These Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs are crispy and fun to eat! With a soft cornmeal coating, they are perfect for dipping in mustard or ketchup while you enjoy a snack or party platter.
Making these mini delights is super easy! Just pop them in the air fryer and watch them become golden brown. Trust me, they’re perfect for game day or a movie night treat. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornmeal: This gives your corn dogs their characteristic flavor and texture. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use fine polenta or a corn flour, but it may change the texture a bit!
All-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together. You can swap it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Granulated sugar: It adds a hint of sweetness. For a healthier choice, light brown sugar or honey works well, adjusting the liquid in the recipe to balance it out.
Milk: Use any milk you like, including almond or oat milk, to keep it dairy-free. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best overall flavor.
Mini hot dogs: If you’re looking for a different taste, try chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages. They work wonderfully and keep the dish fun!
How Do I Make Sure My Corn Dogs Are Crispy?
If you want crispy corn dogs, the cooking spray is your best friend! Preheating the air fryer is also essential; it ensures your corn dogs cook evenly and get that delightful crunch. Here’s how:
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- When coating the hot dogs, let any excess batter fall off before placing them in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; space them out so air can circulate properly around each dog.
- Flipping them halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning on both sides.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn Dog Batter:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mini Corn Dogs:
- 12 mini hot dogs (or cocktail sausages)
- Cooking spray
- Optional: ketchup and mustard for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish! It’s super quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This will ensure your mini corn dogs cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and free of lumps.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
4. Prepare the Hot Dogs:
Take your mini hot dogs and insert wooden sticks into each one to create a handle. This will make dipping and eating much easier!
5. Dip the Hot Dogs:
Now it’s time to dip! Take each hot dog and coat it well in the cornmeal batter, making sure they’re fully covered. Remember to shake off any excess batter before cooking.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place a single layer of the battered corn dogs into the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spaced apart to ensure good air circulation. If you have more corn dogs than can fit, you’ll need to cook them in batches.
7. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray the corn dogs with cooking spray. This will help them achieve that golden, crispy finish we all love!
8. Cook the Corn Dogs:
Cook them in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
9. Let Them Cool:
Once they are cooked and golden brown, remove the mini corn dogs from the air fryer. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving—just enough to avoid burning your tongue!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your mini corn dogs warm with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping. Enjoy this fun and tasty treat!
Can I Use Regular Hot Dogs Instead of Mini Hot Dogs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have mini hot dogs, you can easily use regular-sized hot dogs. Just cut them in half and insert wooden sticks for easier handling. Keep in mind that larger hot dogs might require a bit more batter and cooking time, so monitor them closely as they cook.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance! Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately, then combine them when you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to keep the wet mixture covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using as it may thicken slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Corn Dogs?
Store any leftover corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but they may not be as crunchy!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! To make gluten-free mini corn dogs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a little extra moisture to the batter, so keep an eye on the consistency and adjust with a splash of milk if needed.
