Irresistible Mini Corn Dogs Recipe: Bite-Sized Joy On A Stick

Tucking into a classic state fair crispy mini corn dogs brings back memories of summer carnivals and pure comfort food excitement.

Carnival memories rush back with every golden-brown bite of these delightful treats.

Nostalgic snacking meets simple homemade magic in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Kids and adults alike fall in love with these handheld delights.

Perfectly crisp exteriors give way to juicy hot dog centers that spark joy at first taste.

Deep-frying techniques ensure a crunchy coating that makes these mini corn dogs irresistible.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these delectable bites.

Gather around and let’s create some delicious memories together!

What Makes Mini Corn Dogs a Snack Staple

Whip Up Quick Comfort: These mini corn dogs are a game-changer for busy families and party lovers.

Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, kids’ parties, or casual gatherings where everyone wants a tasty bite-sized treat.

Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Simple enough for children to help prepare, making it a fun family cooking experience that builds kitchen confidence.

Versatile Snack Solution: Super adaptable for different dietary needs – can easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit everyone’s taste preferences.

Mini Corn Dogs Ingredients

• Hot Dogs: Classic sausage perfect for bite-sized corn dogs.
• Cornmeal: Key ingredient for traditional corn dog texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth batter.

• Egg: Binds the batter together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides fat and helps prevent sticking.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate baking soda.

• Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Kosher Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Enhance flavor and help the batter rise.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Add subtle heat and complexity.

• Ketchup, Mustard: Classic dipping sauces for corn dogs.

How to Cook Mini Corn Dogs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 450°F. Grab your hot dogs and slice each one into six cute little chunks.

Step 2: Whip Up the Magical Batter

• Beaten egg
• Vegetable oil
• Sugar
• Milk

• White vinegar
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt
• Cayenne pepper

Give it a vigorous whisk until the mixture looks silky and thin. Let the batter chill and rest for 10 minutes to develop its flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare the Cooking Vessel

Generously brush two 12-cup mini muffin tins with vegetable oil. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them almost to the top but leaving a tiny bit of space.

Step 4: Nestling the Hot Dogs

Gently tuck a hot dog piece into the center of each batter-filled cup. Make sure the hot dog is completely hugged by the batter.

Step 5: Baking Magic

Slide the muffin tins into the preheated oven. Bake for 18 minutes until the cornbread turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Devour

Allow the mini corn dogs to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. Serve these crispy bites with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack.

Mini Corn Dog Tips That Nail the Crunchy-Cozy Combo

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality hot dogs and use fresh cornmeal for the best flavor and texture in your mini corn dogs.
• Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly coat the muffin tin with oil to ensure the mini corn dogs release easily after baking and maintain their perfect shape.
• Master the Batter Consistency: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow ingredients to blend, creating a smoother, more even coating for your corn dogs.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with cayenne pepper levels or add paprika for a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste of your mini corn dogs.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these bite-sized treats warm for the crispiest exterior and most delicious eating experience, pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Best Way to Store Mini Corn Dogs

• Store cooled mini corn dogs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual corn dogs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange corn dogs on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent softening the breading.
• Place corn dogs in air fryer basket at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispiness.

Tasty Bites with Mini Corn Dogs

• Dip into Delicious Pairings: Enhance Your Mini Corn Dogs
• Tangy Mustard Medley: Blend classic yellow mustard with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet-sharp kick that complements the corn dogs' crispy exterior.
• Zesty Coleslaw Companion: Prepare a light, crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing to balance the richness of the corn dogs and add refreshing texture.
• Cool Ranch Dipping Adventure: Whip up a homemade ranch sauce using buttermilk, sour cream, fresh herbs like dill and chives, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy, herbal counterpoint.
• Crisp Beer Sidekick: Pair with a light lager or wheat beer that cuts through the corn dogs' richness and provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried goodness.

Mini Corn Dog Snack Spins

• Veggie Corn Dogs: Replace hot dogs with vegetarian sausages or plant-based protein links for a meat-free version that still delivers classic corn dog flavor.
• Gluten-Free Mini Corn Bites: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal to create a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the same crispy texture.
• Spicy Jalapeño Corn Nuggets: Add diced jalapeños to the batter and sprinkle extra cayenne pepper for those who love a fiery kick in their appetizer.
• Cheese-Stuffed Corn Poppers: Incorporate small cubes of cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside each mini corn dog for an extra gooey, melted center that adds rich flavor.

FAQs

• What are mini corn dogs?

Mini corn dogs are bite-sized versions of traditional corn dogs, made by baking hot dog pieces in cornmeal batter inside mini muffin tins, creating a crispy outside and tender inside.

• Can I use different types of hot dogs?

Yes, you can use any type of hot dog – beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian – just cut them into equal-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Mini corn dogs are perfect for kids because they’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and fun to dip in sauces like ketchup or mustard.

• How do I prevent the batter from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously brush the muffin tin with vegetable oil before adding batter, which helps create a non-stick surface and ensures easy removal of the mini corn dogs.

Mini Corn Dogs Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Carnival magic meets home cooking with this Mini Corn Dogs recipe that brings nostalgic fairground flavors right to your kitchen. Crispy golden batter hugs bite-sized hot dogs, creating irresistible snacks you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 hot dogs
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 4 tablespoons (59 ml) vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white sugar

Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 450°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy corn dogs.
2. Transform whole hot dogs into bite-sized morsels by slicing each one into six equal segments.
3. Craft a smooth, tangy batter by vigorously whisking together egg, vegetable oil, sugar, and milk until fully integrated.
4. Introduce white vinegar, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper to the liquid mixture, stirring until the consistency becomes thin and uniform.
5. Allow the batter to rest and develop flavor for 10 minutes, giving the ingredients time to meld.
6. Generously coat two 12-cup mini muffin tins with remaining vegetable oil, ensuring each cup is well-lubricated.
7. Fill each muffin cavity nearly to the top with the prepared batter, leaving just a whisper of space.
8. Delicately nestle a hot dog piece into the center of each batter-filled cup, ensuring it’s completely submerged.
9. Slide the muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, watching for a rich, golden-brown exterior.
10. Once baked, let the mini corn dogs rest in the pan for at least 5 minutes to set their shape.
11. Serve these crispy, bite-sized treats warm, accompanied by classic condiments like ketchup or mustard for dipping.

Notes

• Thoroughly grease mini muffin tins with oil or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of corn dogs.
• Let batter rest for 10 minutes to allow cornmeal to absorb liquid, creating a smoother, more tender texture.
• Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or veggie dogs for a meat-free version that still delivers delicious flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper level to suit your heat preference, or substitute with paprika for a milder kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg