Homemade Corn Dogs
Corn dogs have been a beloved snack for generations, bringing joy at fairs, parks, and sporting events. Imagine biting into a perfectly deep-fried hot dog, coated in a thick layer of golden cornmeal batter. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s both crunchy and comforting. Why wait when you can whip up this classic at home? “No…
Homemade Corn Dogs
Corn dogs have been a beloved snack for generations, bringing joy at fairs, parks, and sporting events. Imagine biting into a perfectly deep-fried hot dog, coated in a thick layer of golden cornmeal batter. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s both crunchy and comforting. Why wait when you can whip up this classic at home?
“No dogs were harmed in creating this recipe”
what you’ll need
Hot Dogs or Franks: I usually prefer chicken franks but feel free to use beef of pork. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s fresh and well-packaged.
Flour: this recipe requires all purpose flour for best results.
Cornmeal: the traditional recipe calls for cornmeal but feel free to leave it out. For that classic corn dog crunch, go for a coarse cornmeal.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is key to creating a crispy exterior and a tender inside.
Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the flavor without overpowering the savory goodness.
Egg: it is required as a binding agent, bringing the batter ingredients together for a cohesive mix.
Water or Milk: Choose milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture or stick with water for a lighter option. If you’re lactose intolerant, water or plant-based milk works perfectly!
Oil: The oil you use can make or break your corn dog experience. I keep it simple and simply use Vegetable Oil, which is Affordable and neutral in flavor, perfect for high-heat frying.
Canola Oil, Avocado Oil and Peanut Oil are also great options.
Avoid oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, which can smoke at high temperatures.
Skewers: I usually use Bamboo Skewers. Other options you can yours are:
Metal Skewers: Durable and reusable—just ensure they’re clean and dry.
Corn Dog Sticks: Specialized for easy dipping with a curved end.
Toothpicks: This is also a great way to make this treat bite sized and kids friendly
step by step guide
Prepare the Skewers: Cut the skewers into two pieces by hitting with a knife at the middle and then snapping the bamboo skewers in two.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, crack the egg, add the milk (or water), sugar and salt. Mix until combined.
Make the Batter: To the wet ingredients, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal and baking powder. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Prepare Hot Dogs: Insert a skewer into each hot dog, leaving about 1-2 inches at the top.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or deep fryer heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Coat Hot Dogs: Dip each skewered hot dog into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Fry Corn Dogs:
Carefully place the coated hot dogs into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain and Serve:
Remove the corn dogs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite condiments!
Enjoy your homemade corn dogs!
“This recipe is a-maize-ing! You won’t be able to stop at one!”
Tips for Making the best hotdogs
Use Quality Hot Dogs: Choose your favorite brand of hot dogs for the best flavor.
Chill the Hot Dogs: After boiling, let the hot dogs cool completely. This helps the batter stick better.
Make a Thick Batter: A thicker batter coats the hot dogs well and creates a nice crunch. Adjust the cornmeal and flour ratio for the desired thickness.
Use a Tall Container: Pour the batter into a tall, narrow container to make it easier to dip the hot dogs.
Fry in the right temperature: Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). This ensures a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. (To check if the oil is hot enough for frying corn dogs, dip the end of a skewer into the oil. If you see small bubbles forming around it or hear a sizzle, the oil is ready. For accuracy, you can also use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches about 350°F/175°C).
Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry a few corn dogs at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
Turn for Even Cooking: Gently turn the corn dogs as they fry to achieve a uniform golden-brown color.
Use a good spoon or thongs: use a sturdy spoon or thongs to remove hotdogs from the oil to avoid splashes.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the corn dogs on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Make it kid friendly/bitesize
You can also use this recipe to create a fun sized kids’ version that’s just as irresistible.
For this you will be using toothpicks.
First cut each hotdogs/ franks into 4-5 pieces and boil for 2-3 mins. Follow through the same process of making the corndog batter, dip the hotdogs until well coated and fry for 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the toothpicks when serving to children.
Mind you this also makes for an addictive, quick and easy finger-food for small gatherings and even parties.
watch how to make it fun sized
Ingredients
- 5 hot dogs
- 1 cup All purpose flour 133g
- 3/4 cup cornmeal 127g
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoon sugar 33g
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk/water
Instructions
- Gather and measure all your ingredients
Hot dogs:
- Cut the hot dogs in half and add them to
- a pot of boiling water.
- Allow them to boil for 2-3 minutes, then drain the water and set the hot dogs aside to cool
- Insert the skewers into the hotdogs.
Batter:
- In a large bowl, crack in the egg and add milk, sugar, and salt. Mix together until well combined, then add the cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
- Gently mix in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter to a narrow, tall container or a deep cup to help coat the hot dogs better.
- Dip each hot dog into the batter and swirl it around to ensure it is well coated, then dip the coated hot dog into hot oil.
Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep pot or deep fryer and proceed to fry the corn dogs for 2-3 minutes, turning them periodically to ensure an even golden brown color.
- Once done, carefully remove the corn dogs and place them on a kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
Serve:
- Corn dogs can be served hot with any condiment of your choice or eaten plain with your favorite drink. Enjoy!
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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