The Air Fryer Trick To Create Juicy Veggie Corn Dogs Out Of Carrots

Air fryers: they're useful, convenient, and here to stay. During the 2020 global lockdown, the kitchen appliance skyrocketed in popularity as COVID-19 brought out more home cooks. As of 2023, though, air fryers are more than just a pandemic-induced craze. With its versatility and speed, to own an air fryer is to love one.

With the growing popularity of air fryers, especially within this decade, the amount of air fryer-friendly recipes has grown, too. As such, the internet has become a treasure trove of air fryer hacks that have become increasingly creative, and so many of them are practically begging for us to try them ourselves. From pasta chips to banana splits, there's no dream too big for the air fryer to achieve.

One air fryer recipe, in particular, has caught our eye. This unexpected recipe turns an unlikely ingredient into a familiar American classic — and fans are utterly intrigued.

EatingWell's out-of-the-box recipe is for carrot corn dogs. Corn dogs have long been a pillar of American recreation, filling the hearts and stomachs of carnival-goers and sports speculators for as long as we can remember. But now, the sausage on a stick is getting kicked to the curb by an unassuming root vegetable. 

While this particular recipe mixes it up with the air fryer method, it is preceded by years of recipes replacing sausages with carrots. Katie Lee Biegel, for example, uses a similar method to turn carrot sticks into carrot hot dogs. Instead of being air-fried, the dogs are thrown on a grill. No matter the mode of cooking, the key to emulating the juicy, meaty star is the marinade. Soaking the carrots in this carefully crafted blend of flavors not only softens the crunchy vegetable but also gives it all the smoky, salty sweetness of its traditional meat predecessor. 

In EatingWell's rendition, the air fryer helps to procure the classic corn dog texture. After soaking for 10 minutes (or overnight for maximal marinade flavor absorption), the carrot sticks are dipped into the buttermilk batter and popped into the air fryer for the ultimate crispy and tender treat. The recipe adorns the tags of nut-free, vegetarian-friendly, and diabetes-appropriate (which the site defines as "low in calories and are consistent with recommendations for average carbohydrate intake").

If you're looking to cut down on meat or for an innovative way to eat vegetables, EatingWell's recipe may be for you. What's more, the unconventional corn dog center is full of nutritional and general health benefits. Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A and K1, potassium, and dietary fiber. They have even been linked to lowering cholesterol, improving eye health, and a reduced risk of certain cancers.

We'll admit it: Traditional corn dogs don't need an upgrade. If you're craving the crispy, fluffy goodness of a conventional corn dog, go for the real thing and savor every breathtaking bite. We are, however, fascinated by this alternative ingredient and cooking method. And if you are too, why not give it a go? 

With an air fryer and as little as 20 minutes on hand, that carrot in your fridge can become something new entirely.