Air-Fryer Corn Nuts: A Crunchy, Healthy Treat

Corn nuts are a beloved snack in South America, Spain, and the Philippines. They are typically made from large-kernel corn varieties, such as hominy or Cuzco corn, and involve deep-frying or roasting whole corn cobs. However, with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to make corn nuts at home in a healthier way. Air fryers require very little oil and produce a crispy texture that other cooking methods can't match. Making corn nuts in an air fryer is also quick and hassle-free, taking less than half an hour.

Soaking corn kernels

Firstly, it is important to use the right type of corn kernels. Large white corn kernels, also known as hominy, are the best choice for making corn nuts. Hominy is a type of corn that has been soaked and processed to remove its hulls, making it ideal for snacks. You can find this type of corn in most grocery stores, either dried or canned. If you are using dried hominy, make sure to soak it in water overnight to rehydrate it.

To soak the corn kernels, simply place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let the kernels soak for at least eight hours or overnight. This process of rehydration is crucial to achieving the right texture for your corn nuts. After soaking, drain the corn kernels and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or kitchen towels. Gently pat them dry and let them air-dry for about 20 minutes. This step ensures that the corn kernels are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Once the corn kernels are dry, you can start preparing your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your seasoning. In a large bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings with olive oil or another oil of your choice. You can use Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, or any other spices you like. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Now it's time to coat the corn kernels with the seasoning mixture. Transfer the kernels to the bowl with the seasoning and toss them until they are evenly coated. Use a large spoon to transfer the seasoned kernels to the air fryer basket, spreading them into a flat, single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.

With the corn kernels nicely seasoned and placed in the air fryer, you are almost ready to start cooking. Just a few more tips before you begin! Firstly, if you want, you can give your air fryer basket a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Secondly, remember to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.

Now, you are ready to start air-frying your corn nuts! Bake the kernels for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and continue baking for another 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.

Once they are done, transfer the corn nuts to a baking sheet lined with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy corn nuts as a snack or appetizer!

Air fryer temperature

To achieve the desired crispiness, it is essential to preheat the air fryer to the specified temperature before adding the corn. This ensures that the corn nuts cook evenly and reach the desired level of crunchiness.

When preparing the corn, it is recommended to soak the kernels in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight to soften them. After soaking, the corn should be drained, rinsed, and dried thoroughly to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture.

Once the corn is prepared and the air fryer is preheated, it is time to coat the corn kernels with a thin, even layer of oil. This step ensures that the corn nuts will crisp up during the cooking process.

The coated corn kernels are then seasoned with salt and any desired additional seasonings, such as chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or other spices. The seasoning step allows for customization and experimentation with different flavors.

Finally, the corn kernels are placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking times may vary, so it is important to monitor the corn nuts closely to prevent overcooking.

The corn nuts are air-fried at the set temperature for 10-12 minutes, with occasional shaking or tossing to ensure even cooking. After cooking, the corn nuts are removed from the air fryer and allowed to cool, becoming even crunchier as they cool down.

By following these temperature guidelines and steps, you can create delicious, crispy, and healthy corn nuts in your air fryer.

Oil coating

The oil coating is an essential step in achieving the perfect crispy texture for your air-fried corn nuts. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this step:

Type of Oil

You can use a variety of oils for coating the corn kernels, including vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or even bacon grease. Choose an oil with a neutral flavour like canola or avocado oil if you want the natural corn flavour to shine. Alternatively, opt for oils like olive oil or butter if you prefer a richer, savoury taste.

Amount of Oil

Aim for a light and even coating when tossing the corn kernels with oil. Using too much oil can lead to greasiness and may cause your air fryer to smoke. A small amount of oil is sufficient to help the corn kernels achieve the desired crispiness.

Coating Process

Place the dried corn kernels in a large bowl. Add the oil of your choice and toss or stir until the kernels are evenly coated. Ensure that each kernel is lightly coated before proceeding to the next step.

Oil-less Option

If you prefer, you can make corn nuts in an oil-less or oil-free air fryer. Simply skip the oil coating step and proceed directly to seasoning and air frying. The corn nuts may be slightly less crispy but will still be delicious.

Seasoning

Spicy Chili Lime Corn Nuts:

Coat the corn kernels with oil, then season them with chili powder, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This combination will result in a zesty and spicy snack.

Smoky BBQ Corn Nuts:

For a smoky and sweet flavour, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, and brown sugar into the oil coating before tossing the corn kernels.

Garlic Parmesan Corn Nuts:

For a savoury and cheesy snack, toss the corn kernels with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.

Sweet and Spicy Corn Nuts:

Coat the corn kernels with honey and Sriracha before air frying. This combination will result in a sweet, spicy, and crispy snack.

Everything Bagel Corn Nuts:

Sprinkle the corn kernels with an "everything bagel" seasoning blend, typically containing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, and garlic flakes. This will give your corn nuts a savoury and aromatic flavour.

Herbed Corn Nuts:

Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the oil coating. You can serve these corn nuts with a topping of cotija cheese for an extra touch.

Taco-Flavoured Corn Nuts:

Season the corn kernels with a taco seasoning mix for a Southwestern-inspired flavour. You can serve these corn nuts with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Corn Nuts:

After air frying the corn kernels, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This will result in a sweet and crunchy treat similar to cinnamon toast.

Honey Mustard Glazed Corn Nuts:

Coat the corn kernels with a blend of honey and Dijon mustard before air frying. This will give your corn nuts a sweet and tangy glaze.

Ranch Corn Nuts:

Use ranch powder to season your corn nuts. You can also use other powdered seasonings like taco seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or Kraft cheese powder.

Cajun Corn Nuts:

Add Cajun seasoning to the corn kernels for a spicy and flavourful snack.

Tajin Spice Corn Nuts:

Use Tajin spice, a popular Mexican seasoning blend, to give your corn nuts a unique and flavourful kick.

Indian-Style Crispy Corn:

For an Indian touch, garnish your corn nuts with chaat masala, salt, chopped onion, cilantro, and finely chopped chilli.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning, you can be as creative as you like! Experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and seasonings to find your perfect flavour.

Cooking time

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can toss the corn kernels with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings. Vegetable oil, olive oil, and canola oil are all suitable options. You can season the corn kernels with salt to taste and add optional seasonings such as chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.

After the corn kernels have been soaked, dried, and seasoned, it's time to air fry them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the corn kernels for 10-12 minutes at 390°F (175°C), shaking the basket or tossing the kernels occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the corn kernels are golden brown and crunchy, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't be tempted to leave them in the air fryer for too long. Your homemade air fryer corn nuts will be a delicious, healthy snack that you can enjoy guilt-free!

Frequently asked questions