Name: Super Easy Homemade Corn Dogs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 hot dogs; 3/4 cup cornmeal; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk; Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks; Oil, for deep frying

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Super Easy Homemade Corn Dogs are a fun, golden-crispy treat that takes me straight back to fairs, carnivals, and childhood lunches—but even better because I make them fresh at home. With a simple cornmeal batter and juicy hot dogs on sticks, these are just as satisfying as the ones I grew up with, and way easier to make than I expected.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The batter is thick and flavorful, the outside fries up perfectly crisp, and the inside stays warm and juicy. I can make them in small or full sizes, serve them with all kinds of dips, and even prep them ahead of time. Plus, there’s something just so satisfying about biting into a hot corn dog fresh out of the oil.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Hot dogs
Cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Egg
Milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Oil (for deep frying)

directions

I pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels and insert wooden skewers into each one, leaving enough length to hold as a handle.
In a large bowl, I whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg and milk, then pour it into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the hot dogs—if it’s too thin, I add a bit more flour.
I heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
I pour the batter into a tall glass for easy dipping, then dip each hot dog into the batter, twisting gently to coat fully.
I immediately place the battered hot dogs into the hot oil, frying 2–3 at a time for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
I remove them with tongs and drain on paper towels before serving hot with ketchup, mustard, or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 full-sized corn dogs and takes around 20–25 minutes total, including batter prep and frying time. I can also make mini corn dogs by cutting the hot dogs into halves or thirds.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the batter for extra flavor. I’ve also used cheese-filled or turkey hot dogs for a different twist. For a fun party snack, I turn them into bite-sized minis and serve them with dipping sauce flights.

storage/reheating

Leftover corn dogs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and crispy—about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works, but the crust won’t stay as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these without deep frying?

Yes, I’ve used an air fryer at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, though the texture is a little different. Baking at 400°F also works, but I spray the batter with oil to help it brown.

What’s the best oil for frying?

I use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. They keep the flavor clean and crisp.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve mixed the batter up to a few hours ahead and kept it in the fridge. I just stir it again before using.

What if I don’t have sticks?

No problem—I fry the hot dogs without sticks for a no-handle version. Still delicious and perfect for kids’ lunches.

Can I freeze homemade corn dogs?

Absolutely. I freeze cooked corn dogs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. I reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

Conclusion

Super Easy Homemade Corn Dogs are the kind of nostalgic snack I’ll happily make again and again. They’re crunchy, cozy, and incredibly simple to whip up whenever the craving hits. Whether I’m making a fun family dinner, party appetizer, or just treating myself, these corn dogs never fail to satisfy.