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These low-carb air fryer corn dogs give a keto twist to a beloved American carnival classic. The fathead dough wraps hot dogs in a crispy shell that'll remind you of the real thing - minus all those carbs. They're just what you need when you're following keto but still want that comfort food feeling for quick family meals or simple lunches.
I came up with this dish during lockdown when we couldn't go to our yearly state fair. My teen boy said these were tastier than normal corn dogs and now asks me to make them every week for his lunch boxes.
Ingredients
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Makes up the main part of the fathead dough and gives it that stretchy feel. Go for full-fat, low-moisture types that melt really well.
- Almond flour: Gives you that bread-like coating without carbs. Try to get the blanched kind that's ground super fine for better results.
- Frankfurter pork sausages or hot dogs: The main attraction. Pick good quality all-beef or pork ones without too many additives for the best taste.
- Wooden sticks: Needed for that true corn dog feel. Dip them in water first if you're worried they might burn.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix up the fathead dough:
- Put a medium pot on medium-low heat. Mix your mozzarella and almond flour together, constantly stirring for about 5 minutes. The cheese will totally melt and blend with the almond flour until you get a stretchy dough ball. Take your time here and don't stop stirring or it might burn. Take it off the heat and let it cool just enough so you can touch it.
- Get the hot dogs ready:
- While your dough cools down a bit, slice each hot dog in half to make 12 smaller pieces. This makes them easier to cover evenly and creates bite-sized treats. Push a wooden stick into each hot dog piece, about halfway in so they stay put.
- Shape your corn dogs:
- Grab about a heaped spoonful of the warm dough and flatten it in your hands. Wrap this flat piece around a hot dog until it's fully covered. Use your fingers to press and close the dough all around the hot dog. The dough is easy to shape while warm, but work fast because it gets harder to mold as it cools down.
- Set up the air fryer:
- Cut some parchment paper to fit in your air fryer basket. This stops things from sticking and makes cleanup way easier. Put the parchment in before adding your corn dogs.
- Cook until golden:
- Put your corn dogs in the air fryer basket with some space between them so air can move around. Cook at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until they turn nice and golden brown. Time might change based on your air fryer, so check after 5 minutes for your first batch.
- Cool and dig in:
- Let them cool for a minute before eating with sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, or any low-carb dip you like.
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The mozzarella is really the star ingredient here. I found out about fathead dough when I first went keto and can't get over how many ways you can use it. When my kids first tried these, they couldn't believe they were eating a keto version of their favorite fair treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These keto corn dogs keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days if you store them in an airtight container. To warm them up, just put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F until they're hot. The outside will get crispy again, unlike using a microwave which often makes them wet and floppy.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooked corn dogs on a baking sheet first, then move them to a freezer bag once they're solid. They'll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Heat them straight from frozen in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes without thawing them first.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these keto corn dogs with other low-carb sides for a full meal. A basic green salad with ranch, some avocado chunks, or keto coleslaw works great for lunch. If you want that real fair food feeling, add some air fryer zucchini sticks or turnip fries sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your dough gets too stiff to work with, just put it back on low heat for 30 seconds to make it soft again. The trick to great fathead dough is using it while it's still warm but not hot enough to burn you.
If your corn dogs brown too fast, turn your air fryer down to 325°F and cook them 2-3 minutes longer. All air fryers heat differently, so your first batch will help you figure out the right timing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I cook the chicken?
Boil the chicken in water with onion, garlic, salt, and oregano for about an hour. Shred it once cool.
- → Can I use prepared mole sauce?
Store-bought mole, like Mole Doña Maria, works great. Mix it with chicken broth for easy prep and a smooth finish.
- → Why fry the tortillas before filling?
It helps keep tortillas from tearing and makes them more flexible when you add fillings and sauce.
- → Is frying the only option for tortillas?
You can heat tortillas on a skillet instead if you prefer a lighter option, skipping the frying entirely.
- → How do I thin the mole sauce if it thickens?
Reheat the sauce, then stir in a little chicken broth until you reach the smooth consistency you need.
- → What toppings pair well with wraps?
Garnish with onions, queso fresco, and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and balance in your wraps.