The corn dog is a uniquely American snack food. According to some researchers, corn dogs started showing up at state fairs sometime in the late 1930s through the mid-1940s. However, there was an invention sometime in the 1920s for a “Korny Korn Dog” baking machine that cooked sausages or hot dogs in a corn batter to resemble ears of corn.
What is a Corn Dog?
A corn dog is a pre-cooked sausage, bratwurst, or hot dog that is dipped into a thick cornmeal-based batter. The coated tube-shaped meat is usually deep-fried so that the coating is like cornbread with a crispy outer layer. The dog inside is heated through. Corn dogs are often served with either mustard or ketchup or both.
Corn dogs are a staple at fairs and carnivals. They are generally skewered on a wood stick so that you can eat them while walking around without the need for utensils. However, you can find frozen mini corn dogs without sticks that can be eaten as finger food like pigs in a blanket. These are referred to as corn puppies.
There are variations on the basic corn dog. One that I like is the cheese-stuffed variety. I am not entirely sure what method is used to get the cheese inside the hot dog, but it tastes good. Another variation is what is called a pancake on a stick which is a breakfast sausage that is dipped in pancake batter and then fried.
Cooking Frozen Corn Dogs in an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a terrific appliance for cooking frozen corn dogs. The batter crisps up just like it does in a deep-fryer. However, you don’t need a lot of oil to cook them, just a light spray of vegetable oil on the crisper plate or in the basket to make sure the corn dogs don’t stick.
Cooking corn dogs in an air fryer is super easy. However, there are some things to consider. The sticks can present a challenge if your basket or crisper plate isn’t large enough to accommodate the length. If this is an issue for you, I suggest going with the mini corn dogs instead.
Large corn dogs will take approximately 10 minutes at 370°F. The minis or puppies will cook in approximately 8 minutes at the same temperature. Both should be cooked while still frozen and in a single layer.
Serve the corn dogs with ketchup or mustard. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can make a dipping sauce to put your personal spin on this classic snack. Make the sauce ahead of time. It will keep in the fridge for several days.
Air Fryer Frozen Corn Dogs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen corn dogs or a 12 oz. package of frozen mini corn dogs
- Vegetable oil spray
Total time:11 min – Prep time:1 min – Cook time:10 min – Serves:4 people
Author: Nick
Directions:
1. Preheat the air fryer at 370°F for 5 minutes.
2. Spray a very light coating of vegetable oil on the basket or crisper plate of the air fryer.
3. Place the corn dogs or minis in a single layer inside the air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes. Rotate the large dogs or shake the bucket for the smaller ones. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes for the large dogs and 1 to 3 minutes for the smaller ones. You are looking for a golden brown and crispy outer shell.
4. Serve the corn dogs while hot with mustard and ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce (see recipes above).
Dipping Sauces for Corn Dogs
Here are some ideas and recipes for corn dog dipping sauces.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Total time: 5 min – Prep time: 5 min – Yield: 1 cup
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, vinegar, and cayenne until smooth and creamy.
2. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Homemade Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 TBS butter
- 1 TBS all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Total time: 7 min – Prep time: 2 min – Cook time: 5 min per batch – Yield: 1 cup
Directions:
1. In a small pot, over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until the flour is golden and it smells a little nutty, whisking continuously, approximately 1 minute.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese until it melts.
4. Serve immediately while still warm.
Spicy Ketchup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tsps Tabasco or other hot sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
Total time: 2 min – Prep time: 2 min – Yield: 1 cup
Directions:
1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, hot sauce, and chili powder.
2. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What Else Can You Serve with Corn Dogs?
If you feel like having a carnival-themed party or backyard picnic, put your air fryer and other small appliances to good work. To accompany your corn dogs, try out some of these recipes:
Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
Healthy Funnel Cakes
Always keep in mind that you can prepare dishes in batches and keep them warm in an oven that is set to approximately 200°F until ready to serve.
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