Food processor vs blender: which is right for you? Food processors and blenders are both useful gadgets to have in your kitchen, but many people don’t have the space or the budget to grab one of each. Not sure which one is right for you? Let me explain some of the differences to help you decide.
Food Processor Vs Blender : Why You Should Trust My Opinion On Which To Buy
- Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks and 2 Air Fryer Cookbooks so I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in the kitchen.
- Efficient: That’s the only way I know how to do things in the kitchen. Who has time to waste when you’re trying to get food on the table? I’m known for my ruthless efficiency and use the pot in pot cooking method every chance I get.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
Food Processors
What Do Food Processors Do?
- Puree foods
- Chop foods
- Shred foods
- Mix dry ingredients
When Should You Use A Food Processor?
Food processors are typically best used for:
- Chopping vegetables
- Shredding meats
- Pulverizing nuts
- Grating cheese
- Kneading bread (with the appropriate attachment)
Don’t let the short list of things I mentioned here fool you. Food processors can be one of the most useful and multifunctional kitchen gadgets you have in your kitchen. Many of them come with a plethora of attachments you can purchase to make them even more useful.
Some Of The Most Highly Rated Food Processors
- Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor
- Cuisinart FP-8SV Elemental 8 Cup Food Processor
Blenders
What Do Blenders Do?
- Crush ice
- Puree vegetables
- Make smoothies
- Whip air into a drink or smoothie
When Should I Use A Blender?
Because of their strong motor, a blender will be your go-to gadget when you’re wanting things pureed. They’re also great for making smoothies and icy drinks (think margaritas).
Because of their narrow, funnel shape, blenders create a small centrifugal force that not only purees things well but also whips air into ingredients, making them light and frothy.
Blender Functions
Functions on blenders are not all the same but most blenders have different speed settings. They can vary from 1 to up to 20 speed functions , but just a few will get the job done.
While most blenders have a simple numbered dial or touchpad to select the blending speed, some offer different speed functions. Some of them are:
- Smoothie
- Salsa
- Milkshake
- Pulse
- Clean
Here are a few of my favorite mid range blenders currently on the market:
- NutriBullet ZNBF30400Z Blender
- Osterizer 4126 Contemporary Classic Beehive Blender
Different types of blenders
To further complicate things, blenders came in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Countertop Blenders
- Personal Blenders
- Immersion Blenders
- Heated blenders
1. Countertop Blenders
Stand blenders are full-sized blenders that have a large base with a tall glass or plastic pitcher that you blend food or drinks inside. They are generally used to blend or mix larger quantities at one time.
Countertop blenders have a larger footprint than the other two types of blenders. They tend to be heavy (anywhere between 5 and 20 pounds) and tall (most around 15 inches tall).
They don’t take up much room on your countertop, but many will not fit under your kitchen gadgets and they can be quite heavy to store away after each use.
The countertop blender comes in an assortment of capacities. Most countertop blenders have a capacity ranging anywhere from 4 to 9 cups . What you really want to look for, is a blender that fits well underneath your cabinets. This way, you can keep it plugged in.
Highest Rated Countertop Blenders
- Blendtec
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
- Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
- Instant Ace Blender
Think a countertop blender is the right choice for you? Pick up my favorite: Vitamix blender , or the budget choice that’s fantastic, the Instant Pot Ace blender.
2. Personal Blenders
Compact/Personal blenders are the mid-range option for blenders when it comes to footprint and price. They’re great for storing away when not in use, making enough for a single serving and practical for travel.
Highest Rated Compact Blenders/Personal Blenders
- NutriBullet 1000 Watt PRIME Edition, 12-Piece High-Speed Blender
- Ninja Personal Blender
- Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
Personal blenders are quite small and perfect for small spaces, travel, and dorms. They are compact, don’t take up much room, and are very light weight. They are simple to clean and easy to store.
Personal blenders typically come with cups ranging from 8 to 24 ounces . Depending on which brand and model of personal blender you choose, some come with a variety of cups for a more customizable blending experience.
Personal blenders are just not as powerful as countertop blenders. For this reason, I would not recommend that you have this as your only blender.
They’re great for smoothies on the run or small batches of chutney etc, but these are not what you will want to use for that big batch of margaritas for example.
Think a personal blender is the right choice for you? Grab my favorite: Ninja personal blender .
3. Immersion Blender
Immersion blenders have the smallest footprint and are the most versatile when it comes to blending capacity. They’re easy to store and great for making pureed soups and sauces.
Highest Rated Immersion Blenders
- KitchenAid Immersion Blender
- Utalent 5-in-1 8-Speed Stick Blender
- Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500
Immersion blenders have the smallest footprint out of all of the blender types . They have blending shafts that can range from 7 to 10 inches long with handles that are varying lengths. They are small in diameter and designed to be stored in a drawer or a cabinet when not in use.
Believe it or not, the capacity of an immersion blender can be the largest of all. Since the immersion blender goes into the container you prepared the food or drink in, it takes on the capacity of that container .
It is however limited to things that have a significant amount of liquid to start with. It’s really hard to start with four bananas and ¼ cup of ice and use an immersion blender for it. You really need a proper countertop blender for it.
If you’re looking for the best immersion blender, you really can’t go wrong with the Cuisinart immersion blender, or the Kitchenaid immersion blender . Those are my absolute favorites.
4. Heated Blenders
Increasingly, brands have started to make blenders that make soup or other hot liquids. Some of them contain a heating element at the bottom. Others, like the Vitamix heat via friction. I find the ones with a heating element make far superior soups because they actually get hot enough to cook the ingredients.
The Instant Pot Ace blender , the Ninja heated blender , and to some extent the Vitamix , are capable of making hot soups.
The Vitamix works via friction, while the other two have heating elements that allow you to customize temperatures.
Food Processor Vs Blender: Which Should You Buy?
This decision should be based on how you intend to use this kitchen gadget. Here are a few tips to help you decide which one you should purchase:
Buy A Food Processor If:
- You want something that comes with multiple attachments
- Is multifunctional
- Fits under your kitchen cabinets
- Can be as affordable or expensive as your budget allows
Buy A Blender If:
- You want something that can blend large amounts of drinks or puree large amounts of liquids at once
- You have room to spare in your kitchen
Buy A Compact Blender/Personal Blender If:
- Have a small kitchen
- Only make portions for one person at a time
- Are on a budget
Buy An Immersion Blender If:
- You are limited on kitchen space
- Want something with customizable capacity
- Like to put appliances away after each use
More Kitchen Gadget Reviews
- Mealthy Nonstick Pan
- Oxo Kitchen Utensils
- Mealthy Stainless Steel Pan
- How To Choose A Knife
- Vitamix 7500 Review
- Dash Egg Cooker
- Dash Mini Waffle Maker
- Vitamix 5200 Review
- How To Choose A Popcorn Machine
So, food processor vs blender: which is right for you? If you found this article on how to choose between the two helpful, make sure you share it on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends can figure out which one is right for them too.
Originally Published October 16, 2020
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Air Fryer Corn Dogs are a crispy, kid-friendly fair-style snack made with hot dogs dipped in a cornmeal batter (cornmeal, eggs, buttermilk, sugar, salt, and baking powder) and air-fried until golden. It’s quick and weeknight-friendly and works well for an easy game-day snack or fast family dinner (even using frozen corn dogs in about 8 minutes). Unlike traditional deep-fried corn dogs, this version uses the air fryer for a crunchy coating with way less mess (and no vat of hot oil), while still keeping the inside juicy.
Why The Whole Family Will Love These
If you’re new to air frying, some of the first foods you’ll attempt making are likely going to be of the frozen variety.
They’re easy, they’re generally just as good (if not better) made in the air fryer than they are when they’re deep fried, and it’s a way for your older kids to gain some independence in the kitchen without too much supervision.
- Fast. You can have a tasty snack or meal in less than 30 minutes , even if you’re making them from scratch.
- Easy. Mix up the batter, skewer the hotdogs, dip, air fry , and enjoy!
- Inexpensive. With just a few pantry staples and a package of hotdogs, you can satisfy everyone for less than a trip through your favorite drive thru.
- Family-Friendly. There’s a reason we see corn dogs on the children’s menu at most restaurants–kids love them! And we promise not to tell anyone that you still love them, too.
How Long Do You Cook Corn Dogs In The Air Fryer?
Frozen corn dogs are ready in a flash when made in your air fryer. Make them in as little as 8 minutes from start to finish.
What You’ll Need
No matter if you’re attempting to make your own homemade corn dogs in the air fryer , or if you’re just popping a few frozen ones in for a quick meal, you’ll only need a few things to get started.
- An Air Fryer - The Instant Vortex or Cosori are my favorite for making big batches in my air fryer, but any air fryer will work.
- Bamboo Skewers- Cheap bamboo skewers you would use to make kebabs work perfectly.
- A Tall Glass- Something tall enough to place the batter in so it will cover the entire length of the hot dog.
- 6 Hot Dogs - Use your favorite brand; beef or turkey hot dogs both work great.
- 6 Wooden Skewers - For easy handling and that classic corn dog look.
- 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal - Gives that signature corn flavor and crunchy texture.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour - Helps create a sturdy batter that clings to the hot dogs.
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder - Ensures the batter puffs up light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup Buttermilk - Keeps the batter moist and slightly tangy; substitute with milk + a teaspoon of vinegar if needed.
- 1 Egg - Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
- Cooking Spray or Oil Mister - To lightly coat the air fryer basket.
Can You Air Fry A Frozen Corn Dog?
You sure can, and they come out perfectly crispy every time. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn on your air fryer.
- Place the frozen corn dogs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook, turning half way through the cooking cycle.
- Serve and enjoy!
Can You Make Homemade Corn Dogs In The Air Fryer?
- Turn on your air fryer and allow it to preheat. Since we’re a fans of efficiency, most of our air fryer recipes don’t include a preheating step, but to keep the batter from sliding off of the corn dogs, you don’t want to skip it for this recipe.
- Prepare the batter. Place the cornmeal, eggs, buttermilk, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a tall glass and mix until smooth.
- Place the skewers in the hot dogs. Starting from one end, push the skewer into the middle of the hot dog lengthwise 3/4 of the way.
- Roll the hot dogs in a shallow bowl or pie plate of flour. Roll the skewered hot dog in the flour until well coated.
- Dunk the flour-covered hot dogs into the batter. While holding the skewer, carefully dip the flour coated hot dog into the tall glass of batter.
- Place the corn dogs in the air fryer basket. Add the battered corn dogs to the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring you leave plenty of room between them.
- Spray with cooking spray. Cover the corn dogs with a light layer of cooking spray to help them crisp.
- Air Fry. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping half way through and coating the other side with cooking oil.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Making homemade Air Fryer Corn Dogs is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic fair favorite right in your kitchen. To ensure they turn out perfectly golden, fluffy, and delicious every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- For a thicker batter, you dip the corn dogs, freeze them for 20-30 minutes, and then dip a second time before cooking.
- No bamboo skewers? Make air fryer corn dog nuggets. Cut the hotdogs into 2 or 3 pieces and dip. Use a fork to transfer from the batter to the air fryer basket.
- Give them space. Just like with any other air fryer recipe, layering will not allow the food to cook evenly. Make sure you leave around 1/2" to 1" of space between each corndog for adequate air flow.
Variations
Homemade corn dogs are endlessly customizable, making them a fun recipe to experiment with for any taste or occasion. Whether you want to add a twist of flavor, accommodate dietary needs, or switch up the presentation, here are some tasty variations to try:
- Cheese-Stuffed - Insert a small slice or stick of cheddar or mozzarella cheese alongside the hot dog before dipping in batter for a gooey, melty surprise inside.
- Mini - Cut the hot dogs in half or thirds and make bite-sized versions that are perfect for kids, parties, or appetizers.
- Spicy - Mix a little cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce into the batter for a kick of heat.
- Sweet - Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter for a sweeter, fair-style version that pairs perfectly with mustard or honey butter.
How Long Do They Last?
These corn dogs are best enjoyed right when you make them. If stored in the refrigerator, they can have a tendency to become soggy to the point that an air fryer even has a hard time saving the texture.
Can You Freeze Them?
If you’re planning on making homemade corn dogs to air fry in the future, they can last up to 3 months stored in parchment paper inside of a freezer safe container.
What To Serve With Them
- Ketchup. Ketchup with corn dogs is my perfect dip. Salty, slightly sweet, and tangy.
- Honey Mustard. The classic choice for corn dogs, and arguably the most popular.
- Honey. A favorite with kids, and anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Mayo. Makes a tasty dipper and is great with air fryer french fries, too!
- Raspberry Preserves. Ok, I know this one sounds a little weird, but hear me out. It’s meat with a sweet, deepfried coating. You would eat a Monte Cristo with preserves, so why not a corn dog?
If your air fryer corn dog batter won’t stick to the hot dog, it’s usually because the surface is too wet or slick and the batter is too thin. Both make the coating slide right off. Pat the hot dogs completely dry, then lightly dust them with a bit of flour (or cornstarch) so the cornmeal batter has something to grip, and make sure your batter is thick enough to cling (more like pancake batter than pourable crepe batter). Chilling the battered dogs for 10–15 minutes (or a quick freeze) helps set the coating so it doesn’t drip in the air fryer, and using skewers makes dipping easier and keeps the coating even for crispy homemade corn dogs in the air fryer.
To make air fryer corn dogs crispy (homemade or frozen corn dogs in the air fryer), preheat the air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook with plenty of airflow. Flip halfway so both sides brown evenly. For homemade cornmeal batter corn dogs, keep the batter thick so it clings, chill the battered dogs briefly so the coating sets, and give the outside a light oil spray to encourage a crunchier, more golden finish. If they’re browning too fast before crisping, lower the temp slightly and cook a bit longer; crispiness comes from steady heat and dry airflow, not maximum temperature.
For the best cornmeal for corn dog batter, choose fine-grind cornmeal (often labeled “fine” or “corn flour-style cornmeal”) because it makes a smoother batter that coats evenly and cooks up crisp without a gritty texture. This is ideal for air fryer corn dogs where you want an even, crunchy shell. Medium-grind cornmeal can work, but it tends to taste more coarse and can make the coating thicker and less uniform, especially on homemade corn dogs. If you’re after that classic fair-style bite, fine cornmeal plus a thick batter consistency (and a brief chill before air frying) usually gives the most reliable crispy corn dogs in the air fryer.
Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Keto Chicken Tenders - Low carb and taste just like traditional chicken tenders.
- Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice - Believe it or not, you can make this amazing dish in your air fryer!
- Korean Chicken Wings - Packed with flavor and keto.
- Air Fryer Scotch Eggs - Just like your favorite Scotch egg recipe, but without being deep fried.
- Fennel Chicken - A blog favorite, and for great reason. This chicken is incredibly flavorsome and easy to make.
Air Fryer Corn Dogs | How To Make Homemade Corn Dogs
Equipment
- PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
Ingredients
- ▢ 6 hot dogs
- ▢ 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ▢ 1 cup all purpose flour
- ▢ 2 tsp granulated sugar
- ▢ 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- ▢ 1 tbsp baking powder
- ▢ 1 cup buttermilk
- ▢ 1 Egg
- ▢ cooking spray
Instructions
- Turn on your air fryer to 375F and allow it to preheat
- Place the cornmeal, eggs, buttermilk, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a tall glass and mix until smooth.
- Starting from one end, push the skewer into the middle of the hot dog lengthwise 3/4 of the way.
- Roll the skewered hot dog in a shallow dish of flour until well coated.
- While holding the skewer, carefully dip the flour coated hot dog into the tall glass of batter.
- Add the battered corn dogs to the preheated air fryer basket, leaving plenty of room between them.
- Cover the corn dogs with a light layer of cooking spray to help them crisp.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping half way through and coating the other side with cooking oil.
Tips and Tricks
- For a thicker batter, you dip the corn dogs, freeze them for 20-30 minutes, and then dip a second time before cooking.
- No bamboo skewers? Make air fryer corn dog nuggets. Cut the hotdogs into 2 or 3 pieces and dip. Use a fork to transfer from the batter to the air fryer basket.
- Give them space. Just like with any other air fryer recipe, layering will not allow the food to cook evenly. Make sure you leave around 1/2" to 1" of space between each corndog for adequate air flow.
