Air Fryer Corn Dogs: Safe?

Corn dogs are a fairground favourite, but can you recreate that crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior at home? It turns out you can, and all you need is an air fryer! Air-fried corn dogs are a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to deep-fried corn dogs. They are also a versatile meal, perfect for a lazy weekend, a busy weekday, lunch, or even an afternoon snack.

How long to cook corn dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook corn dogs in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide:

How to Cook Corn Dogs in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F. Some recipes suggest preheating for 5 minutes, while others do not specify a time.
• Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is optional, as some recipes suggest that corn dogs will get crispy enough without it.
• Place the corn dogs in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so they don't touch. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this may cause them to cook unevenly. You can cook between 1 and 6 corn dogs at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 8-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The corn dogs are ready when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the corn dogs from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Be careful, as they will be hot, and the sticks will also be very hot.

Tips:

• You do not need to thaw frozen corn dogs before cooking. Cooking them straight from frozen will give the best results, as thawing them may cause the batter to crack during cooking.
• Different air fryer brands may require slightly different cooking times, so keep a close eye on your corn dogs the first time you make them.
• For an even crispier coating, spray the corn dogs with cooking spray or baste them with oil before air frying.
• Mini corn dogs can also be cooked in the air fryer, using the same temperature but reducing the cooking time. Check on them often until they are cooked to your desired level.

Best dipping sauces for corn dogs

Corn dogs are a fun and nostalgic food, often enjoyed at fairs and carnivals. While ketchup and mustard are classic condiments, there are several other dipping sauces you can try to elevate your corn dog experience. Here are some ideas for the best dipping sauces to pair with your corn dogs:

Meteorite Honey Mustard

This sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavour with a little kick of spice. To make it, simply mix 1/4 cup each of honey, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Then, add one small chopped jalapeño pepper and 1 teaspoon of distilled vinegar.

Inter Galactic Ranch

For a creamy and spicy kick, prepare or purchase your favourite ranch dressing and add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper and 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic.

Atomic BBQ

This dipping sauce is easy to make by mixing equal parts of your favourite BBQ sauce and mayonnaise. It's perfect for those who like a creamy and savoury dip with a hint of barbecue flavour.

Honey Mustard

If you're a fan of mustard, why not try a honey mustard dipping sauce? Combine 3 tablespoons each of prepared mustard, Dijon mustard, and spicy brown mustard for a sweet and tangy flavour.

Other Options

In addition to the above, you can also experiment with other sauces such as cheese sauce, fry sauce, or sriracha mayo. You can also stick to the classic ketchup or mustard, or try barbecue sauce if you prefer a smoky flavour.

Do you need to thaw corn dogs before putting them in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook corn dogs in an air fryer! They will come out crispy and golden on the outside, and juicy on the inside. You can use any brand of frozen corn dogs, and there is no need to thaw them before cooking. In fact, it is better if you don't—if you thaw the corn dogs before air frying, the breading may crack open during cooking.

To cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to between 350 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the desired number of corn dogs into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so they do not touch. You do not need to add any oil or cooking spray, but this can be added for a crispier texture. Air fry for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the corn dogs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What brand of corn dogs is best?

When it comes to corn dogs, there are many brands to choose from, and it can be tough to decide which one is the best. Here is a list of some popular corn dog brands, along with their pros and cons, to help you decide which brand might be the best option for you:

State Fair Corn Dogs

State Fair is a popular corn dog brand, especially in Texas, where the brand was founded. Their beef corn dogs are made with authentic honey and beef, resulting in a juicy and high-quality hot dog. The batter is fluffy, sweet, and decadent, making it a delicious treat. However, some people may find that the batter overwhelms the meat, and the size of the corn dogs is smaller compared to other brands.

Foster Farms Corn Dogs

Foster Farms is known for its chicken-based corn dogs, which are hormone and steroid-free. The meat in these corn dogs is juicy, and there is a good balance of dog-to-cornmeal. The batter holds up well after cooking and has a subtle honey taste. However, their gluten-free corn dogs have been described as tasteless and with too much batter.

Bar S Corn Dogs

Bar S is another brand that offers both classic and beef corn dogs. Their corn dogs have a large frank coated in the perfect amount of batter. The meat is juicy and high-quality, and the batter has a honey aftertaste. The classic corn dogs have a good balance of dog-to-cornmeal, but the beef corn dogs are heavier on the batter.

MorningStar Farms Veggie Corn Dogs

MorningStar Farms offers vegetarian corn dogs that are chewy, wheaty, and soft. The wheat and cornmeal batter has a sweet nuttiness that recreates the corn dog experience for those who don't eat meat. However, some may find that the hot dog is smaller than expected.

Great Value Corn Dogs

Great Value offers both classic and mini corn dogs at a budget-friendly price. The chicken frank in the classic corn dogs has been described as low-quality and tough, and the batter does not have an outstanding taste. In addition, there have been reports of pieces of wood found in the batter. The mini corn dogs have a good balance of dog-to-cornmeal, but the batter tends to turn soggy and is tasteless.

Bryan Corn Dogs

Bryan Corn Dogs are cornmeal-battered dogs that use a combination of beef, turkey, and chicken for the meat. While the batter holds up well and doesn't turn soggy, the amount of meat is small compared to the amount of batter.

In conclusion, the best brand of corn dogs may vary depending on individual preferences. State Fair, Foster Farms, and Bar S are popular choices for their juicy meat and delicious batter. MorningStar Farms is a good option for vegetarians, and Great Value and Bryan Corn Dogs are budget-friendly choices, although they may sacrifice taste and quality. Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite brand is to experiment with different options and see which one suits your taste buds the most!

Can you reheat corn dogs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat corn dogs in an air fryer! If you have leftover corn dogs that have been kept in the fridge, they will have softened. To crisp them back up, air fry for 4-6 minutes at 350°F (177°C) or until warmed through.

You can also cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer. To do this, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F (177°C) and 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes. Place the desired number of corn dogs into the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

No thawing is required for frozen corn dogs, and you don't need to add any extra oil to the air fryer. However, you can spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray beforehand if desired.

Different air fryer brands may require slightly different cooking times, so it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your corn dogs the first time you make them.

Frequently asked questions