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

Corn dogs are a fun, nostalgic treat, evoking memories of summer fairs and childhood. Now, you can make these delicious snacks at home in an air fryer! This article will teach you how to make corn dogs in an air fryer, achieving the perfect balance of a crispy golden exterior and a juicy, tender hot dog inside.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-380°F

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the corn dog-making process. By preheating, you ensure that your corn dogs are cooked evenly and thoroughly. Set your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F, depending on the model and your preference.

For the perfect corn dog, a temperature of 360°F is ideal. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature, and you'll be well on your way to golden, crispy perfection. This temperature strikes the right balance, ensuring your corn dogs are cooked just right, with a tender hot dog inside and a corn batter coating that's full of flavour.

If you're short on time, you might opt for a slightly higher temperature of 375°F. This will speed up the cooking process, giving you that crunchy exterior and juicy interior a little faster.

However, don't be tempted to skip the preheating step altogether. It's important to give your air fryer those few minutes to reach the desired temperature. This ensures that your corn dogs cook evenly and that you don't end up with a soggy or undercooked snack.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can move on to the next step of placing your corn dogs in the basket and letting them cook to crispy perfection.

Use cooking spray or olive oil spray

Using cooking spray or olive oil spray is a great way to ensure your corn dogs come out perfectly crispy. While some recipes suggest that corn dogs will get crispy enough without any oil, others recommend using a cooking spray or olive oil spray to get that extra crunch.

If you want to use cooking spray or olive oil spray, you should start by spraying the bottom of your air fryer basket. You can then place the corn dogs in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, so the air can circulate properly.

The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the corn dogs. For regular-sized corn dogs, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 9 minutes. For mini corn dogs, the cooking time is reduced to around 7 minutes. It's important to note that you should flip the corn dogs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Using cooking spray or olive oil spray is a simple way to get that perfect crunchy texture on your corn dogs. So, if you're looking for a crispy, golden treat, give it a try!

Cook for 8-18 minutes

Now that you've prepped your air fryer basket and placed your corn dogs inside, it's time to cook them! Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your corn dogs in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Set your air fryer to 360°F–380°F and cook your corn dogs for 8–18 minutes. If you're making mini corn dogs, they will likely only need 7–10 minutes. For regular-sized corn dogs, check on them after 8 minutes and continue cooking until they reach your desired level of doneness. For extra crispy corn dogs, consider flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

When removing the corn dogs from the air fryer, be careful as they will be hot. Use tongs to place them on a plate and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your corn dogs halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step in achieving that perfect, even crisp on the outside. Depending on your air fryer model, you should flip the corn dogs after about 4 to 5 minutes of cooking time. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around the corn dogs, resulting in a uniform golden crust all over.

Flipping your corn dogs is a simple yet effective technique to prevent them from getting soggy. No one likes a soggy corn dog! By flipping them, you allow the hot air to access all sides of the corn dog, ensuring that the corn batter becomes crispy and delicious.

Additionally, flipping your corn dogs can help prevent them from burning or sticking to the air fryer basket. This is especially important if you're cooking a larger batch of corn dogs or if your air fryer basket is on the smaller side. Flipping ensures that no side of the corn dog gets overly cooked or burnt, and it helps to loosen them from the basket, making it easier to remove them once they're done.

When flipping your corn dogs, it's important to use a pair of tongs or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot air and surfaces. Remember that the wooden sticks will also be hot, so be careful when handling them.

By following this simple step of flipping your corn dogs halfway through, you'll end up with perfectly crispy, golden corn dogs that your family and friends will love!

Serve with condiments and sides

Corn dogs are a delicious snack, but what should you serve them with? Here are some ideas for condiments and sides to accompany your air-fried corn dogs.

First, let's talk about condiments. The classic choice is ketchup and mustard, but don't be afraid to get creative. Try out different mustards, such as dijon or honey mustard, or experiment with hot sauces like chile de arbol or mango habanero. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own dipping sauces, like a spicy mayo or a cool ranch dressing.

Now, let's move on to sides. If you're looking for something hearty, try pairing your corn dogs with some French fries or tater tots. You can cook these in your air fryer as well! For a slightly healthier option, go for sweet potato fries. If you want something a little lighter, serve your corn dogs with a fresh veggie platter and dip. Some crudites and hummus or ranch dip would be a perfect complement to the crispy, juicy corn dogs.

If you're serving corn dogs as a main course, you might want to include a more substantial side. Potato salad or pasta salad are always good choices, or you could try something like air fryer mozzarella sticks or even some air fryer chicken tenders.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to elevate your corn dog dining experience. Get creative, and most importantly, enjoy!

Frequently asked questions