One of the best things about state fairs and other summer festivals is always the food! When it’s not summertime, though, your next best option is to reach into the freezer. That’s right, you can make classic State Fair corn dogs in the air fryer to get your fried food fix in under 10 minutes.
Nothing says fair food to me like a corn dog does. What’s not to love about a hot dog on a stick, coated in a sweet cornbread batter then fried to perfection?
Instead of waiting in that hot, sticky line, reach into the freezer instead! You can make State Fair frozen corn dogs at home with no need for a deep fryer thanks to your air fryer.
In less than 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hot corn dog with a little crisp on the outside that gives way to soft dough and the hidden hot dog inside. Top it up with ketchup or mustard if you like, but it’ll be delicious any way you enjoy it.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
State Fair corn dogs, any variety
Condiments for dipping (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
State Fair corn dogs come in many varieties, such as classic, all beef, cheddar, jalapeno cheddar, funnel cake, and more – they all work great!
You can use other brands of frozen corn dogs as well, though time will vary slightly based on the thickness. Bar S, Applegate, and Foster Farms are some other common brands
This recipe is designed for full sized frozen corn dogs in the air fryer. If you have the bite-sized variety, check out my recipe for Mini Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer instead
How to Cook Corn Dogs in an Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has – my Ninja has 375°F)
Remove frozen corn dogs from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Allow some air space between each one for more even cooking
Cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 380°F, pausing halfway to flip
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 140°F for hot dogs. Add additional cooking time if needed to achieve this, or if you’d like the exterior slightly darker brown (I cooked mine for 10 minutes total)
Serve with your favorite condiments for dipping
What to Serve With Corn Dogs
Ketchup
Mustard
Relish
Pickled jalapenos
Chicken wings
Burger sliders
Ribs
Chicken tenders
Chili
Deviled eggs
Corn on the cob
Baked beans
French fries
Potato chips
Potato salad
Onion rings
Coleslaw
Mac and cheese
Funnel cakes
Whether it’s sauces, sides, desserts, or more items for your party food table, there are many great things to serve with corn dogs.
Yes, you can air fry State Fair corn dogs. They cook directly from frozen and require no defrosting.
Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking to promote even heating.
How Long Do You Cook State Fair Corn Dogs in an Air Fryer?
You cook State Fair corn dogs in an air fryer for 8-10 minutes on average. The time will vary slightly based on the power of your specific air fryer.
Corn dogs are done when the internal hot dog reaches 140°F for food safety.
Are Frozen Corn Dogs Fully Cooked?
Yes, frozen corn dogs are fully cooked. You are simply reheating and crisping them during the cooking process.
While they are fully cooked, it’s still recommended to heat them to an internal temperature of 140°F for food safety.
What Sauces Do You Serve With Corn Dogs?
The most common sauces to serve with corn dogs are ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, or honey.
Other options include relish, barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, hot sauce, and aioli.
Recipe Pro Tips
There is already oil in the dough of a frozen corn dog, so you do not need to add any additional oil for cooking
Cooking times were tested and verified using State Fair all beef corn dogs in a Ninja air fryer. Other brands of corn dog and air fryer may vary slightly
If you don’t preheat your air fryer, add 3 minutes to cooking time to account for that
You can cook as many corn dogs at a time as will fit in your air fryer basket. Boxes typically contain anywhere from 5 to 30 dogs, with a serving being 1
If you use a thermometerto check the temperature, make sure to insert it into the hot dog and not the stick. The stick will give a false temperature reading
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate any leftover State Fair corn dogs for up to 4 days, and do not refreeze after cooking
To reheat, air fry leftover corn dogs for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Alternatively, they may be microwaved for 30-45 seconds, though I find they get a bit soggier
This State Fair corn dog air fryer method delivers your favorite carnival classic directly from frozen in under 10 minutes. That’s so much better than waiting in the sweltering summer heat to get one!
Corn dogs are perfect for a snack or meal when paired with additional sides. They also make a great addition to your backyard barbecue, your party spreads when entertaining, and both kids and adults alike enjoy them!
Dunk corn dogs in your favorite condiments or enjoy them on their own. Either way, they’re going to be warm and delicious thanks to your air fryer!
Ninja Air Fryer Frozen Corn Dogs (State Fair)
Cook up some frozen corn dogs in the air fryer for a taste of the fair right from your freezer! They only take about 10 minutes in a Ninja or other air fryer to be perfect!
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has – my Ninja has 375°F)
Remove frozen corn dogs from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Allow some air space between each one for more even cooking
1 Frozen corn dog
Cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 380°F, pausing halfway to flip
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 140°F for hot dogs. Add additional cooking time if needed to achieve this, or if you’d like the exterior slightly darker brown (I cooked mine for 10 minutes total)
Serve with your favorite condiments for dipping
Notes
State Fair corn dogs come in many varieties, such as classic, all beef, cheddar, jalapeno cheddar, funnel cake, and more – they all work great!
You can use other brands of frozen corn dogs as well, though time will vary slightly based on the thickness. Bar S, Applegate, and Foster Farms are some other common brands
This recipe is designed for full sized frozen corn dogs in the air fryer (not the bite sized minis, which take 2-3 less minutes to cook)
There is already oil in the dough of a frozen corn dog, so you do not need to add any additional oil for cooking
Cooking times were tested and verified using State Fair all beef corn dogs in a Ninja air fryer. Other brands of corn dog and air fryer may vary slightly
If you don’t preheat your air fryer, add 3 minutes to cooking time to account for that
You can cook as many corn dogs at a time as will fit in your air fryer basket. Boxes typically contain anywhere from 5 to 30 dogs, with a serving being 1
If you use a thermometer to check the temperature, make sure to insert it into the hot dog and not the stick. The stick will give a false temperature reading
Refrigerate any leftover State Fair corn dogs for up to 4 days, and do not refreeze after cooking
To reheat, air fry leftover corn dogs for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Alternatively, they may be microwaved for 30-45 seconds, though I find they get a bit soggier
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
