Craving a classic fairground treat but want to make it healthier? These air fryer corn dogs are the perfect solution. They are crispy, golden, and delicious, all without the need for deep frying. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal, these corn dogs are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up cornmeal if you don't usually have it on hand. Cornmeal is a coarse flour made from dried corn and is essential for giving the corn dogs their signature texture and flavor. Additionally, make sure you have wooden skewers to insert into the hot dogs before coating them in batter.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Corn Dogs Recipe
Hot dogs: The main protein component of the corn dogs, providing a savory flavor.
Cornmeal: A coarse flour made from dried corn, essential for the batter's texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps to bind the batter together and gives structure.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the batter rise and become fluffy.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, making it smooth and easy to coat the hot dogs.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the batter.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps to achieve a golden brown color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the batter.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an even crispier texture, lightly spray the corn dogs with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help achieve a golden-brown finish and enhance the overall crunch.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
hot dogs - Substitute with veggie dogs: For a vegetarian option, veggie dogs provide a similar texture and flavor.
cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is essentially the same as cornmeal and can be used interchangeably.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that will still provide the necessary moisture.
beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one beaten egg, suitable for a vegan option.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a slightly different flavor and is a healthier fat option.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may offer a more complex flavor.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Corn Dogs
- Allow the corn dogs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each corn dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped corn dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the corn dogs within 3-4 days. This keeps them at a safe temperature and maintains their texture.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped corn dogs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the corn dogs to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen corn dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy. This ensures they are evenly cooked and deliciously crunchy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard. This adds a delightful finishing touch to your reheated corn dogs.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover corn dogs in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Heat for 3-5 minutes until they are crispy and warmed through.
For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the corn dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until they are heated evenly and regain their crispiness.
If you prefer the microwave, wrap each corn dog in a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds. Note that this method may not keep the exterior as crispy as the air fryer or oven.
For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil and place the corn dogs in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and the batter is crispy.
To use a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the corn dogs on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until they are hot and the batter is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the corn dogs to a golden brown perfection.
Mixing bowl: You'll need two of these to mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately.
Whisk: This is used to combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
Wooden skewers: These are inserted into the hot dogs to create the classic corn dog shape and make them easy to handle.
Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: These are used to measure the baking powder, vegetable oil, and salt precisely.
Spatula: This can be used to combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
Tongs: These are useful for placing the coated hot dogs into the air fryer basket and removing them once cooked.
Air fryer basket: This is where the coated hot dogs will be placed for cooking in the air fryer.
How to Save Time on Making Corn Dogs
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before to save time.
Use pre-cooked hot dogs: Opt for pre-cooked hot dogs to reduce cooking time and ensure even heating.
Quick batter dip: Pour the batter into a tall glass for easy and quick dipping of the hot dogs.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple corn dogs at once in the air fryer to save time.
Preheat air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and reduce overall cooking time.
Air Fryer Corn Dogs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Hot dogs
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 Egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Insert wooden skewers into the hot dogs and dip them into the batter, coating evenly.
- Place the coated hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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