Enjoy your favorite food on a stick without all the grease with air fryer corn dogs!
They’re healthier than deep-frying and just as crispy. Better yet, they’re faster than the oven and ready in under 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are an American classic. They remind me of childhood memories at the county fair. Those crispy golden treats are just impossible to resist!
But deep fried foods aren’t exactly healthy. So what is a corn dog lover to do? Bust out the air fryer!
Air fryer corn dogs have a wonderfully crispy batter with a savory, snappy hot dog hiding inside.
Sure, they’re not the most nutritious snacks. But they are oil-free. How awesome is that?
Plus, they’re very convenient. You can cook frozen corn dogs in a snap!
How to Make Frozen Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer
First things first: preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. I set mine at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, but all air fryers run differently.
If you’re new to using your gadget, 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a good place to start. Better yet, check the manual!
Next, arrange the corn dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t stack them on top of one another, or they won’t crisp up. Give them enough room to cook!
Four corn dogs fit perfectly in a basket. If you want to make more, do so in batches.
Once the corns dogs are resting nicely in the basket, pop it in the air fryer and close the drawer.
Cook for 3 minutes, open the drawer, and flip the corn dogs over. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skins are nice and crispy.
Now, here’s the most important part: turn off the air fryer and leave the corn dogs inside, with the drawer closed, for another 3 to 5 minutes.
This will warm the insides further, resulting in perfectly cooked corn dogs.
Without this step, you’ll end up with lukewarm or even cold hot dogs. Yikes.
How to Make Frozen Mini-Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer
Corn dogs are great, but for some reason, I find corn puppies to be more addictive.
The first bite will get you hooked! Before you know it, you’ll have eaten 10 of these bad boys.
If you’re on team mini-corn dog, you’ll want to learn how to cook them in the air fryer as well.
The whole process is pretty much the same, except you’ll only need to cook them for 5 minutes, not 8.
Just like regular corn dogs, you’ll also need to flip these minis halfway through. Let them cook further with the fryer turned off for 3 to 5 minutes.
This way, you’re not only cooking the outsides, but the insides as well.
Tips for the Best Corn Dogs
Want the picture-perfect golden corn dog every time you air fry? Then follow these tips:
- Preheat the air fryer. About 5 minutes is all it takes. It helps ensure your corn dog develops that golden crispy goodness we all know and love.
- Don’t crowd your corn dogs. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Don’t stack them on top of one another, or they won’t cook properly.
- Give ‘em a spritz of olive oil. For extra crispy corn dogs, spray a little olive oil on top. It’s optional, but if you want a ridiculously crunchy exterior, go for it!
- Keep an eye on them. Air fryers weren’t created equally. So check on them before the timer dings. Also, flip them halfway so they cook properly.
- Let the corn dogs sit. Leave them in the air fryer for 3 minutes post-cooking. This will ensure that they’re cooked all the way through.
- Not cooking right? Every appliance has a learning curve. Try altering the cooking temp or time. Don’t give up, because the result is so rewarding!
- Only use dry batter. Wet batter doesn’t work with this recipe. To make corn dogs from scratch, use a dry batter like crushed cornflakes or bread crumbs.
- Doctor up your dog. Mayo and mustard are classic toppings. You can also take them to the next level with honey mustard or nacho cheese.
This turned out very well. The preheating of the air fryer was a key as you posted. Do you have a recipe for the corn dogs themselves. I think perhaps if I chose all beef, then put a seasoned breading on it, it would appeal better to the Cajuns that gather at my home for football or baseball. Thank you, Kim!