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 recipe that will allow you to enjoy your favourite comfort food without heating up your kitchen.

Air fryer cornbread ingredients

Air fryer cornbread is a quick and easy recipe that can be made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make delicious air fryer cornbread:

Dry Ingredients:

• Cornmeal: Use basic yellow cornmeal for your cornbread. You can also use finely ground cornmeal for a crunchier texture. White cornmeal is another option if you prefer a lighter colour.
• Flour: All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour will work.
• Baking Powder: This is an essential ingredient to make your cornbread fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Also known as bicarbonate of soda, this ingredient helps with leavening and gives your cornbread a lighter texture.
• Salt: Kosher salt or regular table salt can be used to enhance the other flavours.

Wet Ingredients:

• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
• Milk: You can use regular milk, buttermilk, or non-dairy milk. If you want to make your cornbread extra creamy and sweet, go for buttermilk.
• Butter: Melted butter is used in the batter, and you can also add a pat of butter to the skillet or baking pan for extra flavour.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners add a touch of sweetness to your cornbread. You can use one or the other, or even combine them for a unique flavour profile.

Optional Ingredients:

• Sugar: If you have a sweet tooth, you can add some granulated sugar to your cornbread batter.
• Sour Cream: For an extra rich and creamy cornbread, add a small amount of sour cream to the batter.
• Cheese: For a savoury twist, mix in some shredded cheddar or your favourite cheese.
• Jalapeños or Chilli Peppers: Chopped jalapeños or chilli peppers will give your cornbread a spicy kick.
• Corn: Toss in some drained sweet corn for an extra burst of sweetness and a more traditional cornbread flavour.

With these ingredients and a few simple steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious air fryer cornbread.

How to make cornbread in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• Flour (AP or whole wheat)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk (or buttermilk)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Butter
• Sugar (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320-330°F. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, place it in the air fryer now to heat up.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
• Add the wet ingredients to the bowl and mix until just combined.
• Spray a round 8-inch cake pan with cooking spray and pour in the batter. Use a spatula to even out the top, then cover with foil.
• Place the pan into the air fryer and cook for 12-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Remove the cornbread from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Tips

• If you're using a cast-iron skillet, add a bit of butter and swirl it around to coat the pan before adding the batter.
• To make the batter extra fluffy, beat the eggs before adding them to the bowl and let the batter sit for 5-20 minutes before cooking.
• For cheesy cornbread, add some shredded cheese to the dry ingredients.
• For spicy cornbread, mix in some chopped jalapeños or drizzle baked cornbread with jalapeño simple syrup or jalapeño butter.
• For sweeter cornbread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• Toss in some drained sweet corn with the dry and wet ingredients.
• Swap out the milk for buttermilk for a creamier and sweeter version.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by stirring 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into a glass of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How to store air fryer cornbread

Air fryer cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.

To store cornbread in the fridge, make sure it has fully cooled down, then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag. It will last in the refrigerator for about a week.

To freeze cornbread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat cornbread, you can use the air fryer by preheating it to 325°F and placing the cornbread in the basket for 2-4 minutes, or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by covering it with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture.

Tips for the best jiffy cornbread in the air fryer

Choosing the right pan

It is important to use a pan that is not too thick, or your cornbread won't cook properly. A good option is a Fat Daddio's Round Cheesecake Pan, which fits most basket air fryers. If you use this pan, remember not to fill it all the way, as it won't bake properly. Bundt cakes are also a great option, as you don't have to worry about them cooking in the middle.

Preheat your air fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cornbread. This helps the cornbread cook evenly.

Avoid over-mixing

Be sure not to over-mix the batter, as this can cause the cornbread to become dense. Lumps are fine!

Cover with tinfoil after 12 minutes

Covering the cornbread with tinfoil after 12 minutes of cooking will help it cook all the way through without burning the top.

Check it's cooked with a toothpick

How can you tell when your cornbread is done? Simply insert a toothpick into the centre of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is cooked!

Let it rest

Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This will make it easier to slice.

Storing leftovers

Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Air fryer cornbread variations

There are many ways to put a twist on the classic air fryer cornbread recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheesy Cornbread

Add some shredded cheese to the dry ingredients for a cheesy twist. This is a great option if you're serving the cornbread as a side dish with a meal.

Spicy Cornbread

For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños. This variation is perfect for those who like their food with a bit of a kick.

Sweet Cornbread

Sweeten the deal by adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. This version is ideal for those with a sweet tooth.

Traditional Cornbread

Throw in half a cup of drained sweet corn into the dry and wet ingredients. This will make your cornbread even more like the traditional version.

Buttermilk Cornbread

Swap out regular milk for buttermilk to make your cornbread extra creamy and sweet. This variation is perfect for those who want a richer, more indulgent version of the classic.

Frequently asked questions