Air-Fryer Corn Dogs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have transformed the way we cook corn dogs, making them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This guide will teach you how to make corn dogs in an air fryer, including the best cooking times and temperatures, as well as tips and tricks to ensure your corn dogs are cooked to perfection.

How to make corn dogs in an air fryer from scratch

Ingredients:

• Hot dogs
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Method:

• Start by soaking the skewers in a bowl of water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning inside the air fryer.
• In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Transfer the batter to a tall glass.
• Roll the hot dogs in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Insert a skewer into each hot dog.
• Pour the batter into a drinking glass large enough to dip the hot dogs into.
• Lightly grease the inside of the air fryer with cooking spray.
• Dip each hot dog into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
• Place the corn dogs in the air fryer, leaving space between them so the air can circulate.
• Spray the corn dogs with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
• Air fry at 360-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with ketchup and mustard.

Tips:

• You can use beef, turkey, or chicken hot dogs.
• Cut the hot dogs in half to make mini corn dogs.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can use whole milk.
• If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can omit this step, but they add a nice crispy texture.
• Make sure to leave space between the corn dogs in the air fryer for even cooking.
• Check on the corn dogs regularly to ensure they don't burn.

How to make frozen corn dogs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen corn dogs
• Oil spray (optional)
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Your favourite dipping sauce

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350–370°F for 5 minutes.
• Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil spray or cooking spray (optional).
• Place the desired number of corn dogs into the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between them.
• Air fry for 8–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the corn dogs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the corn dogs from the air fryer and allow to cool before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• You don't need to thaw frozen corn dogs before placing them in the air fryer.
• 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 corn dog, spray the frozen corn dogs with cooking spray or baste with oil before air frying.

How to make mini corn dogs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 4 frozen mini corn dogs
• Olive oil spray
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Method

• Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
• Place the mini corn dogs in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded and leave enough room for the air to circulate.
• Set the air fryer to 360º F and cook for 6-10 minutes. You may want to flip them halfway through.
• Remove the mini corn dogs from the air fryer basket and let them cool. They will be very hot, including the sticks.
• Serve with ketchup and mustard, or your favourite condiments.

How to prevent the sticks from burning

While making corn dogs in an air fryer, the last thing you want is for the sticks to burn. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Firstly, it is important to note that the sticks will not burn in the air fryer. However, they will be very hot when you remove them, so use tongs to handle them and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving, especially if children are handling them.

To ensure even cooking and prevent any risk of burning, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the corn dogs in a single layer, leaving enough space between them for the air to circulate. If you need to cook a large batch, cook them in batches.

Additionally, some air fryer models may require you to cut the sticks down a little to fit in the basket. If the sticks are too long, they may come in contact with the heating element, increasing the risk of burning. So, before placing the corn dogs in the air fryer, ensure that the sticks are not too long and are lying flat in the basket.

Finally, some recipes recommend spraying the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or using parchment paper to prevent sticking. This can also help to ensure even cooking and prevent any risk of burning.

What to serve with corn dogs

Corn dogs are a fun, comforting, classic American-style food. They are great on their own but can be served with a wide range of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with corn dogs:

Classic American Sides

Corn dogs are often served with a selection of other main courses to make a fun and informal buffet. Choose popular favourites like burgers, bourbon glazed ribs, and creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy garlic bread topping.

Salads

A crunchy vegetable platter is a great, healthy option to balance out the fried corn dogs. You could also serve a three-bean salad, which is packed with dietary fibre, protein, and iron. A simple green salad with a maple syrup and balsamic vinegar dressing is another option—it's quick to throw together and adds a sweet-but-tart flavour profile.

Dips and Sauces

Corn dogs go great with a bit of ketchup and mustard. You could also serve with blue cheese sauce, ranch, or hummus.

Fried Sides

If you're looking for something to match the fried element of the corn dog, you could serve zucchini carrot tots, potato croquettes, or baked sweet potato fries.

Meat Sides

Meat lovers might enjoy a portion of crispy chicken goujons or buffalo chicken wings alongside their corn dogs.

Frequently asked questions