Air-Fryer Corn Nuggets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Corn nuggets are a delicious, crunchy, and sweet treat that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried corn nuggets as they require only a small amount of oil to achieve a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. This makes them a perfect snack or meal option for parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun snack for one. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they are a breeze to whip up and can be easily customized with spices, vegetables, or cheese.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for corn nuggets in an air fryer depend on the quantity, size, and thickness of the nuggets. For a single layer of nuggets in the air fryer basket, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. If you are cooking frozen corn nuggets, adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes until they are heated through.

If you are reheating corn nuggets, cook them for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.

Ingredients and preparation

Corn nuggets are a tasty treat that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier version of traditional fried corn nuggets as they are cooked with just a little bit of oil, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To make corn nuggets in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Flour (all-purpose, rice, or gluten-free)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Egg
• Milk
• Shortening or butter
• Oil with a high smoke point (such as peanut oil or canola oil)
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (such as green chilis, garlic, cilantro, paprika, or black peppercorns)

Optional ingredients include:

• Cheese (such as mozzarella)
• Onions
• Ginger
• Coriander leaves

First, prepare the corn kernels. If using fresh corn, simply scrape the corn off the cob. If using frozen corn, bring it to room temperature and defrost it in the microwave. Then, squeeze out any excess water from the kernels.

Next, make the batter. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and shortening or butter. You can also add spices and seasonings to this wet mixture. Combine the wet and dry mixtures, and then fold in the corn kernels.

If your batter is too wet, you can add more flour to adjust the consistency. The correct texture should be sticky enough to hold together when scooped. If your batter is too dry, you can add a few tablespoons of water.

Once your batter is ready, use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each nugget. You can also lightly coat the nuggets with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to help them get crispy.

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook the corn nuggets for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve your corn nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, big mac sauce, sugar-free ketchup, or potsticker sauce.

You can also reheat any leftover corn nuggets in the air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer and cook the nuggets for 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Cooking methods

Corn nuggets are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including deep frying, baking, and air frying. Here is a detailed guide on the different cooking methods for corn nuggets:

Deep Frying:

This is the classic method for cooking corn nuggets, resulting in a crispy and golden exterior. Here are the steps to deep fry corn nuggets:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy pot to 350°F-370°F (180°C).
• Prepare the corn nugget mixture by blending corn kernels, flour, and spices. You can also add ingredients like green chilis, garlic, cilantro, and paprika for extra flavor.
• Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture into the hot oil.
• Fry the corn nuggets in small batches for about 2-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• Remove the nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Baking:

Baking corn nuggets is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil. Here are the steps to bake corn nuggets:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C).
• Prepare the corn nugget mixture as mentioned above.
• Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture onto a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each nugget.
• Bake the corn nuggets for 11-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Air Frying:

Air frying is a convenient and healthier option for cooking corn nuggets, as it uses little to no oil. Here are the steps to air fry corn nuggets:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C).
• Prepare the corn nugget mixture and shape them into nuggets. You can also coat them with cooking spray or a small amount of oil for extra crispness.
• Place the corn nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-15 minutes at 400°F or 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping them halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the corn nuggets from the air fryer using tongs and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Reheating:

Corn nuggets can be reheated in the oven, air fryer, or skillet to maintain their crispy texture. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as they may become soggy. Here are the reheating instructions:

• Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C).
• Place the corn nuggets in the oven or air fryer and reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
• If using a skillet, heat a small amount of oil and cook the corn nuggets until warmed through.

Dips and sauces

Corn nuggets are a versatile snack that can be paired with a variety of dips and sauces to enhance their flavour. They are often served with ketchup, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or hot sauce. For those who prefer a more fiery flavour profile, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the corn batter before frying.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can create your own copycat sauce, such as the Copy-cat Chic Fil A Sauce mentioned in one recipe. Another option is to incorporate shredded cheese into the corn batter, resulting in a rich and gooey texture that pairs well with a tangy tomato sauce.

For a healthier option, Greek tzatziki is a refreshing choice that adds a crispy and cheesy dimension to the corn nuggets. This dish can also be made vegan by substituting almond milk and apple cider vinegar for the wet mixture, and it pairs well with your favourite sauce.

The versatility of corn nuggets allows them to be enjoyed with a variety of dips and sauces, making them a crowd-pleasing snack that can be customised to suit different taste preferences.

Storing and reheating

Storing your corn nuggets is a straightforward process. First, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you're not planning to eat them within that time, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, ensure they are laid flat in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Reheating corn nuggets in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that will leave them tasting as good as new. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F / 180°C. Place the desired number of nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. If you're reheating frozen nuggets, increase the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 10-12 minutes. No additional oil is needed, but spraying the nuggets with a small amount of oil can make them crispier. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions