These Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic fair treat right at home. Perfect for summer gatherings or casual snacks, these mini corn dogs are made with a simple, homemade batter and mini hot dogs, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a savory center. Ideal for sharing and devouring in seconds, these mini corn dogs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 12 hot dogs (halved)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
Directions
- Heat the Oil:
In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. - Prepare the Hot Dogs:
Toss the hot dogs in cornstarch to coat them lightly, then thread them onto lollipop sticks. - Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. - Coat the Hot Dogs:
Working in batches, dredge the hot dogs in the batter until completely covered. - Fry the Mini Corn Dogs:
Carefully add the battered hot dogs to the skillet in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. - Serve:
Serve immediately with ketchup and mustard or your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrients
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 140mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 150 IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
Why Homemade Mini Corn Dogs Are So Special
What sets these homemade mini corn dogs apart from store-bought versions is the ability to control the ingredients, ensuring they’re fresh and full of flavor. The crispy batter, made from a blend of cornmeal, flour, and baking powder, creates the perfect crunchy exterior that’s light and golden. The mini hot dogs inside offer a savory, juicy bite, making each mini corn dog the ideal combination of crunch and flavor.
The batter is easy to make, and with the addition of cornstarch, the hot dogs stay perfectly coated in a light, crispy shell. The frying process, which only takes 2-3 minutes per batch, results in a batch of mini corn dogs that are crispy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs
Making these mini corn dogs at home is straightforward and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this tasty treat:
- Heat the Oil
In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying, so it should reach about 350°F. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
- Prepare the Hot Dogs
Cut your hot dogs in half to create mini versions, perfect for snacking. Toss the hot dog halves in cornstarch to lightly coat them. This helps the batter stick to the hot dogs and creates an even coating when frying. After coating them in cornstarch, thread the hot dogs onto lollipop sticks or skewers for easy handling while frying.
- Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of yellow cornmeal, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of milk and 1 large egg until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the hot dogs without dripping too much.
- Coat the Hot Dogs
Working in batches, dip each cornstarch-coated hot dog into the batter, making sure it’s completely covered. The batter should adhere well to the hot dogs, creating a thick, even layer.
- Fry the Mini Corn Dogs
Carefully add the battered hot dogs to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the mini corn dogs in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the corn dogs from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Mini Corn Dogs
Serve the mini corn dogs immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or even a spicy dipping sauce for a bit of extra kick.
Why These Mini Corn Dogs Are a Hit
Mini corn dogs are the perfect party food because they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The crispy, golden batter provides the satisfying crunch that everyone loves, while the juicy hot dog center offers a savory bite. You can make a batch of these mini corn dogs for any occasion, from a weekend snack to a party appetizer or a fun family dinner.
These mini corn dogs are also customizable in terms of dipping sauces, so you can mix and match flavors based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a classic ketchup-mustard combo or a tangy BBQ sauce, these mini corn dogs will deliver the perfect bite every time.
Nutritional Information for Mini Corn Dogs
Each mini corn dog contains about 160 calories, making them a reasonably light snack or appetizer. The snack contains 17 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), and 5 grams of protein. The fat content is relatively moderate, but the protein and carbs balance out the dish, making it a filling yet satisfying treat.
These mini corn dogs also provide 1 gram of fiber, helping to support digestion, and 5 grams of sugar, which is mostly from the slight sweetness in the batter. With 300 milligrams of sodium per serving, the sodium content is relatively manageable, but it’s important to note for those watching their salt intake.
Additionally, the mini corn dogs provide small amounts of vitamin A (150 IU), calcium (20 mg), and iron (1 mg), helping to support immune function, bone health, and energy levels.
Serving Suggestions for Mini Corn Dogs
These Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs are versatile and can be served in many different ways:
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties or gatherings, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Pair them with a light, refreshing salad for a fun dinner or snack.
- For Kids’ Lunches: Pack these mini corn dogs in a lunchbox for an easy and fun meal that kids will love.
- As Party Food: These mini corn dogs are great for kids’ parties, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers where finger food is the star.
Conclusion
These Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and fun. Made with a simple batter, mini hot dogs, and a quick frying process, they’re the ideal snack for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a quick treat, these mini corn dogs will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. With the ability to customize your dipping sauces and a straightforward recipe, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for snack time or casual entertaining!