Corn dogs are hot dogs dipped in a thick cornmeal batter then deep fried for a crispy exterior and tender juicy interior. The coating provides sweetness to contrast the savory hot dog.
How To Cook Corn Dogs In Air Fryer? offers a way to recreate this perfect balance of flavors and textures by using a home air fryer. Air frying circulates air to crisp batters with little to no oil needed.
An air fryer corn dog recipe means conveniently whipping up the classic snack with fewer calories. Follow simple steps to dip dogs in homemade batter then fry until golden brown. The air fryer makes enjoying crunchy corn dog goodness easy.
What Is An Air Fryer And Why Cook Corn Dogs In It?
An air fryer is a countertop convection oven that cooks by rapidly circulating hot air around the food. The technology allows favorite fried foods like corn dogs and Italian Sausage to cook evenly while using little to no oil.
Benefits Of Cooking Corn Dogs In An Air Fryer
- Reduced Fat and Calories: Air-frying slashes the amount of oil absorbed into the coating, trimming calories and fat.
- Crispy Texture: The high heat and airflow mimic deep frying for a crispy cornmeal crust.
- Convenience: Smaller batches cook fast by simply setting time and temperature.
- Easy Clean Up: With less oil, there’s less splatter and mess.
How To Prepare Corn Dog Batter For The Air Fryer
Making batter from scratch lets you control ingredients for the best air-fried texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a small bowl, beat the milk, egg, and oil until blended.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (small lumps are okay). Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Bread And Fry Hot Dogs
With the easy batter ready, it’s time to coat and fry!
What You Need
- Corn dog batter
- 8 hot dogs
- Hot dog sticks or skewers
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 lightly beaten eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil spray
Instructions
- Insert sticks into each hot dog.
- One at a time, coat dogs in flour, then egg wash, then panko crumbs, pressing gently so they adhere.
- Spray an air fryer basket with oil, then place 2-3 corn dogs inside. Do not overcrowd.
- Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until deep golden brown, flipping over halfway through.
- Repeat this with the remaining dogs. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use uncured beef or turkey dogs for the best flavor.
- Let the batter sit out at room temperature for easier dipping.
- Adjust cook times as needed based on the size of the dogs and air fryer.
Customize Your Corn Dog Experience
The beauty of homemade means tasty tweaks like these:
Mix-Ins For The Batter
- Shredded cheddar
- Crispy bacon bits
- Diced jalapeños
Creative Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- Hot sauce
- Salsa
- Barbecue sauce
| Sauce | Primary Flavor | Great With |
| Honey mustard | Sweet, tangy | Beef or pork dogs |
| Ranch | Cool, herby | Southwest styles |
| Hot sauce | Spicy | Bold flavors |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the Best Oil to Use for Air Frying?
Go with a high-smoke-point neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to allow the batter to get crispy without burning. Avoid olive oil, which can sputter from the heat.
Should I flip the corn dogs during cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway during cooking ensures the coating browns evenly all over. Hot spots in an air fryer can lead to charring if not rotated.
How long do fried corn dogs last?
Air-fried corn dogs are best eaten hot and fresh. Letting them sit leads to a doughy batter. However, leftover cooked corn dogs keep well frozen for 2–3 months. Simply reheat in the air fryer or microwave to restore the crispy texture.
What If My Batter Gets Too Thick?
For dipping ease, the batter should coat hot dogs while still being pourable. If it seems too thick, stir in additional milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until reaching the ideal consistency.
Conclusion:
Whipping up deliciously crispy corn dogs is easier than ever, thanks to the air fryer. Simply mixing up a quick cornmeal batter, dipping the hot dogs, and air-frying at high heat leaves you with a perfect crunch on the outside and a juicy hot dog inside.
Following the steps in How To Cook Corn Dogs In Air Fryer? allows you to recreate that classic state fair snack in the convenience of your kitchen. With little oil needed, air-fried corn dogs mean less guilt, but all the nostalgic joy of biting into a perfectly crisped, handheld meal. Dipping into a tangy honey mustard sauce completes the experience.
