Homemade corn dogs bring the festive spirit of fairs and carnivals right into your kitchen. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these golden delights are made by dipping hot dogs into a sweet-and-savory cornmeal batter and frying them until perfectly puffed and browned. They’re playful, satisfying, and full of nostalgic charm, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
What makes a corn dog so appealing is the contrast in textures. The outer coating is slightly crisp with a hint of sweetness, while the hot dog inside stays juicy and flavorful. The batter is a blend of cornmeal and flour, typically seasoned with salt, a touch of sugar, and baking powder for lift. A splash of buttermilk or milk helps bind it all together, and sometimes an egg is added for richness. The hot dogs are skewered, dipped, and fried until the coating turns golden and slightly crunchy.
One of the best parts about making corn dogs at home is the ability to customize them. You can use all-beef hot dogs, turkey dogs, or even plant-based alternatives. Adjust the batter’s sweetness or spice depending on your taste — a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a little kick. Mini versions make great party snacks, while full-sized corn dogs are perfect for a casual family dinner.
They’re best served hot and fresh, with classic condiments like mustard, ketchup, or a spicy mayo. A side of fries, coleslaw, or baked beans makes it a complete meal. You can also bake or air fry leftover corn dogs to keep them crisp without needing more oil.
Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or introducing someone to this fun snack for the first time, homemade corn dogs deliver classic flavor and a festive feeling that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs you can also use sausages
- 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 4 wooden skewers
- as needed vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Insert wooden skewers into the hot dogs and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the egg and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of flour in a shallow dish and roll the hot dogs in the flour, dusting off the excess.
- Dip the floured hot dogs into the batter, covering them completely.
- Fry the corn dogs in the preheated oil until they are golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.
I don’t have cornmeal, can I use more flour? Don’t know if that will work tho… Anyone tried it?
Using more flour might change the texture a bit, but it should still work! I’ve tried it before when I ran out of cornmeal, and it turned out alright.
Yum! Can’t believe I made these at home! Gonna impress the kids.
Too much sugar for my taste. Wouldn’t make again.
I found it just right! Sugar gives such a nice flavor. Maybe try less next time?
I tried this recipe and the batter was too thick. Didn’t turn out well. Maybe I did something wrong?
Don’t worry! The batter does get thick, but if it’s too thick, you can add a bit more milk to loosen it up. Try again, you’ll get it right next time!
This recipe is just wrong! Corn dogs are supposed to be fried, right? Why add so much flour? I’m confused.
These corn dogs we so yumm! Perfect for our movie night!
So glad you enjoyed them! Perfect snack for movie night! 🍿
Just made these but used hot links instead. Just as good! Yum!
Not bad, but mine turned out a bit doughy. I might have added a bit too much milk. 🤷♂️
Not bad, but I expected better. I’ve had better at the fair.
I uesed sausages instead of hot dogs. Didn’t think it would work but they tasted fab! 👍
So good! Perfect for movie night. I used turkey dogs instead and they were still delicious.
Corn dogs rule!
Can someone tell me why my corn dogs didn’t puff up? Help!
These were amazing! So easy to make and tasted just like the fair ones!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! They really do taste like the fair ones, right? I love how easy they are to make!
What if I don’t have cornmeal? Can I use something else?
Not sure how I feel about cornmeal in hot dogs 🤔. But gave it a shot, and they were okay.
Just made these in my air fryer, turned out great! No mess!
Glad to hear they turned out great! Air fryers are awesome for getting things crispy without the mess. Enjoy them!
My batter wouldn’t stick! Tried twice. Any tips?
Make sure you’re dusting the hot dogs with enough flour before dipping them! That’s the trick for the batter to stick. Good luck!
Too much sugar, don’t like it sweet.
So good!!! Made ’em for my party, everyone loved them!
I dunno…I feel like they could be soggy if not done right. What if they don’t cook through?
Sounds amazing! I love corn dogs, too! Gonna try this at my next BBQ.
These are super easy to make! My kids loved them! Will definitely make again.
So glad to hear your kids loved them! They’re a hit at my house too! 🤗
Corn dogs? I thought we was makin’ corn on the cob. This don’t seem very healthy!
Corn dogs are fun! Healthy or not, they sure taste good! 😋
Corn dogs are the best at fairs! But making them at home? Meh… not the same.
I gotta disagree! I made these at home and they were so good, way better than the fair ones!
Nah, they can’t be that good. Just stick to buying them at the fair, it’s easier and tastier.
Waste of time, I rather buy them at the store.
These corn dogs were amazing! I can’t believe how easy they were to make. Definitely a hit at my BBQ!
I followed the recipe, but they turned out soggy. What did I do wrong?
Maybe the oil wasn’t hot enough? That can make them soggy for sure. Try checking the temp next time!
I found the batter too thick. My corn dogs fell apart in the oil!
My kids loved these! I added some cheese in the batter for extra flavor.
These are perfect for summer BBQs! Gonna make ’em again!
I tried this and it was ok, but kinda greasy. Maybe I need to watch the oil temp better next time.
Perfect for kids! My little ones loved helping me make these. Will be making again soon! 😊
Like, this is so much fun! Just put the dogs on sticks and dip it all in batter. YAY! 🎉
This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to try it with my kids! They’re gonna love it! 🥳
I dunno…putting hot dogs on sticks? Seems a bit weird, don’t you think? 🤔