Ultimate Fair-Style Corn Dogs
Indulge in the nostalgic taste of carnival fare with these Ultimate Fair-Style Corn Dogs. Perfect for lunch or as a fun snack, these golden brown delights feature hot dogs, dipped in a sweet and savory cornmeal batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection. Whether you're hosting a party, a family gathering, or simply craving a treat, this recipe serves up 20 delicious servings, making it a fantastic option for sharing. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and relish the taste of a fair right in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil for deep frying
1 quart (Heated to 365°F (185°C))
All-purpose flour
1 cup (Measured)
Yellow cornmeal
2/3 cup (Measured)
White sugar
1/4 cup (Measured)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Measured)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Bacon drippings
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (Measured)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Hot dogs
2 lbs (Prepared with wooden sticks inserted)
Wooden sticks
as needed (For inserting into hot dogs)
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 365°F (185°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve the perfect crispiness.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well until fully integrated.
3
Melt the bacon drippings in a small pan and add it to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
4
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the beaten egg, buttermilk, and baking soda. Stir until the batter is smooth and well blended, taking care not to overmix.
5
Pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels. This helps the batter adhere better.
6
Insert wooden sticks into the ends of each hot dog, ensuring they are secure.
7
One at a time, dip each hot dog into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
8
Carefully place the battered hot dogs into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook until they are golden brown, adjusting cooking time based on your desired level of crispiness.
9
Once cooked, remove the corn dogs from the oil and drain them on paper towels or serve them on paper plates.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Fair-Style Corn Dogs?
They are a nostalgic carnival-style treat featuring hot dogs dipped in a sweet and savory cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
How many corn dogs does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 20 people, making it ideal for parties or large gatherings.
What is the recommended temperature for the frying oil?
The oil should be heated to 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius) to ensure the corn dogs achieve perfect crispiness.
What ingredients are needed for the dry batter mix?
The dry mix consists of all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, white sugar, baking powder, and salt.
How do I prepare the hot dogs before dipping them in batter?
You should pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels to help the batter adhere better and then insert wooden sticks into the ends.
Why is buttermilk used in the recipe?
Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the batter rise and provides a subtle tang that complements the sweet cornmeal.
Can I substitute the bacon drippings?
While bacon drippings add a savory depth, you can substitute them with melted butter or a neutral oil if necessary.
What is the best way to mix the batter?
Mix the dry ingredients first, add melted bacon drippings, then create a well for the wet ingredients and stir until smooth without overmixing.
How do I ensure the batter doesn't slide off the hot dogs?
Ensure the hot dogs are completely dry before dipping and make sure the batter is smooth and well-blended.
How many corn dogs should I fry at once?
Fry only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can drop the oil temperature and lead to greasy corn dogs.
How do I know when the corn dogs are finished cooking?
The corn dogs are ready when the batter has turned a beautiful, even golden brown.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
Yellow cornmeal is recommended for the classic fair-style appearance and texture.
Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?
A deep fryer is ideal for temperature control, but a deep, heavy pot can also be used as long as you monitor the oil temperature.
How should I drain the corn dogs after frying?
Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
What are the best dipping sauces for corn dogs?
Classic choices include yellow mustard, honey mustard, ketchup, or even a spicy ranch dip.
Can I use different types of hot dogs?
Yes, you can use beef, pork, or turkey hot dogs based on your personal preference.
What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent to make the cornmeal coating light and fluffy.
How do I secure the wooden sticks?
Insert the sticks about halfway into the hot dog to ensure they are stable enough for dipping and frying.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
While not strictly required, stirring the dry ingredients well ensures there are no large clumps in the batter.
How long does it take to fry each batch?
It typically takes a few minutes per batch, depending on the oil temperature and how many are in the fryer.
Can I make these corn dogs in advance?
They are best served fresh and hot, but they can be kept warm in a low-temperature oven for a short period.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can result in a tougher, less airy coating; stir just until the ingredients are integrated.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, corn dogs are a perennial favorite for kids and make for a fun lunch or snack.
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?
Yes, though the corn dogs will be lighter in color and have a slightly different flavor profile.
Why is sugar added to the batter?
Sugar provides the signature sweet note found in traditional fair-style corn dog batters.
How much oil is required for frying?
The recipe calls for approximately 1 quart of oil, or enough to fully submerge the corn dogs.
What size hot dogs work best?
Standard-sized hot dogs are best for this recipe, though you could adapt it for cocktail wieners to make mini corn dogs.
Can I freeze leftover corn dogs?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze them and reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore their crunch.
What should I do if the batter is too thick?
If the batter is too thick to dip easily, you can add a very small amount of buttermilk to reach the desired consistency.
Why is baking soda included?
Baking soda works with the acidic buttermilk to provide immediate leavening, contributing to a better crust.