Air-Fried Cornbread Muffins: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to making cornbread muffins. They are quick, easy, and perfect for a variety of meals. The best part is that you don't need to preheat your oven and you won't heat up your kitchen. The muffins come out with a tender and moist inside, and a golden brown, crisp outer edge.

Ingredients for corn bread muffins in the air fryer

Making cornbread muffins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that requires just a few simple ingredients. Here is a detailed list of the ingredients you will need to make delicious, fluffy, and tender cornbread muffins in your air fryer:

• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for providing structure and texture to your cornbread muffins. It serves as the foundation for the batter and ensures the muffins hold together.
• Yellow Cornmeal: This is the star ingredient that gives cornbread muffins their signature flavour and texture. It provides a subtle sweetness and a delightful crumbly texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavour of the muffins. It brings out the sweetness of the cornmeal and balances the other ingredients.
• Corn Kernels: Adding corn kernels to your cornbread muffins offers bursts of sweetness and a crunchy texture. You can use canned or thawed frozen corn kernels.
• Baking Powder: This acts as a leavening agent, helping the muffins rise and achieve a light and fluffy texture. It is crucial for that perfect rise!
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk provides moisture and a tangy flavour to the muffins. It also reacts with the baking soda to create a softer texture.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is another leavening agent that helps the muffins rise. It reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk, creating tiny air bubbles that give the muffins a lighter texture.
• Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent in the batter, holding all the ingredients together. They also add structure and a rich flavour to the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the savoury flavours of the cornmeal and salt, adding a touch of sweetness to the muffins. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil contributes to the moisture and tenderness of the muffins. It ensures the muffins don't dry out and helps achieve a soft, fluffy texture.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you're all set to make some mouthwatering cornbread muffins! Remember to follow the specific measurements and instructions provided in your chosen recipe for the best results. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Step-by-step instructions to make corn bread muffins in the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Mixture

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined. You can also add in corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.

Step 2: Combine the Batter Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and dry muffins. A few lumps in the batter are okay.

Step 3: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

Line the air fryer basket with silicone muffin cups or paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also grease the muffin molds with nonstick cooking spray, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or room temperature butter. Spoon the muffin batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Leave space between each muffin for air circulation.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cornbread Muffins

Place the filled muffin cups in the preheated air fryer. Air fry the corn muffins at 330-350 degrees F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Once cooked, carefully remove the muffins from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve with melted butter, honey, jam, or maple syrup. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for making corn bread muffins in the air fryer

Ingredients

Use basic pantry staples to make cornbread muffins. You will need cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, butter, salt, and a sweetener like honey or sugar. You can also add corn kernels for texture and flavour.

Equipment

You can use either silicone muffin cups or paper liners in your air fryer. Silicone cups are sturdier and non-stick, but paper liners can also be used, although they may become greasy. If you have a small cast-iron skillet that fits in your air fryer, you can also use that.

Preparation

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F (160-175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and dry muffins. Finally, fold in any additional ingredients like corn kernels.

Cooking

Spoon the batter into your chosen muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Place the filled cups in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each muffin for air circulation. Air fry at 300-330°F (149-165°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.

Serving and Storage

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. They can be served with melted butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

How to store corn bread muffins after making them in the air fryer

Once you've made your cornbread muffins in the air fryer, you'll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your cornbread muffins:

Storing at Room Temperature:

First, allow your cornbread muffins to cool completely before storing. This is important to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy muffins. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use paper muffin cups or silicone cups/liners to prevent sticking and make storage easier. Store your cornbread muffins in a cool, dry place, like a pantry shelf or a bread box. Consume the muffins within two to three days for optimal freshness.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

If you want your cornbread muffins to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let the muffins cool completely to prevent moisture buildup. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to keep air and moisture out and maintain freshness. You can also place the wrapped muffins in a resealable bag or airtight container for added protection. Label and date the container or bag so you know when they were stored.

