Air-Fryer Jiffy Cornbread: Yes, You Can!

Jiffy cornbread is a popular and inexpensive store-bought option, often used as a side dish. It can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for any meal. The air fryer gives the cornbread a crispy exterior while keeping it moist.

How to make Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 1/2 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 egg
• Milk (use whole milk for traditional cornbread, or buttermilk/heavy cream for a more moist texture)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray for seasoning the pan
• Salt to taste

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe baking pan or oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer
• Whisk
• Rubber or silicone spatula
• Toothpicks

Method

• Grease your air fryer-safe baking pan or oven-safe dish with oil or butter.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar (if using), and melted butter.
• Fold in the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, gently stirring until it is fully incorporated into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Pour the cornbread batter into the greased pan.
• Place the pan into your air fryer and set the temperature to 310-330°F.
• Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cornbread comes out clean.
• Remove the cornbread from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer sweeter cornbread, add a little more sugar to the mix. You can also sprinkle some on top before serving.
• For a crispier exterior, use a shallower pan. If you want a softer, moister cornbread, use a deeper pan.
• If the top of your cornbread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
• If you're making cornbread muffins, they will take less time to cook since they are smaller. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• You can reheat leftover cornbread in the air fryer or microwave. If using the microwave, cover the cornbread with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

Tips for making Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer

Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Jiffy cornbread in your air fryer:

Choose the Right Pan:

When baking in an air fryer, it is important to use a pan that is not too thick. Thick pans can prevent the cornbread from cooking evenly. Look for a pan that is thin, light, and deep enough to hold the volume of one box of Jiffy cornbread mix. A 7-inch or 8-inch pan should work well. You can use a cake pan, a bundt pan, or even a springform pan. Just make sure the pan fits into your air fryer with enough space for air to circulate.

Prepare the Pan:

Grease your pan well with butter, non-stick cooking spray, or oil. This will help ensure that your cornbread doesn't stick to the pan. You can also line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mixing the Batter:

Follow the instructions on the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix box, adding the required milk and egg. You can also add some sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture. Mix the ingredients until combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cornbread tough. Use a rubber or silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl during mixing, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Preheat your air fryer to 310-330 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the pan you are using. For a 7-inch pan, cook the cornbread for 15-20 minutes. For an 8-inch pan, cook for 14-18 minutes. Always check that your cornbread is cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the centre – if it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready!

Storing Leftovers:

Allow your cornbread to cool completely before storing. You can keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days or store it in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze leftover cornbread for up to 3 months.

What to serve with Jiffy cornbread

Jiffy cornbread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve with Jiffy cornbread:

Chili

A popular pairing for cornbread is chili. Whether it's a vegetarian chili or a meaty version, the cornbread makes a great side dish to dip into the chili and soak up all the flavours.

Comfort Food

Jiffy cornbread also goes well with comfort food dishes such as smothered chicken, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens with smoked turkey. These hearty dishes are perfect for a cosy night in.

Breakfast

For a hearty breakfast, serve Jiffy cornbread with eggs. You can also enjoy it with honey or maple syrup for a sweet start to your day.

Holiday Meals

Cornbread is a great addition to holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It pairs well with traditional holiday dishes such as turkey, gravy, and green beans.

Soups and Stews

Cornbread is also a nice side for soups and stews, such as beef stew or chicken pot pie soup. It can help to soak up all the delicious broth and provide a hearty contrast to the soup.

Barbecue

Being an American pantry staple, Jiffy cornbread is commonly paired with barbecue recipes. It can be a delicious side dish to grilled meats and vegetables, providing a sweet and moist contrast to the smoky flavours of the barbecue.

Storing and reheating Jiffy cornbread

To reheat your Jiffy cornbread, you can use the oven, toaster oven, cast-iron skillet, air fryer, or microwave.

If you're using the oven or toaster oven, preheat to 350 F. Wrap individual slices of cornbread in aluminum foil and place them on the oven rack. Alternatively, place the slices on a cookie sheet and cover the whole thing with aluminum foil. If the cornbread seems dry, add a little butter on top or mist it with water before covering with foil. Bake for about 10 minutes.

For the cast-iron skillet method, melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium-low heat. Place your slices of cornbread in a single layer and cook for about three to four minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another two minutes on the other side.

If you're using the microwave, cut a serving of cornbread, wrap it with a damp paper towel, and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Set the power to 50% and heat for 45 to 60 seconds.

For the air fryer, wrap slices of cornbread in foil and place them in the air fryer basket. You can mist them with a little water or add a bit of butter before wrapping. Set the air fryer to 350 F or use the reheat setting and heat for four to five minutes.

You can also use an Instant Pot to reheat your Jiffy cornbread. Wrap the slices in aluminum foil and put them in the Instant Pot on the "keep warm" setting for five to ten minutes.

The benefits of making Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer

Making Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it is a quick and easy way to make cornbread without having to turn on your oven. Air fryers require minimal pre-heating time, and the cornbread can be cooked in under 30 minutes. This makes it a convenient option when you're short on time or don't want to heat up your kitchen.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it cooks food without using a lot of oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air fryers also tend to cook food more evenly, so you don't have to worry about hot spots or undercooked areas.

Additionally, the air fryer gives the cornbread a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and fluffy. This combination of textures is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods. The air fryer's ability to crisp the exterior is especially beneficial if you prefer your cornbread with a crunchy top.

Using a Jiffy corn muffin mix also saves time and effort, as you don't have to make the cornbread from scratch. You can simply add the required wet ingredients, such as milk, eggs, and butter, to the mix and cook it in the air fryer. This makes it a great option for busy individuals or those who want a quick and tasty side dish.

Lastly, air fryers are versatile, and you can use various pans to make cornbread. A thin, light, and deep "bucket" pan is recommended for the best results. However, you can also use a bundt pan, cake pan, or even silicone muffin cups, depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions