Mini Corn Dogs

Something magical about biting into a freshly made mini corn dog takes me right back to childhood. I still remember the first time I made these at home with my kids—their eyes lit up as they watched the batter-dipped hot dogs transform into golden-brown treats in the bubbling oil. The sweet aroma of cornmeal filled our kitchen. When it was finally time to taste them, those first crispy, fluffy bites confirmed what I already knew: homemade mini corn dogs are infinitely better than the frozen kind. Now, they’ve become our go-to weekend treat, perfect for movie nights, game days, or any time we need a bit of comfort food that brings the whole family together.

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These bite-sized delights feature hot dogs dipped in a sweet cornmeal batter and fried to perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible for kids and adults alike.

Why are these Mini Corn Dogs so amazing?

While this recipe might be extremely easy, it is still homemade. The corn dog breading for this recipe creates the perfect crisp outside with a nice fluffy inside which is the perfect texture for the best corn dog.  

What You’ll Need

Equipment

• Medium-sized pot for frying (or air fryer alternative)
• Candy/deep fry thermometer
• Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks (optional)
• Paper towels for draining
• Two mixing bowls
• Whisk

Mini Corn Dogs Recipe Ingredients

You will notice that you may already have most of what you need to make the corn dog batter recipe.

• Yellow cornmeal – Provides the distinctive corn flavor and creates the signature grainy texture that makes corn dogs unique
• All-purpose flour – Works with the cornmeal to create structure in the batter while helping achieve a light, fluffy coating
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the batter
• Sugar – Adds the classic subtle sweetness that makes corn dogs so addictive
• Baking powder – Creates a light, airy texture by generating air bubbles in the batter as it cooks
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter
• Milk – Provides moisture and helps create a smooth, dippable batter consistency
• Hot dogs – The star center of the corn dog that provides savory, juicy contrast to the sweet batter
• Vegetable oil – The frying medium that creates the crispy, golden exterior

How to Prepare Corn Dog Batter

The key to making the perfect corn dog is following the directions when making the corn dog batter.

1. Begin by combining all of the dry ingredients.
2. Then mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. By doing this, you can make sure the batter is evenly mixed and will fry well.
3. Then add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix it.

How to Make Mini Corn Dogs from Scratch

Here are the steps for making the complete recipe:

1. Pour enough oil into a medium-sized pot to be 4 inches deep.
2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
4. Whisk milk and egg together in a small bowl.
5. Add the milk mixture to the cornmeal mixture and stir until well blended.

6. Cut the hot dogs into thirds.
7. Blot hot dogs with paper towels until dry.
8. Dip hot dogs into the batter to coat the hot dogs then shake to remove excess batter.

9. Carefully place dipped hot dogs into the hot oil.
10. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Serve with your favorite condiments.

How to Cook Mini Corn Dogs in Air Fryer

You will make the batter the same but instead of frying the corn dogs in oil, you will use the air fryer.

Here are the steps and how to make mini corn dogs in an air fryer:

1. Make the batter (see details above or in the recipe card).
2. Put a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the air fryer basket and place the dipped pieces of hot dog on it.
3. Then set the air fryer to 375°F and set the timer for 8 minutes.
4. Halfway through, open up the air fryer and flip the mini corn dogs. 
5. When there is 2 minutes left, check the corn dogs each minute to check for doneness.

What goes well with mini corn dogs?

While you can eat these delicious little corn dogs by themselves, here are a few options for what to serve with them:

• JoJo Potatoes
• Greek Roasted Potatoes
• Outback Aussie Fries
• Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Storage and Reheating Guide

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover mini corn dogs in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezer Storage

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).
• Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Store for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Methods

Air Fryer (Best Method)

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place mini corn dogs in the basket in a single layer.
• Heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place mini corn dogs on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.

Microwave (Quick but Less Crispy)

• Place on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat for 30-45 seconds.
• Note: This method will result in a softer texture.

Love hot dogs? Try these recipes!

• Air Fried Hot Dogs
• Baked Hot Dogs
• Bourbon Hot Dogs

Favorite Appetizer and Game Day Recipes

• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
• Chili Cheese Dip
• Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
• Cowboy Candy
• Crescent Roll Taco Ring
• Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Rotel Dip
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
• Seafood Dip

Check out my easy appetizer recipes and the best game day recipes here on CopyKat!

Ready to bring the state fair home? Make these mini corn dogs for your next family movie night or game day gathering! Pin this recipe for later or print it using the recipe card below. If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.