Air-Fried Corn Bread: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook food without using a lot of oil, and they can be used to make cornbread. Cornbread is a great side dish that goes well with almost any meal, and it can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. This article will discuss the ingredients and steps required to make cornbread in an air fryer, as well as some tips and variations for making it extra delicious.

Air Fryer Cornbread Ingredients

Air fryer cornbread is a quick, simple, and delicious dish that can be made with just a handful of basic ingredients. Here's a list of the common ingredients used in air fryer cornbread recipes:

• Cornmeal: Yellow or white cornmeal is typically used, with a fine or "finely ground" texture for a less crunchy consistency.
• Dry goods: This includes all-purpose flour (AP or whole wheat), baking soda, baking powder, and salt (preferably kosher salt).
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs are preferred, and you'll usually need around 2 large eggs.
• Milk: Buttermilk is a popular choice for added flavour, but any type of milk, including non-dairy milk, can be used.
• Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup is often added for a touch of sweetness. Sugar is also an option, especially if you prefer a sweeter cornbread.
• Butter: Melted butter is used in the batter, and additional butter can be added on top of the baked cornbread for extra flavour.
• Cooking spray: Non-stick cooking spray is used to grease the air fryer pan or dish to prevent sticking.

Optional ingredients and add-ins include:

• Sour cream: Adding a small amount of sour cream can make the cornbread more moist and creamy.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or similar can be mixed into the batter for a savoury, cheesy twist.
• Jalapeños: Chopped jalapeños or chilli peppers can be added for a spicy kick.
• Corn: Drained sweet corn can be mixed into the batter for a more traditional cornbread flavour.

For those who want a quicker option, you can also use a box of Jiffy Cornbread mix, which is a pre-made cornbread mix that can be prepared in the air fryer by simply adding an egg and milk.

How to Make Cornbread in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make cornbread in an air fryer:

• Cornbread mix (dry)
• Egg
• Milk (or buttermilk)
• Butter (melted)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Method

• Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Then, add the wet ingredients to the bowl and mix until they are just combined. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix to ensure everything is well incorporated.
• Grease the pan: Spray a round 8-inch cake pan with cooking spray. You can also use a cast-iron skillet or silicone muffin cups/liners if you prefer.
• Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to even out the top. Cover the pan with foil.
• Air fry: Place the pan into the air fryer and set the temperature to between 310°F and 360°F. Air fry for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is fully set. You can check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cornbread – if it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Cool and serve: Remove the cornbread from the air fryer and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving. You can serve it warm with butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam.

Tips

• Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated. However, do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough, dry, and crumbly cornbread.
• To ensure an evenly cooked and fluffy cornbread, use a cooking dish that allows for airflow around it.
• You can make this cornbread extra delicious by topping it with jalapeño cheddar butter.
• Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer Cornbread Tips

Ingredients

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

• Cornmeal (fine ground yellow or white cornmeal is best)
• Flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Pans

You can use a variety of pans to make cornbread in an air fryer, including:

• A round cake pan (either 7-inch or 8-inch works)
• A bundt pan
• A cast-iron skillet (preheat this in the air fryer before adding the batter)
• Silicone muffin cups or liners

Temperature and Timing

Set your air fryer to 320-330°F and cook the cornbread for 15-20 minutes. If it is not cooked through, add 5 minutes to the cooking time until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Tips

• Spray your pan with cooking spray to ensure the cornbread doesn't stick.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cornbread to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can cause the cornbread to become dense.
• Cover the cornbread with tinfoil after 12 minutes of cooking to prevent the top from burning.
• Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Cornbread Variations

There are many ways to adapt your cornbread recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for ingredients you can add to your cornbread to create different flavours:

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 snack, or if you want to add a bit of extra flavour to 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, and it can also help to balance out the sweetness of the cornbread.

Sweet Cornbread

If you have more of a sweet tooth, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. This will make the cornbread taste more like a dessert, and it can be a great option for those who don't like their food too spicy or savoury.

Traditional Cornbread

To make your cornbread more traditional, toss in half a cup of drained sweet corn. This will give it a more authentic flavour and texture, and it's a great option if you're serving the cornbread as part of a meal.

Creamy Cornbread

For a creamy and sweet version of the recipe, swap out the milk for buttermilk. This will give the cornbread a richer, more indulgent taste and texture. It's a great option for those who want a more luxurious take on traditional cornbread.

Air Fryer Cornbread Storage

Air fryer cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, in the refrigerator for about a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Room Temperature Storage

Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.

Refrigerator Storage

To store cornbread in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or plastic bag and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezer Storage

Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container before putting it in the freezer. Properly stored cornbread will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Cornbread

Leftover cornbread can be reheated in the air fryer by preheating it to 325°F and placing a piece of cornbread in the basket for 2-4 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Frequently asked questions