Air Fryer Corndogs: Timing And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a great way to cook corn dogs, giving them a crispy golden exterior and a juicy interior. The best temperature to cook corn dogs at is between 350 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit, for 8 to 14 minutes. You can use any brand of frozen corn dogs, and you don't need to thaw them before cooking. Simply place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and flip them halfway through. Serve with your favourite sauce, and enjoy!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to achieving that perfect, crispy corn dog. While some recipes suggest a preheat temperature of 350°F, others recommend a higher temperature of 370°F. The duration of the preheat also varies, with some sources advising a 5-minute preheat, while others suggest a shorter duration of around 2 minutes.

For example, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes. This higher temperature ensures that your corn dogs will achieve that desirable golden brown colour and crispiness.

Another source suggests preheating your air fryer to 350°F, but they do not specify the duration. This lower temperature still allows you to cook your corn dogs to crispy perfection, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time overall.

A third option is to preheat your air fryer to 360°F for around 2 minutes. This temperature falls between the other two suggestions and may be a good middle ground, depending on your air fryer and personal preferences.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can move on to the next step of placing your corn dogs inside and letting them cook to crispy perfection. Remember to arrange your corn dogs in a single layer, leaving space between them so they don't touch, as this will ensure even cooking and that desirable crispiness.

By preheating your air fryer, you create the optimal environment for your corn dogs to cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown exterior. So, take the time to preheat, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy corn dogs straight out of your air fryer!

Oil spray

When making corn dogs in an air fryer, it is important to use oil spray correctly to ensure the corn dogs are crispy and cooked evenly.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not use non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer, as this can ruin the appliance. Instead, use an oil spray such as olive oil spray to coat the bottom of the air fryer basket before placing the corn dogs inside.

Some recipes suggest that no oil spray is needed, and that the corn dogs will become crispy enough without it. However, other recipes do include oil spray as an important step. It is worth noting that the recipes that do not include oil spray have a higher cooking temperature of 400°F, whereas the recipes that do include oil spray have a lower cooking temperature of 360°-370°F. This suggests that the oil spray may be necessary to prevent burning at higher temperatures.

If you choose to use oil spray, be sure to spray the bottom of the air fryer basket before placing the corn dogs inside, and ensure they are arranged in a single layer to prevent overlapping and uneven cooking.

Temperature and time

The cooking time will depend on the temperature set, the number of corndogs being cooked, and the size of the air fryer basket. As a general guideline, cook the corndogs for 8 to 18 minutes. For smaller air fryers or when cooking a larger batch, it may be necessary to cook the corndogs in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

When air frying corndogs, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the corndogs. This helps ensure consistent cooking. Additionally, it is important to place the corndogs in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. This allows for even air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip the corndogs halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even browning and prevents the corndogs from sticking to the air fryer basket. Depending on your desired level of crispness, you can experiment with flipping them multiple times or shaking the basket periodically.

For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the corndogs. The corndogs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures that the hot dog inside the corndog is cooked thoroughly, maintaining food safety standards.

It is worth noting that different brands of air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a close eye on the corndogs during the initial batches to determine the optimal cooking time and temperature for your specific air fryer. Additionally, the type of corndog brand and whether they are frozen or unfrozen can also impact the cooking time.

Flipping halfway through

Flipping your corn dogs halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure your corn dogs cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

When air frying corn dogs, it is crucial that you arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or touch. This is because overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some corn dogs being crispier than others. By flipping your corn dogs halfway through, you allow for even cooking on both sides, creating a consistent texture and colour.

The flipping process also helps to prevent the corn dogs from sticking to the air fryer basket, which can cause tearing or an uneven crust. Additionally, flipping them allows you to monitor the cooking progress and ensure they are reaching the desired golden brown colour on all sides.

The ideal cooking time for corn dogs in an air fryer is around 10 minutes, depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Therefore, flipping them halfway through, at around the 5-minute mark, is recommended. This ensures that both sides of the corn dogs receive equal exposure to the hot air, resulting in an even cook.

When flipping your corn dogs, it is advisable to use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot air and surfaces. Additionally, be cautious of the wooden sticks, as they will also be hot.

By following these simple instructions and remembering to flip your corn dogs halfway through, you can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy corn dogs that are golden brown and delicious.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer corn dogs are a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to 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. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your corn dog dining experience:

Sauces and Dips

The classic choice for corn dog dipping sauces is ketchup and mustard, but feel free to experiment with other options. Try barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, fry sauce, sriracha mayo, or any of your favorite dips. For a spicy kick, go for hot sauce or chili garlic crunch. If you're craving something creamy and tangy, opt for buttermilk ranch or blue cheese dip. Honey mustard sauce is another sweet and tangy option. Or, surprise your taste buds with something different like tarter sauce or Thousand Island dressing.

Side Dishes

Corn dogs go well with a variety of side dishes. For a well-balanced meal, serve them with air fryer chips, pasta salad, and fruit salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, air fryer French fries, regular French fries, mozzarella sticks, or tater tots are excellent choices. You can also pair them with air fryer favorites like green bean fries, pork tenderloin, or baked potatoes.

Experiment with Different Types of Corn Dogs

Regular-sized corn dogs and mini corn dogs can be cooked in the air fryer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Mini corn dogs will take less time to cook, so start checking them after about seven minutes. You can also experiment with different brands to find your favorite. Popular choices include State Fair, Great Value, and Korean corn dogs.

Drinks

To complete your meal, choose a drink that complements the heartiness of the corn dogs. Opt for something refreshing like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer. If you're in the mood for something warmer, a hot chocolate or a spiced cider could hit the spot.

Dessert

Finish off your corn dog feast with a sweet treat! Some dessert options that could pair well with corn dogs include caramel apple cheesecake, chocolate donuts with a simple glaze, or red velvet pancakes with cream cheese fluff.

Frequently asked questions