Air-Fried Corn Dogs: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Corn dogs are a beloved snack, evoking memories of summer treats, state fairs, and family fun. While traditionally deep-fried, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to enjoy this nostalgic treat without the mess and guilt of deep frying. Air-fried corn dogs have a golden, crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior, and can be made from scratch or using frozen store-bought varieties.

How long to cook corn dogs in an air fryer

Air fryer corn dogs are a quick and easy snack or meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook corn dogs in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, ensure that you have the necessary ingredients: corn dogs and oil spray. Corn dogs are readily available in most supermarkets and grocery stores. You can use your favourite brand and choose between regular or mini corn dogs. If you are using frozen corn dogs, there is no need to thaw them beforehand.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 360º F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the corn dogs. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or another type of cooking oil spray. This step is optional, but it can help ensure that the corn dogs don't stick to the basket.

Place the corn dogs in the basket in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook anywhere from 1 to 6 corn dogs at a time.

Cook the corn dogs at 360º F for 8 to 16 minutes. For regular-sized corn dogs, most sources recommend cooking for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For mini corn dogs, reduce the cooking time to 7 to 12 minutes, checking on them regularly to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

Once the corn dogs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer carefully as they will be hot. Use tongs to place them on a plate, and let them cool down slightly before serving. The wooden sticks will also be hot but should not burn. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or sauce.

Tips:

• Every air fryer brand cooks a bit differently, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time. Check on your corn dogs regularly to avoid overcooking.
• Shaking or flipping the corn dogs halfway through the cooking process can help create a better crust and ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• The corn dogs will be very hot when you take them out, so let them cool enough before serving, especially if serving to children.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer corn dogs!

How to make corn dogs crispy in an air fryer

Corn dogs are a favorite snack, especially during the summer, and the air fryer makes them so easy to enjoy! No need to turn on your oven or suffer from soggy microwave corn dogs—the air fryer cooks them quickly and they turn out perfectly crispy every time. Here is how to make corn dogs crispy in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360º F.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Dogs

Place the corn dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can make just one or up to five or six, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Step 3: Cook the Corn Dogs

Air fry the corn dogs for 10 to 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through. There is no need for extra oil or cooking spray, as the corn dogs will get crispy enough on their own. However, if you find that your corn dogs are sticking, a light spray of non-stick spray can help.

Step 4: Serve the Corn Dogs

Be careful when removing the corn dogs from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Use tongs to put them on a plate. The wooden sticks will not burn, but they will be very hot. Enjoy your crispy corn dogs with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for Crispy Corn Dogs:

• Shake or flip the corn dogs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
• Leave enough room between the corn dogs for the air to circulate all the way around them.
• Let the corn dogs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the insides to dry out further.

Can you cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer! In fact, cooking corn dogs in an air fryer is a game-changer. Not only does it save you from having to turn your oven on during the hot summer months, but it also saves you from soggy microwave corn dogs.

To cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer, simply:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F.
• Place the corn dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry the corn dogs for 16 minutes. There is no need for extra oil or cooking spray.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Some recipes suggest flipping the corn dogs halfway through the cooking process, while others suggest shaking the basket to ensure even crispiness. It is also recommended that you spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil spray before placing the corn dogs inside.

The air fryer is also great for cooking mini corn dogs. Simply reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

What temperature to cook corn dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make corn dogs in an air fryer!

To make corn dogs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place your corn dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. You can spray the basket with olive oil spray first, but this is not necessary. Cook for 8-16 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of the corn dogs. There is no need to thaw frozen corn dogs before cooking. Flip the corn dogs halfway through cooking for a better crust.

Your corn dogs are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful when removing them from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Enjoy your corn dogs with your favourite dipping sauce!

What to serve with corn dogs

Corn dogs are a fun and tasty treat, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your air-fried corn dogs and elevate your meal or snack:

French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

For a classic side, go for French fries. They're a perfect match for corn dogs, and you can dip them in the same sauces. If you want to mix it up, try sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter option.

Potato Salad or Pasta Salad

For a more substantial side, potato salad is always a great choice. It's a classic picnic and barbecue side dish, and its creamy texture and tangy flavour go well with corn dogs. Or, if you prefer pasta, a pasta salad is another excellent option to pair with corn dogs.

Tater Tots or Mozzarella Sticks

If you're looking for something a little different, tater toots are a fun choice. They're crispy and delicious, and you can dip them in the same sauces as your corn dogs. Or, for a cheesy option, try mozzarella sticks.

Fresh Veggies and Dip

To balance out the fried food, add some fresh veggies to your plate. Carrots, celery, cucumber, or pepper strips are all great options. Serve them with a dip like hummus or ranch dressing.

Chips

Air fryer chips are another crunchy and delicious option to pair with your corn dogs. They're a classic side that goes well with any dip you might have on offer.

Fruit Salad

For a refreshing side, a fruit salad is an excellent choice. It adds some sweetness to your meal and helps to balance out the savoury corn dogs.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal or snack with your air-fried corn dogs.

Frequently asked questions