Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make mini corn dogs. They are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can cook them straight from frozen. The corn dogs will be ready in minutes, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, hot centre. You can also use the air fryer to cook other types of corn dogs, such as regular-sized or bacon-wrapped corn dogs.

How long to cook mini corn dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make mini corn dogs in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how long to cook them for:

First, spritz the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray. Then, arrange the mini corn dogs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is space between each one for air to flow. This gap is essential for achieving a crispy coating. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the stick of the corn dog a little to ensure it lays flat.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Set your air fryer to 370°F/188°C or 380°F and air fry for 6 minutes. Then, gently shake and flip the mini corn dogs over. Continue to air fry for another 2-4 minutes, or until heated through.

If you prefer your corn dogs extra crispy, you can spritz them with a little oil after flipping them.

Serving Suggestions:

Mini corn dogs can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or hot sauce.

Tips:

• If you are cooking more than 4-6 mini corn dogs, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• No oil spray is needed for this recipe, but if you find that your corn dogs are sticking, a light spray of non-stick spray can help.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is recommended to do a test air fry first with a single corn dog to determine the best timing for your air fryer.
• If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

Enjoy your crispy, golden mini corn dogs!

How to arrange mini corn dogs in the air fryer basket

To arrange mini corn dogs in your air fryer basket, first spritz the basket with non-stick spray or line it with foil for easy clean-up. Then, place the frozen mini corn dogs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each one for air to flow and cook them evenly. Avoid stacking or letting the mini corn dogs touch each other or the sides of the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the sticks of the mini corn dogs to ensure they fit properly in the basket.

What to serve with air-fried mini corn dogs

Air-fried mini corn dogs are a quick and easy snack, perfect for kids and adults alike. They are a fun throwback to childhood memories of summer treats and can be made in the comfort of your own home.

While corn dogs are often enjoyed on their own, they can also be served with a variety of sides and dips to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried mini corn dogs:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Potato salad or pasta salad
• Air fryer tater tots or mozzarella sticks
• Fresh veggies and dip
• Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or any other favourite condiments
• Blue cheese dressing
• Honey Sriracha sauce
• Smoky red pepper crema

These sides and dips will complement the crispy, golden exterior and juicy, flavorful centre of the air-fried mini corn dogs, making for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Best brands of frozen mini corn dogs to use

There are several brands of frozen mini corn dogs that you can use to make this fun and tasty snack in your air fryer.

Great Value Mini Corn Dogs are widely available at Walmart and are a good budget option. They are made with chicken and reviewers say they are savory and tender, with a batter that crisps up nicely in the air fryer. However, some have found the batter to be bland and the chicken meat chewy.

Foster Farms also makes mini corn dogs, which are available at Costco. These are made with chicken but are said to taste like beef. They have 10 grams of protein and 9 grams of sugar, making them a healthier option for kids. However, some reviewers have found the batter on these corn dogs to be soggy and bland.

Kid Cuisine Mini Corn Dogs are another option that has received positive reviews for taste and texture, especially considering they are marketed for kids. They come with a full meal kit, including corn dogs, fries, corn, and a brownie.

Other brands that make frozen mini corn dogs include Field Roast, State Fair, and Bar S. While I couldn't find specific reviews for the mini corn dogs from these brands, their regular-sized corn dogs have received mixed to positive reviews.

When choosing a brand, consider the quality of the hot dog, the texture and flavor of the batter, and the overall ease of preparation. You'll want a corn dog with a juicy hot dog and a crispy, tasty batter that is quick and easy to cook.

How to reheat mini corn dogs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make mini corn dogs in an air fryer! Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat them:

First, remove the mini corn dogs from the freezer and allow them to thaw slightly. While you don't need to wait for them to be completely thawed, letting them come to a slightly less frozen state will help ensure they heat through evenly.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F (188-204°C). A higher temperature will give a crispier result, but be careful not to burn them!

Once preheated, place the mini corn dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mini corn dogs in batches.

For regular-sized corn dogs, air fry for around 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until heated through. For mini corn dogs, start by air frying for 6 minutes, then gently shake and flip them over for another 2-4 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Finally, remove the mini corn dogs from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for the Perfect Air-Fried Mini Corn Dogs:

• Keep an eye on them during cooking, as the timing may vary depending on your air fryer model and the brand of corn dogs.
• If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to trim the sticks of the corn dogs so they fit properly in the air fryer basket with the required spacing.
• If you find that your corn dogs are sticking to the basket, a light spray of non-stick cooking spray can help.
• For an extra crispy coating, give the corn dogs a spritz of oil before and halfway through cooking.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the mini corn dogs straight from frozen, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Now you're all set to enjoy perfectly reheated mini corn dogs, with a crispy coating and a warm, juicy center!

Frequently asked questions