot dogs onto a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture and prevent from drying out.

Microwave on defrost setting for 30 seconds intervals. Turn the hot dog over to the other side and continue on 30% power for 30 seconds more until the hot dogs are fully thawed. 

The defrosting time for 1 serving will take about 1 minute or less depend on how frozen it is and the wattage of the appliance. To fully thaw the entire package, it takes about 8 to 12 minutes on the defrost setting.

Once the hot dogs are fully defrosted in the microwave, continue with reheating to an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F before serving. Do not leave the hotdogs at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking to keep the food borne bacteria to a minimum.