Air-Frying Corn Dogs: Safe To Use Fryer With Sticks?

Corn dogs are a popular snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer without burning the sticks? The answer is yes! You can cook corn dogs in an air fryer and get that golden, crispy, deep-fried taste without the oil. The sticks will be fine, although they will be hot, so be careful when removing them from the air fryer. You can cook corn dogs from frozen, and they will be ready in about 10 minutes.

Air-fried corn dogs: a healthier alternative

Corn dogs are a fun and tasty treat, but they can be a little unhealthy due to the oil used in deep frying. However, with an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious snack without all the extra calories. Air-fried corn dogs are a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried corn dogs. They are perfect for an easy meal on busy days and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

How to Make Air-fried Corn Dogs

The first step to making air-fried corn dogs is to gather your ingredients, which are simply frozen corn dogs and, optionally, an oil spray. It is important to note that you should not use non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer as it can ruin it. Once you have your ingredients, preheat your air fryer to 360-370°F for 5 minutes.

Next, place the desired number of corn dogs into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking. Once your corn dogs are in the air fryer, set the temperature to 360-370°F and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Finally, remove the corn dogs from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. It is important to note that the corn dogs and sticks will be very hot, so allow them to cool before handling or serving to children.

Tips for Making Air-fried Corn Dogs

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between the corn dogs for air to circulate and create that crispy texture.
• Shake or flip the corn dogs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
• There is no need to thaw frozen corn dogs before air frying. Simply pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of the corn dogs, so keep a close eye on them the first time you make them.
• For mini corn dogs, use the same temperature but reduce the cooking time.
• If you are using a toaster-style air fryer or cooking only one or two corn dogs in a large air fryer, the cooking time may be a little longer.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Fry sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Buttermilk ranch
• Honey mustard sauce
• Thousand island dressing
• Marinara sauce or pasta sauce
• Hot sauce

So, the next time you're craving corn dogs, why not give air frying a try? It's a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Your corn dogs will be hot, crispy, and delicious!

No need to thaw

There is no need to thaw corn dogs before placing them in the air fryer. In fact, it is recommended that you do not thaw them beforehand. Frozen corn dogs will cook in the air fryer in about 10 minutes and will have a crispy outside and a juicy inside.

To cook corn dogs in an air fryer, first, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Then, place the corn dogs in the basket in a single layer, leaving enough room between them to allow the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the corn dog sticks so that they fit properly. Set the air fryer to between 360º F and 400º F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

The sticks will not burn, but they will be hot, so be careful when removing the corn dogs from the air fryer and allow them to cool before serving.

Oil spray: what not to use

While making corn dogs in an air fryer, it is important to remember that not all oil sprays are suitable for use in an air fryer.

Non-stick cooking sprays, such as PAM, should be avoided as they can ruin your air fryer. These pressurized, propellant oil sprays contain chemicals that can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. The lecithin in the spray will also start to build up on your basket or rack, resulting in a sticky spot that is hard to remove and can degrade the coating.

Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant and is safe to use in the air fryer. For example, avocado oil spray has a smoke point of 500°F and contains no propellants, chemicals, or emulsifiers. You can also use a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil.

How to avoid over-crowding the air fryer

Overcrowding your air fryer can lead to unevenly cooked food, so it's best to avoid it. Here are some tips to prevent overcrowding and ensure your food cooks evenly:

First, always arrange your food in a single layer, leaving enough space between each item. This allows hot air to circulate around the food, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes crispy. Stacking or squishing food together will impede airflow and promote steaming, resulting in soggy areas.

Second, consider the size of your air fryer and the amount of food you need to cook. If you're cooking for a larger group, it may be necessary to cook in batches. Air fryers are typically faster than roasting or frying, so cooking in batches can still be a quick and efficient way to prepare food for a crowd.

Third, if you're cooking something like corn dogs, which are already quite large, you may only be able to fit one or two in your air fryer at a time, depending on its size. In this case, it's especially important to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Fourth, remember that different air fryers have different capacities. If you have a smaller model, you may need to cook fewer items at a time to prevent overcrowding. Conversely, if you often cook for a large group, consider investing in a larger air fryer to accommodate more food.

Finally, don't forget that you can also use your air fryer to cook a variety of other foods beyond corn dogs. Vegetables, chicken wings, and frozen French fries are all excellent options. By varying the types of food you cook in your air fryer, you can make the most of its capacity and avoid overcrowding.

Dipping sauces: classic and creative options

While corn dogs are delicious on their own, the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some classic and creative options to try:

Classic Options

• Ketchup and mustard are the most common and well-loved sauces for corn dogs.
• Honey mustard is a popular choice, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavours.
• Barbecue sauce is another classic option, especially when paired with mayonnaise to create a creamy, slightly spicy dip.

Creative Options

• Sriracha mayo combines the heat of sriracha with the creaminess of mayonnaise for a unique flavour sensation.
• Cheese sauce is a decadent option, adding a rich, savoury element to the corn dog experience.
• Ranch dressing is a versatile dip that can be customised with crushed red pepper and granulated garlic for a spicy kick.
• For a truly unique experience, try an Indian chutney dressing, blending spicy green chillies, tamarind, ginger, garlic, salt, sugar, and mint for a refreshing and tangy condiment.
• If you're feeling adventurous, Korean corn dog dressing made with gochujang (Korean fermented red pepper paste), finely chopped garlic, and rice wine vinegar or regular vinegar is a perfect pairing.
• For a fresh and tangy option, blend fresh lime juice and zest with salsa to create a Mexican-style drizzle that will spice up your corn dog.
• For cheese lovers, a melted four-cheese dressing made with Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cream, and herbs is a decadent and indulgent choice.

Frequently asked questions