Air Fryer Corn Dogs: Reheating Made Simple

Corn dogs are a beloved snack, evoking memories of fun times at the fair. But can you heat them up in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can cook frozen corn dogs in an air fryer straight from the freezer, with no need to add extra oil. They will come out crispy and delicious in under 10 minutes. The key is to ensure they are cooked in a single layer, with enough space between them for the hot air to circulate properly. So, the next time you're craving a corn dog, don't be afraid to break out the air fryer!

Preheat settings and timings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your corn dogs cook evenly. Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350–400°F. However, one source suggests preheating to 350°F and cooking at 375°F.

The cooking time for corn dogs in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the corn dogs and the number being cooked. Regular-sized corn dogs typically take around 8–10 minutes to cook at 360–400°F, while mini corn dogs may take around 6–9 minutes at the same temperature. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of corn dogs and the model of the air fryer, so it's recommended to monitor the corn dogs during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook.

When cooking corn dogs in an air fryer, it's best to cook them in a single layer without stacking them. This allows for even cooking and proper air circulation. It's also important to leave some space between each corn dog to ensure the hot air can circulate properly.

For best results, it's recommended to flip or rotate the corn dogs halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.

Some sources suggest that there is no need to preheat the air fryer when cooking corn dogs, and cooking times may vary depending on whether the air fryer is preheated or not. If cooking multiple batches of corn dogs, the subsequent batches may cook faster, so it's important to monitor the cooking process and adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, it's worth noting that corn dogs can be cooked from frozen, and there is no need to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer.

How to serve corn dogs

Corn dogs are a classic American dish, often served at backyard cookouts or baseball games. They can be served as a snack or a meal and are a great option for kids. Here is a guide on how to serve corn dogs, including cooking methods and side dishes.

Cooking Corn Dogs

Corn dogs can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen. Place the frozen corn dogs into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 370°F/188°C for 8 minutes. Flip the corn dogs over and cook for a further 2-4 minutes, or until heated through. For mini corn dogs, cook at the same temperature for 6 minutes, then shake and flip the dogs over and cook for another 2-4 minutes. No oil is needed when cooking corn dogs in an air fryer.

Side Dishes

There are several side dishes that go well with corn dogs. Here are some ideas:

• Cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
• Fruit and yogurt
• Pretzels
• Fresh fruit
• Mac and cheese
• French fries
• Baked beans
• Sweet potato chips
• Corn on the cob
• Salads, such as a cucumber and watermelon salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

Dipping Sauces

Corn dogs can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, including:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch
• Hot sauce
• Blue cheese dip
• Honey mustard sauce
• Tarter sauce

Dipping sauces

While corn dogs are delicious on their own, they can be made even better with a tasty dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for sauces that will perfectly complement the crispy, golden goodness of air-fried corn dogs:

Honey Mustard Sauce

A classic combination of honey, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, this sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The vinegar and mustard in the sauce also help cut down the grease of the corn dog, making it a refreshing choice. For an extra kick, add some jalapeno pepper and crushed red pepper.

BBQ Sauce

Savory and smoky, BBQ sauce is a natural partner for corn dogs. For something different, try mixing equal parts BBQ sauce and mayonnaise for an "Atomic BBQ" sauce.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch is a versatile dip that goes well with many fried snacks. For a unique twist, add some crushed red pepper and granulated garlic to your ranch dressing to create an "Inter Galactic Ranch" sauce.

Sriracha Dressing

Sriracha sauce is a Thai condiment known for its sweet and tangy taste. To tame the spice and reduce the salt, blend it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add some sugar if you want it sweeter, and throw in some herbs like basil or cilantro.

Korean Corn Dog Dressing

This dressing features gochujang (Korean fermented red pepper paste), finely chopped garlic, and rice wine vinegar or regular vinegar. The thick gochujang paste will thin out when mixed with the other ingredients. This dressing is a perfect match for any corn dog, especially the famous Korean "Gamja Hot Dogs," which are coated in small cubed potatoes and breadcrumbs.

Marinara Sauce

Especially if you're using Italian sausages, a marinara sauce with garlic and basil makes an excellent dip. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. This is a great way to change up the regular ketchup-mustard combo.

Mexican Salsa

A simple blend of fresh ingredients, Mexican salsa adds a tangy and flavorful twist to your corn dog. Throw in some lime juice and zest for an extra zesty kick.

Melted Four-Cheese Dressing

This warm dressing is a cheesy delight. Simply melt together Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cream, adding more cream to adjust the consistency. Add herbs like basil or cilantro, and top with chopped chives or spring onion.

Indian Chutney

A tangy and spicy blend of green chilies, tamarind, ginger, garlic, mint, coriander, and spices, Indian chutney is a refreshing pairing for greasy fried foods. Adjust the quantities of these ingredients to your taste, and add salt and sugar as needed.

So, the next time you air fry some corn dogs, don't forget to whip up one of these delicious dipping sauces to take your snack to the next level!

Reheating corn dogs

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature is around 350°F to 400°F. Preheating is an important step, just like it is with ovens, to ensure your corn dogs cook evenly.

Step 2: Place the Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer

Place your leftover corn dogs in the air fryer basket or tray. You can cook them straight from the fridge; there's no need to thaw them first. Make sure to cook them in a single layer, with a little space between each corn dog, so that the hot air can circulate properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit between 1 and 6 corn dogs.

Step 3: Air Fry the Corn Dogs

Air fry the corn dogs for around 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer. You can flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Use tongs to carefully remove the corn dogs from the air fryer as they will be very hot. The wooden sticks will also be hot, so be cautious. Serve your crispy, hot corn dogs with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can check the internal temperature of the corn dogs with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are fully reheated. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• If your corn dogs are browning too quickly or not cooking through, adjust the temperature or time accordingly.
• You can reheat mini corn dogs using the same method, but they will likely need less time, around 3 to 4 minutes.

Corn dog alternatives

Yes, you can heat up corn dogs in an air fryer. But if you're looking for some alternatives, here are some ideas for corn dog substitutes:

Vegan Corn Dogs

This vegan corn dog recipe is also gluten-free. It's baked, not fried, making it a healthier option. The recipe uses simple whole food ingredients like fine-grain cornmeal, almond flour, and veggie hot dogs. The corn dogs are baked in the oven, and you can serve them with classic condiments like ketchup and mustard, or mix it up with plant-based sauces.

Homemade Corn Dogs

If you want to make corn dogs from scratch, this recipe might be for you. It includes ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and beef or pork frankfurters. You combine the dry ingredients, stir in the milk and egg, skewer the frankfurters, roll them in the batter, and then fry them in hot oil.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

If you're looking for a similar option to corn dogs, you could try making hot dogs in your air fryer. There are recipes available for air fryer pizza dogs, chilli cheese hot dogs, and more.

Other Finger Foods

If you're looking for a completely different option, there are many other finger foods that can be served as snacks or party appetisers. Some ideas include broccoli cauliflower tots, vegan pigs in a blanket, baked eggplant fries, homemade vegan sushi, or tater tots.

Frequently asked questions