Air Fryer Corn Dogs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Corn dogs are a beloved snack, especially during the summer months, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare them. Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens and microwaves, as they can cook corn dogs in less than 10 minutes without the hassle of pre-thawing. The result is a corn dog with a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

Cooking corn dogs in an air fryer vs. an oven or microwave

Corn dogs are a beloved snack, especially during the summer. While they are typically cooked in an oven or microwave, an air fryer is another option that has gained popularity for its convenience and ability to create a crispy texture. Here is a comparison of cooking corn dogs in an air fryer versus an oven or microwave:

Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook corn dogs, especially during the summer when turning on the oven can be undesirable. They produce crispy corn dogs with a juicy centre in just 10 to 16 minutes, without heating up the entire house. To cook corn dogs in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 360-400°F and arrange the corn dogs in a single layer to ensure even cooking. There is no need to add extra oil or cooking spray, and you can experiment with different brands of corn dogs to find your preferred result. Additionally, you can cook frozen corn dogs directly in the air fryer without thawing them first, reducing the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

Oven

Cooking corn dogs in the oven involves preheating it to 400°F and placing the corn dogs on a baking sheet. The cooking time varies depending on the desired level of browning and whether the corn dogs are being heated from frozen, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. The oven method results in a crispy outer batter, but it may take longer than other cooking methods.

Microwave

The microwave is a quick option for cooking corn dogs, especially if you are short on time. To cook corn dogs in the microwave, heat them on high power for 30-35 seconds or until they are heated through. However, it is important to note that microwaved corn dogs tend to become soggy, and the outer shell can split. To avoid this, cook the corn dogs at a lower power level for a shorter time, and finish them off in a toaster to achieve a crispy texture.

In conclusion, each cooking method has its advantages and drawbacks. The air fryer is a convenient, quick, and crispy option, making it ideal for summer snacking. The oven provides a traditional crispy corn dog but may take longer. Meanwhile, the microwave is the fastest option but can result in sogginess and splitting. Ultimately, the choice of cooking method depends on your specific needs and preferences.

How to prepare corn dogs for cooking in an air fryer

Preparing corn dogs for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer brand and the desired crispiness of your corn dogs.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to prepare the corn dogs themselves. Place the frozen corn dogs directly into the air fryer basket or wire rack, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them so they do not touch. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate properly, giving your corn dogs that desired crunchy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you can cook anywhere from one to five or six corn dogs at a time.

You don't need to add any extra oil or cooking spray to the corn dogs; however, if you prefer an even crispier breading, you can spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or baste the frozen corn dogs with extra oil before air frying.

Now that your corn dogs are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you are ready to begin the cooking process. Simply follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, and you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy corn dogs in no time!

The best temperature to cook corn dogs in an air fryer

Corn dogs are a beloved snack, evoking childhood memories of summer treats and state fairs. The good news is that you can recreate that crispy, golden, delicious corn dog experience at home with an air fryer!

The ideal temperature to cook corn dogs in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature setting. Some recipes recommend cooking corn dogs at 360°F, while others suggest 380°F for an extra crispy exterior.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer brand and the size of the corn dogs. For regular-sized corn dogs, cook for 14 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For mini corn dogs, reduce the cooking time to 8 to 12 minutes. The corn dogs are ready when they are golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is essential to arrange the corn dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. You can cook 1 to 6 corn dogs at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. There is no need to thaw frozen corn dogs before air frying; simply place them directly in the air fryer and enjoy that crispy, juicy, freshly fried corn dog taste!

How long to cook corn dogs in an air fryer

Corn dogs are a popular snack, especially during the summer months. They can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen, with no need to defrost them first. This is a quick and easy way to cook corn dogs, and they come out perfectly crispy and golden brown every time.

To cook corn dogs in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F. Then, spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray, or brush it on lightly if you don't have a spray bottle. Next, place the corn dogs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch and that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook between one and five or six corn dogs at once.

Cook the corn dogs for around 10-16 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the brand of air fryer and the size of the corn dogs, so you may need to experiment. Mini corn dogs will take less time, around 8-12 minutes.

Once the corn dogs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They go well with an assortment of dipping sauces, such as ketchup and mustard, or drizzled with mustard.

What to serve with corn dogs

Corn dogs are a popular snack, especially during the summer months. They are typically cooked in an air fryer for around 10-16 minutes at 350-360°F, and served with an assortment of sauces.

Now, what to serve with corn dogs? There are several side dishes that go well with corn dogs, including the classic French fries, which can be dipped in ketchup or your favourite sauce. If you're looking for something healthier, zucchini fries are a tasty alternative. You can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

If you're a fan of cheese, you might want to try mac and cheese, bagel bites, or cheese dip. Mac and cheese is a comforting and creamy dish that pairs well with the savouriness of corn dogs. Bagel bites are mini bagels topped with cheese and pepperoni, while cheese dip is a creamy, spicy, and gooey dip that's perfect for dunking your corn dog into.

For something a little different, you could try apple fritters, blooming onion, or zucchini carrot tots. Apple fritters are a sweet treat, filled with chunks of apple and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Blooming onions are large onions cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are often served with a zesty dipping sauce. Zucchini carrot tots are a fun and healthy option, but be sure to remove as much moisture from the vegetables as possible so they hold their shape.

If you're serving corn dogs to kids, some easy and kid-friendly side dishes include cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fruit with yogurt.

Other side dishes that go well with corn dogs include baked beans, coleslaw, chicken wings, shrimp skewers, hummus, and potato salad.

Frequently asked questions