Air-Fried Corn Bread: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make cornbread in an air fryer! It's a great alternative to making cornbread in a cast-iron skillet as the air fryer crisps the exterior while leaving the cornbread moist. It's also a quick and easy way to make cornbread, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You can make cornbread in an air fryer from scratch or use a box of Jiffy cornbread mix.

Ingredients and measurements for corn bread in an air fryer

Corn bread in an air fryer can be made from scratch or using a cornbread mix such as Jiffy. Here are the ingredients and measurements for both methods.

Ingredients and measurements for homemade corn bread in an air fryer

• 1 cup (160 g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (135 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt, or to taste
• 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
• 1 cup (256 g) creamed corn
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• Honey, Butter, or Jam, to serve
• 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• Olive Oil Spray or avocado oil spray for seasoning the pan
• 1 egg
• Milk

Additional ingredients for homemade corn bread or corn bread using a cornbread mix

You can add the following ingredients to your corn bread for extra flavour:

• Whole kernel corn
• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Brown sugar
• Cheddar cheese
• Scallions
• Bacon
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Chilli
• Jalapeños

Step-by-step instructions for making corn bread in an air fryer

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, eggs, and milk. You can also add in some creamed corn and vegetable oil for extra flavour and moisture. If you want to make a savoury cornbread, you can add in some shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or cooked pork sausage.

Now, it's time to start making the cornbread! In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir these together until they are well combined.

Next, add in the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and eggs. If you are using creamed corn and vegetable oil, add these in as well. Whisk all the ingredients together until they form a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make your cornbread dense.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to prepare your air fryer. Spray your air fryer baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. If you are using an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer, you can use that as well.

Now, pour the batter into your prepared pan and place it in the air fryer. If you are using an oven-safe dish, make sure it is not touching the heating elements and that there is enough airflow around the dish.

Set your air fryer to 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your cornbread for 13-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of your pan. If you are using a smaller pan or making cornbread muffins, they will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

To check if your cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready! If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes until the toothpick comes out clean.

Once your cornbread is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. You can serve it warm with butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam.

And that's it! You now have delicious, homemade cornbread made right in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Tips for making corn bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can make cornbread in an air fryer using a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, or by making the cornbread batter from scratch. If you're making it from scratch, you'll need cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, buttermilk, melted butter, and an egg. You can also add extras like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeño, or cooked pork sausage crumbles.

Pans

You can use a round or square cake pan, a bucket-style pan, or silicone muffin cups. If you're using a cake pan, it's important to check that it's oven-safe and that it fits in your air fryer with room for airflow. If you're using silicone muffin cups, fill them 3/4 of the way full to allow room for the batter to expand.

Temperature

Air fry your cornbread at between 320 and 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 to 30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the type of pan you're using. If you're making muffins, they will cook faster than cornbread in a pan, so keep an eye on them.

Don't Overmix

Be careful not to overmix your cornbread batter, as this can result in a dry, crumbly, or dense cornbread. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and don't worry about lumps.

Check for Doneness

Use a toothpick to check if your cornbread is done. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cornbread, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's ready. If the toothpick is wet, cover the cornbread with foil and continue cooking for a few minutes.

Suggested toppings and pairings for corn bread

Cornbread is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some suggestions for toppings and pairings:

Savoury Toppings:

• Jalapeno cheddar butter: For an extra kick, top your cornbread with this flavoured butter.
• Chives and lemon zest: Add some zest to your cornbread by mixing these ingredients into softened butter.
• Black olive tapenade: This savoury spread can add a nice briny flavour to your cornbread.
• Compound butter: Try blending herbs or spices into softened butter for a flavoured spread.
• Ricotta and honey: Whip ricotta with honey and spread on cornbread for a sweet and tangy treat.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a nice creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of cornbread.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top of your cornbread for a savoury twist.
• Bacon crumbles: Add some smoky flavour to your cornbread with crispy bacon bits.
• Sauteed greens: Try pairing cornbread with sauteed spinach, kale or collard greens for a healthy and tasty option.

Sweet Toppings:

• Honey: Drizzle some honey on your cornbread for a classic sweet treat.
• Maple syrup: For an extra indulgent twist, try drizzling maple syrup on your cornbread.
• Jam: Spread your favourite jam on cornbread for a sweet and fruity treat.
• Strawberry preserves: Blend with softened butter or cream cheese for a sweet and tangy spread.
• Ice cream: For a unique dessert, top your cornbread with a scoop of corn or vanilla ice cream.

Sides:

• Chilli: One of the most classic pairings with cornbread is a bowl of hearty chilli.
• BBQ dishes: Cornbread goes well with BBQ sauces. Try it with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken or ribs.
• Soups and stews: Cornbread is a great side for thick soups and stews, such as beef stew or chicken tortilla soup.
• Fried chicken: The sweet and buttery cornbread is a perfect counterpart to the salty and indulgent fried chicken.
• Pot roast: This hearty dish is elevated by the addition of cornbread for sopping up the gravy.
• Hot dogs: Cornbread and hot dogs are a surprisingly good combination, as evidenced by the classic corn dog.
• Chicken pot pie: The sweet and buttery cornbread is a delicious complement to the savoury and creamy chicken pot pie.
• Roasted duck: This Asian entrée pairs surprisingly well with Southern-style cornbread.
• Breakfast: Cornbread can be a great breakfast option, especially when paired with eggs, bacon and sausage.

How to store leftover corn bread

To store leftover cornbread, you have a few options. If you're planning on eating it within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Wrap the cornbread in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to keep it from drying out, and place it in a dry, dark place like a pantry or bread box. It will stay fresh for one to three days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can store cornbread in the fridge. First, let the cornbread fully cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze cornbread. Again, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place the wrapped cornbread in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat cornbread, you can use the microwave or an air fryer. If using the microwave, cover the cornbread with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture. If using an air fryer, reheat at 325°F for 2-4 minutes or until warm.

Frequently asked questions