Air-Fried Mini Corn Dogs are a delightful twist on a classic carnival treat, made healthier by air-frying. These bite-sized snacks feature juicy mini sausages coated in a fluffy, golden cornmeal batter, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Wooden toothpicks or mini skewers
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
- Prepare the sausages: Pat the mini hot dogs dry with a paper towel. Insert a toothpick or mini skewer into each one, leaving enough of the stick exposed for easy handling.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Coat the hot dogs: Pour the batter into a tall glass or container for easy dipping. Dip each hot dog into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess batter drip off.
- Air-fry the corn dogs: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the coated mini corn dogs in the basket, leaving space between them to avoid sticking. Air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard.
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Makes 12 mini corn dogs, serving 3-4 people.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~380mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the hot dogs and ingredients used.
Key Notes:
- Choose the right sausages: Use mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages. Turkey or chicken sausages are a lighter option.
- Batter consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the sausages without dripping excessively. Adjust with a little extra flour or milk if needed.
- Avoid overcrowding: Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Reheating tips: Leftover mini corn dogs can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crunch.
Enjoy these Air-Fried Mini Corn Dogs as a nostalgic, guilt-free treat that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering!