Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs

Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs are a game changer, allowing you an easy way to enjoy state fair mini corn dogs at home! Paired with my easy recipe for Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, these mini corn dogs are the perfect snack for a quick lunch and also make a fun party appetizer!

Close view of cooked mini corn dogs on a white plate that has a small dipping bowl of ketchup on it.

If you've never thought to air fry mini corn dogs before, then let me be the first to tell you why this is a great way to enjoy this quick snack.

These delicious frozen corn dogs cook evenly thanks to the hot air circulation in an air fryer, resulting in perfect corn dog crispiness every single time!

The best part about using an air fryer oven over a deep fryer is that you can achieve that perfect crispy exterior without the extra oil from traditional methods of deep frying, making this easy snack a much healthier option than a regular corn dog!

For more easy air fryer recipes for snacks and appetizers, check out my Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, Frozen Garlic Knots Easy Air Fryer Recipe, Easy Frozen Pretzel in Air Fryer Recipe, Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Cheese Danish, and Frozen Totino's Pizza in the Air Fryer!

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Corn Dogs

Frozen Mini Corn Dogs. Frozen Mini corn dogs are a fun size and convenient for air frying.
Dipping Sauces. Corn dogs are perfect for dipping in ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

Honey. Balances the tang of the mustard with a little natural sweetness.
Mustard. Any mustard will work well here, whether it is Yellow, Dijon, or Spicy Brown.
Mayonnaise. Gives the sauce a creamier texture.
Pepper. Adds a slight kick and depth of flavor.
Cayenne. Optional, for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs

Quick Mini Air Fryer Corndogs for Kids

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the 16 mini Corn Dogs in the basket and air fry corn dogs for 8-10 Minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking cycle.
The Mini Corn Dogs are ready when the outer edges are crispy and golden brown.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Place the Honey, Mustard, Mayonnaise, and seasonings in a small bowl and stir the mixture until smooth.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Top view of cooked mini corn dogs in an air fryer basket.

Best Dipping Sauces for Mini Corn Dogs

Ketchup
Mustard
Honey Mustard
BBQ Sauce
Cowboy Sauce

How to Keep Mini Corn Dogs Crispy

No one wants a soggy corn dog. Here are my tips for keeping mini corn dogs crispy!

Only Air Fry as many corn dogs as you want to eat. When corn dogs sit and cool down they tend to get soggy.
Don't over fill the air fryer basket. A single layer of mini corn dogs is ideal allowing air to flow freely around the basket producing crispy corn dogs
Enjoy corn dogs while hot! A hot dog is a crispy dog.

What to Serve with Mini Corn Dogs

Crinkle Fries (Air Fryer Recipe)
Tater Tots (Air Fryer Recipe)
Mac and Cheese
Mozzarella Sticks (Air Fryer Recipe)
Sweet Potato Fries (Air Fryer Recipe)

FAQs

Can I air fry the corn dogs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook frozen mini corn dogs in the air fryer without needing to thaw them beforehand.

Do I need to use cooking spray in the air fryer?

A light coating of cooking spray helps prevent the corn dog batter from sticking to the bottom of the basket, while also helping you achieve that crispy exterior.

Is it possible to reheat mini corn dogs in the air fryer?

Reheating these in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 380°F is the best way to restore their crispiness.

Can I make homemade corn dogs in the air fryer?

You can make homemade corn dogs from scratch using a wet batter and cook them in the air fryer, though the cooking time will vary. When they start to look cooked, check on them every few minutes until the edges are crispy and turn golden brown.

Storage & Freezing

Storage: Store any leftover corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing cooked corn dogs as frozen corn dogs may lose their nice crunchy texture. They are best cooked to order and served fresh, with any leftovers stored in the fridge.

Close view of cooked mini corn dogs on a white plate that has a small dipping bowl of ketchup on it. IN the background is the bag of mini corn dogs.

Substitutions & Variations

Each brand of mini corn dogs tastes different from the next, so try a few different brands to find your favorite brand.
You can make your own corn dog batter and dip hot dogs into it before air frying. This will give you full control over the batter's flavor and thickness, with room for customization such as adding spices to the batter like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Use plant-based hot dogs and a vegan cornbread mix to make vegetarian or vegan mini corn dogs.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and gluten-free hot dogs.
Before cooking, try sprinkling some seasoning on the mini corn dogs to make them extra flavorful.
You can use any dipping sauces you like, and some other great options are sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or even a sweet and sour sauce.

Close view of cooked mini corn dogs on a white plate that has a small dipping bowl of ketchup on it with a corn dog being dipped. IN the background is the air fryer.

Pro Tips

Arrange the mini corn dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket as overlapping or stacking them can lead to uneven cooking.
Giving the basket a good shake at the halfway point of the cooking time helps ensure even cooking and prevents the corn dogs from sticking together or to the basket.
Always preheat the air fryer before cooking the mini corn dogs to achieve consistently crispy corn dogs.
A light spray of cooking oil not only helps prevent sticking but also contributes to the corn dogs' crispy exterior.
Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect match, as a good sauce can significantly enhance the overall taste and experience.
Regularly clean your air fryer to not only help it last a long time but to also prevent unwanted flavors from previous meals from transferring onto your mini corn dogs.

What Dipping Sauces go best with Mini Corn Dogs?

Dipping sauces are always a welcome addition when it comes to corndogs. Mustard based sauces are always a welcome addition. But don't feel like you have to use a mustard base sauce.

What about Cowboy Dipping Sauce which is a BBQ base and so tasty. It's delicious with these snacks for kids and adults. A Cheese Sauce or even Chili is a wonderful addition to dip into as well. For a super simple option serve with sweet relish.

Have you tried this Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs recipe?

Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!

Close view of cooked mini corn dogs on a white plate that has a small dipping bowl of ketchup on it. In the background is the air fryer.

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