Healthy Protein Corn Dogs (Easy Gluten Free Recipe)

Guess what? I stumbled upon this crazy idea of making healthy protein corn dogs and just knew I had to share it with you. Picture this: the classic fairground treat but with a twist that won’t mess with your gains or your conscience.

First off, ditch the usual hot dogs and swap in some lean chicken or turkey sausages. Trust me, your muscles will thank you. We’re talking high protein, low guilt.

Now, for the batter – it’s where the magic happens. Mix some almond flour, a scoop of your favorite protein powder (let’s keep those gains coming), a pinch of baking powder, and spices. I’m thinking paprika for a kick, but you do you.

Dip those sausages in egg wash, roll ’em in the batter, and stick ’em on a skewer. Because everything’s better on a stick, right?

Air-fry these bad boys to golden perfection. No deep-frying here, we’re all about that healthy life.

And there you have it, a guilt-free snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for when you’re craving something naughty but wanna keep it nice.

So, when are we trying this out? Your place or mine? Bring the dog; we’ll make mini ones for him. 

If you love high protein finger food you may also like to try my Healthy Jalapeño Popper Dip or my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE HEALTHY PROTEIN CORN DOGS

Oh, you’re going to be all over these Healthy Protein Corn Dogs, seriously. 

First off, they swap out the usual mystery-meat hot dogs for chicken sausages, which is a game-changer on its own. 

But the real magic? The batter. It’s a blend of unflavored protein powder, almond flour, and a bit of xanthan gum, making these corn dogs not just tasty but also super nutritious. 

Each bite packs a punch of protein without all the carbs and gluten you’d get from the traditional cornmeal batter. Plus, they’re baked or air-fried, cutting down on the grease but keeping all the crispy goodness. 

Imagine biting into a corn dog that’s actually good for your gym goals. Talk about the best experience, in food form.

Perfect for when you want something fun and a little nostalgic, without the post-snack guilt. You’ve gotta try them!

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE LOW CARB CORN DOGS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these healthy corn dogs (the exact measurements, nutritional value and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Chicken Sausages: A leaner, healthier alternative to traditional hot dogs.
• Unflavored Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content significantly.
• Xanthan Gum: Helps bind the batter and gives it a nice, smooth consistency.
• Almond Flour: A low-carb, gluten-free flour option that adds a nice texture. This replaces wheat flour, yellow corn flour or yellow corn meal.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the batter puff up and become light.
• Salt & Garlic Powder: For seasoning and a bit of kick.
• Egg: Works as a binder and adds to the protein content.
• Water: Adjusts the batter’s consistency.

HOW TO MAKE THIS GREAT RECIPE

1. Prep Your Sausages: Start by skewering your chicken sausages on wooden sticks, leaving enough handle to hold onto. Blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the protein powder, xanthan gum, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. These ingredients come together to create a batter that’s both flavorful and conducive to a good, crusty exterior.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in an egg and slowly incorporate water until you get a thick but dip-able batter. You want it to stick to the sausages without running off too quickly.
4. Dip and Coat: Dip each skewered sausage into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let the excess drip off for a few seconds.
5. Cook: You can go two ways here – baking or air frying. For baking, place them on a prepared baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. For air frying, cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before diving in. These corn dogs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven or air fryer.

STORING THE LEFTOVER GLUTEN FREE CORN DOGS

1. Cool Down: Let those pups chill on a cooling rack. Don’t rush them; you don’t want soggy dogs.
2. Wrap ‘Em Up: Once they’re cool, wrap each corn dog individually in foil or plastic wrap. You’re making tiny corn dog mummies.
3. Fridge or Freeze: Toss them in the fridge if you’re munching them within a couple of days. More of a long-term relationship? Freeze ‘em. They can hang out there for about a month.
4. Reheat Like a Pro: Oven or air fryer is your friend here. If they were in the fridge, 350°F for about 10 minutes does the trick. Frozen? Let them thaw first or add extra cooking time.
5. Avoid the Microwave: Unless you’re into chewy, sad corn dogs. Then, by all means.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

1. Protein Powder Picks: Not all protein powders are created equal. Go for one that’s unflavored or mildly flavored to keep the taste on point.
2. Mix It Up: Make sure your batter is smooth. Lumpy batter equals lumpy corn dogs, and no one’s here for that.
3. Spice is Nice: Don’t shy away from spices. A little smoked paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder can take your corn dogs from meh to wow.
4. Stick ‘Em Up: Dry those hot dogs before you skewer and dip them. Moisture is the enemy of that perfect batter cling.
5. Batter Bath: Dip those dogs like you mean it. Twirl them to get a nice, even coat. The twirling is key.
6. The Freeze Trick: A quick trip to the freezer for about 5 minutes before frying or baking helps the batter stick and keeps everything from falling apart in the heat.
7. Let Them Rest: After cooking, give them a minute to cool down. It helps the batter set and makes them less lava-like when biting into.
8. Dipping Sauces: Get creative with healthy dips. Think Greek yogurt with herbs or a spicy mustard. It’s all about the flavor.

FAQS

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR CORN DOGS AND THIS KETO CORN DOG RECIPE?

1. Carbs: Keto corn dogs are cutting down the carbs big time. Regular corn dogs? Not so much.
2. Flavor: Keto versions might surprise you with a slightly different taste, thanks to those alternative flours and cheeses. It’s a new vibe but still delicious.
3. Texture: The keto batter might not give you that exact cornmeal crunch, but it’s still got a great bite to it.
4. Nutritional Profile: Keto corn dogs are usually higher in protein and fats, thanks to those nut flours and added cheese, making them more filling and keto-friendly.

CAN YOU ENJOY THESE IF YOU’RE FOLLOWING A LOW CARB DIET OR KETO DIET?

Yes! Everything in moderation, but these can definitely be enjoyed and fit into a lower carb diet.

HOW CAN I REDUCE THE MESS IN MY AIR FRYER WHEN MAKING THIS HEALTHY CORN DOG?

Line your air fryer with parchment paper to reduce the mess the batter will create.

WHY ARE THESE CONSIDERED MORE HEALTHY THAN A TRADITIONAL CORN DOG?

Instead of frying in hot oil, you are air frying this recipe. Vegetable oil, soybean oil, or corn oil are all eliminated. The only oil you should use is a bit a cooking spray to give the dogs a golden brown finish on the outside.

Other Dinner Recipes You May Want To Try!

• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Vegan Thai Red Curry With Tofu
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• Hamburger Patties In The Air Fryer

IF YOU MAKE THESE KETO CORN DOGS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS TRADITIONAL CORN DOG ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails