Homemade Corn Dog Tips and Tricks

Corn dogs are a family favorite, and once you try them you’ll understand why. With these tips and tricks you will be mastering homemade corn dogs in no time.

• Cornmeal: Cornmeal is the main ingredient here, it brings the crunch and texture we all love. Look for finely ground cornmeal, avoid the coarse or medium ground cornmeal. If the package doesn’t say, it is mostly likely finely ground. It not only mixes up easier but will stick to the hot dog.
• Hot Dog: Use your favorite brand, our family loves all-beef hot dogs, but you do what works for you and your family.
• Hot Dog Sticks: When buying sticks for your hot dogs, make sure that you are not getting sticks too long for your fryer. They need to fit with the hot dog on them. Use candy apple, hot dog sticks, or even skewers.
• Oil: Peanut or Canola oil are the best oils for frying. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350 degrees.
• Dipping the hot dog in the batter: You want to avoid air bubbles on the hot dog which can cause it to crack when frying. Stick the hot dog in the cup straight up and down. Twirl the hot dog till fully coated and keep twirling as you lift it out. If you notice bare spots, dip again.
• Batter not sticking: Pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel if you are having trouble getting the batter to stick. That should do the trick.
• Too thick: If your batter is too thick, you can use a splash of milk to thin it. Be careful it doesn’t get too thin, it won’t stick to the hot dog.

There is a huge debate among corn dog eaters, and there are strong opinions out there. Are you a mustard person or a ketchup person. It can be quite a heated topic, even among family and friends. Whether you prefer the sweeter ketchup or the tangier mustard both will be the perfect companion for these homemade corn dogs. For other sides and fun serve up these recipes with them for a great anytime meal.

How to Store and Freeze Leftover Easy Corn Dogs

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep well and warm up beautifully.

• Leftover Batter: Leftover batter can be kept for 2-3 days in the fridge so you can use it for another small round of mini corn dogs.
• Store: Keep leftover corn dogs in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Once the corn dogs have cooled completely store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months. You can reheat by microwaving and then crisping in the oven for a few minutes or in a skillet on the stove. Make sure the hot dog inside is thawed and cooked before eating.
• Oil Leftovers: You can save your oil to use for later. Once it has completely cooled strain the oil to remove any chunks. Using a funnel place the strained oil in a glass container with a screw-top lid. I use a mason jar. Place in the fridge and pull out to use the next time you need oil. Note: the oil will take on the taste of what was cooked in it, but only slightly. It is best to fry similar items in the same oil. Once done with the oil, do not pour it down the drain. That will ruin your pipes and is bad for the environment. Place the used oil in a container with a lid and throw it away.

Yes, we have air fryers now, which have changed the way we cook a lot of things. But there are some foods that we just have to fry in oil. There just isn’t a substitute for the way oil can perfectly crisp the outsides while tenderly cooking the insides sometimes. With oil, you not only get a golden crispy crunch but will actually give you sublime flavor that is hard to duplicate. And when you fry it at the right temperature, your food will not absorb a ton of oil, just a ton of texture, and flavor. Try frying some of these tried and true recipes for exquisite results.

Ingredients

Instructions