Storing in the Freezer:

For longer storage, you can freeze your cornbread muffins. Again, let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn and odour absorption. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label and date the container or bag, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Additional Tips:

• To reheat frozen muffins, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave or oven.
• If you plan to consume the muffins within a few days, storing at room temperature is best to maintain their texture and flavour.
• If you want to keep the muffins for more than four days but don't want to freeze them, the refrigerator is a good option for up to a week of storage.
• Always ensure your cornbread muffins are completely cooled before storing, regardless of the storage method.
• To maximise freshness, store the muffins in a dry, dark place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mould or a bad smell, discard the muffins immediately.

What to serve with corn bread muffins

Cornbread muffins are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cornbread muffins:

Classic Combinations

Cornbread muffins are a classic side dish for a reason—they pair well with many mains, especially those with a bit of spice or tang. Here are some classic combinations:

• Chili: Cornbread muffins are a perfect match for a bowl of chili. The ground beef, beans, peppers, and onions in chili create a hearty and satisfying meal, and the cornbread muffins help to round out the dish.
• Pinto Beans: As any Southerner knows, pinto beans and cornbread are a match made in heaven. The savoury, nourishing beans, simmered for hours in broth with a ham hock and onions, are elevated by the sweetness of cornbread muffins.
• Fried Chicken: The sweet and buttery cornbread muffins are a great counterpart to fried chicken's salty, indulgent flavour.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Cornbread is a common side dish at barbecue restaurants, and for good reason. The tanginess of BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cornbread muffins.
• BBQ Grilled Chicken: Set out some honey mustard or BBQ sauce to go with your grilled chicken, and don't forget the cornbread muffins!
• Meatloaf: The savoury, beefy flavour of meatloaf plays off the sweetness of cornbread muffins.

Soups and Stews

Cornbread muffins are also a great side dish for thick soups and stews. Here are some ideas:

• Beef Stew: This classic, inexpensive dish is a perfect match for cornbread muffins. The long simmering time gives you plenty of opportunity to whip up a batch of muffins to serve on the side.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup: Chicken tortilla soup is one of the best soups to pair with cornbread muffins. The savoury, spicy flavours of the soup are balanced by the sweet, buttery muffins.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: A comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup is made even better with a slice of cornbread muffin on the side.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: This slow-cooked dish is a perfect match for cornbread muffins. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a cornbread muffin for dipping!
• Taco Bake: This easy, flavourful dish is a great main course to serve with cornbread muffins. The ground beef, tortillas, and queso sauce combine to create a hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Other Mains

In addition to the classics and soups/stews, cornbread muffins can be served with a variety of other mains:

• BBQ Ribs: The secret to fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs is to bake them low and slow in the oven. And don't forget to serve them with a side of cornbread muffins to soak up all that delicious sauce!
• Pot Roast: Tender pot roast, slow-cooked in a delicious brown gravy with carrots and potatoes, is a perfect main course to serve with cornbread muffins.
• Crispy Chicken Thighs: Whether you make them in the oven or air fryer, crispy chicken thighs are a great match for cornbread muffins. You don't even need any other sides!
• Mac and Cheese: Mac and cheese is a comforting classic, and it's made even better with a side of cornbread muffins.
• Pork Chops: Honey garlic pork chops, in particular, almost require a side of cornbread muffins. The sweetness of the muffins is a perfect balance for the savoury, juicy pork.
• Pecan-Crusted Fish: Take your fish dinner to the next level by serving it with cornbread muffins. This was a common pairing for the author's family, and for good reason—it's a delicious combination!

Breakfast Ideas

Cornbread muffins aren't just for dinner—they can also be a tasty breakfast treat. Here are some ideas:

• Cornbread Breakfast Sandwich: Colby Jack cheese, fried eggs, and bacon can turn a cornbread muffin into a delicious breakfast sandwich.
• Blueberry Cornbread Muffins: Rich, buttery cornbread muffins oozing with blueberries are a great mixture of sweet and tangy flavours—perfect for a breakfast on the go.
• Bacon, Egg, and Gouda Cornbread Muffins: These savoury and slightly sweet muffins are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option.

Frequently asked questions