Prepare the Hot Dogs: Start by cutting each hot dog into thirds. This will give you the perfect mini corn dog size. Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into each hot dog piece, making sure not to go all the way through.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your mini corn dogs cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown color.
Coat the Hot Dogs: Pour the batter into a tall glass or a bowl that's deep enough to dip the hot dogs. Dip each hot dog piece into the batter, making sure it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Air Fry the Mini Corn Dogs: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the batter-coated hot dogs in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the mini corn dogs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard.