Set a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the 1 Tbsp. oil or butter. Once hot, add the hot dogs and cook until charred and crispy all over, roughly 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cool. Cut each hot dog in half longways, and insert a wooden skewer into each half.
To make the batter, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl until well combined.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add in the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk again until well combined and batter is free from lumps.
Preheat a square waffle iron on high and grease with cooking spray. Ladle a thin layer of batter onto the bottom of the waffle iron. Lay 2 hot dog sticks onto the bottom of the waffle iron. Then top each with a bit more batter. Make sure not to overfill the waffle iron!
Close the iron tightly, as best you can and allow the waffles to cook. Transfer to a wire rack whole, and continue with the remaining batter and hot dog sticks.
Once cool enough to handle, cut each waffle in half so you end up with 2 waffle dogs.