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This classic American fair food gets a low-carb makeover with these keto air fryer corn dogs. The fathead dough creates a satisfying crispy coating around juicy hot dogs, delivering all the nostalgic flavor without the carbs. Perfect for quick lunches or fun family dinners when you're craving comfort food on a keto diet.
I created this recipe during quarantine when my family was missing our annual state fair visit. My teenage son declared these better than traditional corn dogs and now requests them weekly for his lunch meal prep.
Ingredients
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Forms the base of the fathead dough and provides the stretchy texture. Look for low-moisture, full-fat varieties for best melting.
- Almond flour: Creates the bread-like coating without the carbs. Choose finely ground blanched almond flour for the smoothest texture.
- Frankfurter pork sausages or hot dogs: The star of the show. Select high-quality all-beef or pork varieties with minimal fillers for best flavor.
- Wooden sticks: Essential for the authentic corn dog experience. Soak briefly in water if you're concerned about burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the fathead dough:
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the shredded mozzarella and almond flour together, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes. The cheese will melt completely and combine with the almond flour to form a stretchy, cohesive dough. Be patient during this process and keep stirring to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool just enough to handle safely.
- Prepare the hot dogs:
- While the dough cools slightly, cut each hot dog in half to create 12 smaller portions. This makes them easier to coat evenly and creates perfect snack-sized corn dogs. Insert a wooden stick into each hot dog piece, pushing it about halfway through for stability.
- Form the corn dogs:
- Take approximately one heaping tablespoon of the fathead dough and flatten it between your palms. Wrap the flattened dough around a hot dog, completely encasing it. Use your fingers to pinch and seal the dough securely around the hot dog. The warmth of the dough makes it pliable, but work quickly as it becomes harder to shape as it cools.
- Prepare the air fryer:
- Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place the parchment in the basket before arranging your corn dogs.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Place the prepared corn dogs in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Cook at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until the coating turns a beautiful golden brown. The exact time depends on your air fryer model, so check at 5 minutes for the first batch.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Let cool for just a minute before serving with sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, or your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
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The mozzarella cheese is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered fathead dough years ago when starting keto and have been amazed at its versatility. When my children first tried these, they didn't believe they were eating a keto version of their favorite fair food.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These keto corn dogs store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F until warmed through. The coating will crisp right back up, unlike microwave reheating which can make them soggy.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked corn dogs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They keep for up to 3 months frozen. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes without thawing first.
Perfect Pairings
Complement these keto corn dogs with other low-carb sides for a complete meal. A simple side salad with ranch dressing, avocado slices, or keto coleslaw makes a well-rounded lunch. For a true fair food experience, serve alongside some air fryer zucchini fries or turnip fries tossed with parmesan cheese.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your fathead dough becomes too firm to work with, simply return it to low heat for 30 seconds to soften. The key to perfect fathead dough is working with it while it's still warm but not hot enough to burn your hands.
If your corn dogs brown too quickly, lower your air fryer temperature to 325°F and extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Every air fryer model heats differently, so the first batch is your test run for timing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Place the chicken in a pot with water, onion, garlic, oregano, and salt. Cook for about an hour until tender. Let it cool before shredding.
- → Can I use store-bought mole sauce?
Yes, store-bought mole sauce, like Mole Doña Maria, works perfectly for this recipe, mixed with chicken broth and simmered for a smooth texture.
- → Why must tortillas be fried before using?
Frying tortillas makes them pliable and prevents them from breaking when dipped into the mole sauce.
- → Can I skip frying the tortillas?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can warm the tortillas on a skillet until pliable, though frying provides the best flavor and texture.
- → How do I adjust the mole sauce consistency?
If the mole sauce thickens as it cools, reheat it with a splash of chicken broth to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- → What toppings work well with enmoladas?
Top enmoladas with sliced onions, crumbled queso fresco, and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an authentic finish.