Crispy Iowa State Fair Style Corn Dogs
Delight in the nostalgic taste of the beloved Iowa State Fair corn dogs right from your kitchen! This recipe combines juicy hot dogs with a golden, crispy cornmeal batter that encases them perfectly. Originally inspired by the tradition of grilling the hot dogs first for an extra layer of smoky flavor, this recipe permits the convenience of using them straight from the package, so you can whip up a batch in no time. Ideal for fairs, picnics, or a fun family dinner, and with a little batter leftover to fry up some veggies for a delightful side, these corn dogs are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Dogs
8 (Insert wooden sticks into each hot dog.)
Flour
3 tablespoons (For coating hot dogs.)
Flour
1/2 cup (For the batter mixture.)
Cornmeal
1 1/2 cups (Dry ingredient for the batter.)
Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Helps batter rise.)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Adds sweetness to the batter.)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (Used in the batter.)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (Enhances flavor.)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (For added fluffiness.)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Adds a bit of heat.)
Eggs
2 large (Beaten, to be added to the batter.)
Buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (Well shaken, for a rich batter.)
Oil
For frying (Use enough oil to deep fry the corn dogs.)
Instructions
1
Begin by inserting a wooden stick into the end of each hot dog, creating a sturdy handle.
2
On a plate, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and roll each hot dog in the flour, ensuring they are lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3
In a deep pot, heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for best results.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
5
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
6
Pour in the buttermilk and whisk again until everything is evenly mixed.
7
Transfer the batter to a tall glass, filling it almost to the top to make dipping easy.
8
Working in batches of 2 or 3, dip each flour-coated hot dog into the batter, ensuring they are completely coated. If necessary, add more batter to the glass.
9
Carefully place the battered hot dogs into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown all over, about 2-3 minutes.
10
Once cooked, transfer the corn dogs to paper towels to drain excess oil.
11
If you still have leftover batter, you can use it to coat and fry vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or onions for an excellent appetizer, frying them for 1-2 minutes, or choose to make an additional batch of corn dogs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Iowa State Fair Style Corn Dogs?
They are a nostalgic snack featuring hot dogs encased in a golden, crispy cornmeal batter, inspired by the traditional fair food from Iowa.
How many hot dogs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 hot dogs.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The oil should be heated to 350°F for the best results.
How long should I fry the corn dogs?
Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown.
Why should I roll the hot dogs in flour first?
Rolling the hot dogs in 3 tablespoons of flour ensures the batter adheres better to the surface.
What is the purpose of using a tall glass for the batter?
A tall glass makes it much easier to dip the entire hot dog into the batter for an even coating.
Can I use leftover batter for anything else?
Yes, leftover batter can be used to fry vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or onions.
How much cornmeal is used in the batter?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal.
Is there any spice in the corn dog batter?
Yes, the batter includes 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle bit of heat.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of well-shaken buttermilk.
Does the recipe include leavening agents?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The batter requires 2 large eggs, added one at a time.
Should I grill the hot dogs before frying?
While originally inspired by grilling them for smoky flavor, you can conveniently use them straight from the package.
How do I prepare the hot dogs before dipping?
Insert a wooden stick into the end of each hot dog to create a handle.
What type of flour is used in the batter?
The batter mixture uses 1/2 cup of flour, in addition to the flour used for coating.
How deep should the oil be for frying?
You should use about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot.
Is there sugar in the corn dog batter?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar to add a hint of sweetness.
How much salt is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many corn dogs should I fry at once?
It is recommended to work in batches of 2 or 3 to avoid overcrowding the pot.
What should I do after the corn dogs are finished frying?
Transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Can I add vegetable oil to the batter?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil are mixed directly into the batter.
How long do vegetables take to fry in the leftover batter?
Vegetables typically take about 1-2 minutes to fry until golden.
Should I shake off excess flour from the hot dogs?
Yes, shaking off excess flour ensures the batter doesn't become too thick or lumpy.
Is a thermometer necessary for this recipe?
Using a thermometer is highly recommended to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
What kind of sticks are used for the corn dogs?
Sturdy wooden sticks are used to hold the hot dogs while dipping and eating.
What is the first step in making the batter?
The first step is whisking together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and salt.
When do I add the buttermilk to the batter?
The buttermilk is whisked in after the eggs have been thoroughly incorporated into the dry ingredients and oil.
Can I make an additional batch of corn dogs with leftover batter?
Yes, if you have more hot dogs, the remaining batter can be used for a second batch.
What category of food are these corn dogs?
They are considered snacks, appetizers, or a fun family dinner item.
How do I ensure the batter is smooth?
Whisk thoroughly after adding the eggs and again after adding the buttermilk until everything is evenly mixed.