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Imagine bite-sized versions of your favorite fair corn dogs. Mini corn dogs are the same golden brown, sweet cornmeal batter wrapped gems that we all love.

Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe for Mini Corn Dogs! They will be a big hit at your next gathering or just a fun snack for the family.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for game day, a kids’ party, or just a fun meal, these miniature corn dogs are easy to make and even easier to love.

Lily called these her corn dog nuggets. Ha! That kid cracks me up. She was a little upset at first that they didn’t have the “lollipop stick” as she called it. Love it!

In place of the normal popsicle sticks we’re going to use skewers to cook these. Since they’re mini, skewers are the right size.

My favorite part of this easy recipe is dipping those little doggies into the smooth batter. Isn’t there just something satisfying about it?

These little bite size corn dogs are crispy and packed with flavor. I’ve got some easy steps for you in the instructions to make sure it all goes smoothly.

Making your own mini corn dogs with the kids is really the best experience. Let’s get into this recipe, shall we?

Some of our other favorite deep fried recipes we have on our site include: Best Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe, Deep Fried Snickers, and Easy & Simple Fried Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfect size for little hands, making them a favorite for kids of all ages.
Party-Perfect Snack: Ideal for serving at parties as they’re easy to eat and don’t require utensils.
Fairground Flavor at Home: Brings the taste of the carnival right into your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Peanut oil for frying
Hot dogs, cut in half
Cornstarch
Fine yellow cornmeal (yellow corn flour)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Whole milk
Unsalted butter, melted
Large egg, beaten

HOW TO MAKE MINI CORN DOGS:

Preheat oil in a deep fryer or dutch open with the oil 4 inches up the side of the pan to 350°F.
Place the cut hot dogs and cornstarch into a gallon-sized ziptop bag. Close the bag and shake to coat the hot dogs in the cornstarch.
Using a bamboo skewer, insert the skewer into the hot dog but don’t go out the other side, place it on a sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs.
In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together until there are no lumps. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
Pour the batter into a cup. Grab a skewered hot dog by the stick and dip it into the batter until it is fully coated. Let any excess drip off and immediately lower it slowly into the hot oil. I only work with two corn dogs at a time.
Fry until golden brown on all sides, and flip the corn dogs around so they are evenly browned for about 5 minutes.
Place the corn dogs on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Immediately place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray to catch any drips. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs and batter.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT KIND OF SKEWERS ARE THE BEST TO USE?

Bamboo skewers are perfect for mini corn dogs. You can use longer ones and cut them in half.

Or you can leave them whole if you want a little extra length for little hands to help with.

DO I HAVE TO USE A DEEP FRYER?

No, a deep fryer is not necessary. You can use a dutch oven or a deep pot with a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

I’m a fan of the dutch oven over a gas stove for frying things. Then again, an electric frying is certainly convenient!

mini corn dogs with ketchup in a serving basket

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CAN I MAKE THESE INTO FULL-SIZED CORN DOGS?

Absolutely! Just use the whole hot dogs instead of halving them and follow the same steps. Simple, right?

ANY ADDITIONS?

Whether it’s batter ingredients or toppings, there are definitely some great options here.

Add chopped jalapenos or corn kernels to the batter for a twist.
Mix in cheese cubes with the hot dogs for a cheesy surprise.
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top right after frying.
Stir in a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Use cocktail wieners instead of regular hot dogs for even smaller bites.
Drizzle homemade cheese sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Dip in barbecue sauce mixed with honey for a sweet and tangy touch.
Coat with crushed potato chips after battering for extra crunch.
Serve with a side of onion rings or french fries.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

I don’t know if these will get you the best results, but here are some options for swaps. No artificial flavor for us!

Use turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter option.
Swap peanut oil with canola oil or vegetable oil.
Try almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
Egg substitute can be used in place of the beaten egg.

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or deep fryer.

Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best batter consistency, ensure your milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature.
Shake off Excess Batter: To avoid a heavy coating, let the excess batter drip off before frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Cook in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Cool on a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels, use a wire rack to keep them crispy.
Reheat Properly: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain the crispiness.

Mini Corn Dogs are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. They’re the perfect snack for any occasion and are loved by kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun recipe to make with the kids, or just craving a comforting snack, these cute corn dogs are a must-try. So grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and let’s make some delicious bite-sized treats!

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If you’ve tried these MINI CORN DOGS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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