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

Corn dogs are a favourite snack for many, and they can be made easily at home using an air fryer. The air fryer gives the corn dogs a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the insides juicy. The best part is that you can make these corn dogs straight from frozen, without any extra oil, and they will be ready in 8-12 minutes. You can also make mini corn dogs using the same method, but with a shorter cooking time.

How to arrange corn dogs in the air fryer

When arranging corn dogs in your air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer, not stacked on top of each other. This is to allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you can cook between one and six corn dogs at a time. If you are cooking mini corn dogs, you may be able to fit more in a single layer.

It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you need to cook more corn dogs than will fit comfortably in a single layer, cook them in batches. This will ensure that the air fryer works effectively and that your corn dogs are cooked evenly.

If you are using a toaster-style air fryer, or if your air fryer is particularly large, you may need to adjust the cooking time. It is recommended that you test with one corn dog first to get a sense of the best timing for your specific air fryer model.

For regular-sized corn dogs, it is recommended to cook them at 360-370°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For mini corn dogs, cook at the same temperature for 6-8 minutes, again flipping them over halfway through.

The ideal temperature and duration for cooking

Firstly, it is important to arrange the corn dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may cook between 1 to 6 corn dogs at a time.

For regular-sized corn dogs, the recommended temperature is between 360°F and 370°F. Set your air fryer within this range and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes. It is a good idea to flip the corn dogs halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

For mini corn dogs, use the same temperature but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Air fry them for 6 to 8 minutes, and again, flipping them halfway through is advisable.

It is worth noting that some air fryers may require preheating, while others may take longer to heat up if cooking only a small batch of corn dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to do a test run with a single corn dog to determine the ideal timing for your specific air fryer model.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on personal preferences for crispiness. For a softer crust, consider reducing the cooking time by a minute or two. On the other hand, for a crispier crust, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Lastly, let the corn dogs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the insides to settle and prevents sogginess.

Dipping sauces to serve with corn dogs

Corn dogs are a delicious treat, and even more so when made in an air fryer! But what sauces should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to take your corn dogs to the next level.

First up, the classics: ketchup and mustard. These condiments are a must-have for corn dogs, and you can't go wrong with either. If you want to get a little fancier, try dijon mustard or honey mustard, which has a tangy, sweet flavour. You could even make your own honey mustard sauce by mixing honey, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, chopped jalapeno pepper, and vinegar.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a Korean-inspired sauce. Korean corn dogs, or "Gamja Hot Dogs", are a popular street food in Korea, and they're often served with a gochujang (Korean fermented red pepper paste) dressing. To make this sauce, mix gochujang, finely chopped garlic, and rice wine vinegar or regular vinegar. You can also add some sugar to taste if you like it sweeter.

Another option is to make a fresh Sriracha dressing. Sriracha is a Thai condiment that's sweet and tangy but can be quite spicy and salty. To balance out the flavours, mix it with sour cream or Greek yogurt to make it less salty and spicy. You can also add some sugar and lime juice to taste.

For a warm, cheesy option, try a four-cheese melt. Simply simmer some fresh cream in a saucepan and add your favourite cheeses. Stir until melted and add more cream if needed to adjust the consistency. Drizzle this over your corn dog for a delicious, indulgent treat.

Lastly, don't forget about the ranch! Ranch dressing is a classic dip for fried snacks, and you can easily mix it with other ingredients to change up the flavour. Try adding some crushed red pepper and granulated garlic to your ranch for a spicy kick.

How to get corn dogs crispy on the inside

Corn dogs are a delicious treat, but sometimes the inside can be a little too soft or doughy. Here are some tips to get that crispy texture on the inside while keeping the outside nice and golden.

Temperature and Timing:

Firstly, it's important to note that the standard cooking instructions on the box (360°F for 12 minutes) might not be enough to get the inside fully cooked and crispy. You can try experimenting with different temperatures and timings. Some people suggest lower temperatures for a longer time, such as 325°F for 18 minutes, while others recommend higher temperatures like 375°F for 16 minutes. However, be cautious as you don't want to overcook the corn dog or burn the outside.

Microwaving:

One innovative method to get the inside crispy is to microwave the corn dog before air frying. Place the corn dog on a paper towel and microwave it at 30% power for 1 minute on each side. This will help dry out the inside a bit before you even start air frying.

Stovetop Cooking:

After microwaving, you can take the corn dog to the stovetop. Heat up some oil (enough to cover the bottom of your pan) to a medium-hot temperature (around 4 out of 10 on the dial). Fry the corn dog for no more than 3 minutes, or until the outside looks finished. This will give it a nice crispy texture.

Resting:

No matter what cooking method you use, letting the corn dog rest for 5 minutes or more after cooking can help reduce the moisture inside and give it a crispier texture.

Air Fryer Tips:

When using an air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space for the air to circulate and cook the corn dogs evenly. Additionally, flipping or shaking the corn dogs halfway through the cooking process can help create a better crust and ensure even cooking.

Other Suggestions:

You can try poking holes in the corn dog with a toothpick or skewer to let the steam escape, but be mindful that this might dry out the hot dog inside. Another option is to look for recipes that use a different batter-to-hot dog ratio, which can affect the crispiness.

Whether to use oil spray or not

To Spray or Not to Spray?

When it comes to making corn dogs in an air fryer, you might be wondering if you need to use oil spray. After all, you want to ensure that your corn dogs turn out perfectly crispy and delicious. So, should you give them a quick spritz of oil before popping them into the air fryer?

Well, the answer is... it depends. While some recipes do recommend spraying the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray before placing your corn dogs, others advise against adding any extra oil. So, let's explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide which method is right for you.

The Case for Oil Spray

Using oil spray can help ensure that your corn dogs don't stick to the air fryer basket, creating a crispy exterior without any soggy spots. It's a simple step that can help ensure your corn dogs turn out perfectly. However, it's important to note that you should not use non-stick cooking spray, as this can ruin your air fryer. Instead, opt for a regular olive oil spray.

The Case Against Oil Spray

On the other hand, some people find that corn dogs cooked in an air fryer get crispy enough on their own without the need for any added oil. This method is a bit simpler, as you don't have to worry about spraying your air fryer basket evenly or accidentally using the wrong type of spray. Simply arrange your corn dogs in a single layer in the basket, set the temperature, and let your air fryer do the work.

So, Which Method Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use oil spray when making corn dogs in an air fryer comes down to personal preference. If you're concerned about sticking or want to ensure an even crispness, a light coating of olive oil spray might be a good idea. However, if you're looking for a slightly healthier option or want to keep things as simple as possible, you can skip the spray and still enjoy delicious, crispy corn dogs.

Whichever method you choose, just be sure to follow the rest of the recipe instructions carefully, including the recommended temperature and cooking time, for the best results. Happy frying!

Frequently asked questions