Air-Fried Cornbread: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer cornbread is a quick and easy dish to make, requiring only a handful of simple ingredients. It is a great alternative to making cornbread in a cast-iron skillet as the air fryer crisps the exterior while keeping the inside moist. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and you can even use a cornbread mix to save time. The cornbread can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack, and goes well with chilli, barbecued meat, or even just butter.

Choosing the right pan for your air fryer

• Material: Stainless steel or aluminum pans are popular choices as they conduct heat evenly, allowing for even cooking. Non-stick pans are also great as they make cleaning easier and prevent food from sticking to the surface.
• Size and Shape: Choose a pan that fits well in your air fryer, allowing for proper air circulation around the food. Rectangular or square pans are great for roasting vegetables or making casseroles, while round pans are perfect for baking cakes or pies.
• Depth: Deeper pans are ideal for dishes that require more liquid, such as casseroles or stews.
• Durability: Opt for a pan that is durable and can withstand high temperatures to ensure it lasts for years.
• Oven-Safe: Always use oven-safe dishware in your air fryer. Check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the pan can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer.
• Airflow: Ensure that the pan does not block airflow in the air fryer. It should be small enough to allow for proper air circulation but large enough to cook a sufficient quantity of food.
• Heating: Darker pans are preferable as they heat up faster and provide better browning. Shiny baking sheets will reflect heat, affecting cooking times and potentially leading to uneven cooking.
• Sides: Pans with lower sides are better as they allow for better airflow. Avoid pans with high sides as they can trap heat and moisture, resulting in steamed instead of crispy food.
• Special Pans: There are special pans designed specifically for air fryers, such as air fryer baskets and trays. These are perforated to allow for air circulation and can enhance your cooking experience.
• Food Type: Consider the type of food you will be cooking. For wet foods or dishes with sauces, use a deeper pan to prevent dripping. For baking muffins or cupcakes, use a muffin pan to get the desired shape.

How to mix the batter

To make cornbread batter, you'll need to combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

For the dry ingredients, you'll need cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cornmeal is the star of the show here, and using finely ground yellow or white cornmeal will result in a fluffier cornbread. You can also add sugar to your dry ingredients if you prefer your cornbread on the sweeter side.

For the wet ingredients, you'll need milk, eggs, butter, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you're making a vegan cornbread, you can substitute plant-based milk and butter.

Once you have your ingredients, combine the dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, add in the wet ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. It's important not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser cornbread. You want to avoid deflating all those lovely air bubbles that give cornbread its fluffy texture!

Letting the batter sit for a few minutes after mixing will also help ensure a fluffy cornbread, as it gives the baking powder time to activate and create air bubbles.

And that's it! Your cornbread batter is now ready to be poured into your greased pan and air-fried to perfection.

How to cook the cornbread

Ingredients

• Cornmeal (yellow or white)
• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt (kosher or regular)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Milk (regular, non-dairy, or buttermilk)
• Eggs
• Sweetener (sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray

Optional Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños
• Scallions
• Bacon

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Toothpicks
• 8-inch round or square cake pan
• Air fryer baking pan accessory or oven-safe dish

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F–365°F for 5–8 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: melted butter, milk, eggs, and sweetener. Stir until just combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser cornbread.
• Spray your air fryer baking pan accessory or an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer with cooking spray or oil.
• Pour the batter into the pan.
• Place the pan into the air fryer and cook at 300°F–360°F for 18–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and let the cornbread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• For a spicy version, drizzle the cornbread with jalapeño simple syrup or mix it with butter to make jalapeño butter.
• For a sweeter cornbread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• For a cheesy twist, add some shredded cheese to the dry ingredients.
• To make cornbread muffins, use silicone muffin cups or liners and reduce the cooking time by half, checking every 1–2 minutes.
• To reheat cornbread, preheat your air fryer to 320°F–325°F and place the cornbread in the basket for 2–4 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to store and reheat cornbread

Storing and reheating cornbread is a simple process. If you plan to consume the cornbread within one to two days, it can be stored in an airtight container and kept in a pantry or kitchen. For longer storage, cornbread can be refrigerated or frozen.

Refrigerating Cornbread

If you plan to consume the cornbread within a few days, it is best to refrigerate it. Simply cover the cornbread with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. Refrigeration will extend the shelf life of cornbread by about two to three days.

Freezing Cornbread

Freezing is a great option if you want to extend the life of your cornbread for up to two to three months. Here are the steps to properly freeze cornbread:

• Let the cornbread cool completely before putting it in the freezer. Leaving it out at room temperature for a few hours should do the trick.
• Wrap the cornbread tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag to prevent it from drying out.
• Set your freezer to the lowest temperature setting a day or two before freezing the cornbread. Aim for a temperature of at least 0°Fahrenheit.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cornbread, thaw it at room temperature before unwrapping it. This will help the bread regain moisture.

Reheating Cornbread

There are several ways to reheat cornbread and bring it back to its former glory:

Oven

The oven is the best option for reheating cornbread and maintaining its moistness. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit.
• Place the cornbread on a baking sheet or back on the original baking tray.
• Cover the cornbread with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Reheat for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not exceed this time, or the bread will dry out.
• Brush the cornbread lightly with butter for added flavour (optional).
• Allow the cornbread to cool before serving.

Microwave

If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick and effective way to reheat cornbread:

• Place the cornbread in a microwave-safe container and cover it with a lid, plastic wrap, or a glass plate.
• Set the microwave to the reheat setting and heat for 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the size of the cornbread.
• Longer heating times will dry out the bread, so be cautious.
• Brush with butter for extra flavour (optional).
• Allow the cornbread to cool before serving.

Air Fryer

You can also use your air fryer to reheat cornbread:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325°Fahrenheit.
• Place a piece of cornbread in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat for 2 to 4 minutes or until warmed through.

Cornbread serving suggestions

Cornbread is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, or even a meal on its own. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried cornbread:

Savoury Suggestions:

• Chilli: Cornbread is a classic pairing with chilli, and for good reason. The soft, crumbly texture of the cornbread is perfect for soaking up the hearty, spicy chilli. It's a match made in heaven, and a great way to elevate a simple dish.
• Soups: Cornbread goes well with almost any soup, especially thick and hearty ones like split pea soup or ham and bean soup. It adds a nice contrast in texture and flavour, and is perfect for dipping.
• Pulled Pork: The sweetness of the cornbread is a great complement to the rich, smoky flavour of pulled pork. Whether you serve it on the side or use it as a sandwich bun, cornbread is a must-have with this BBQ favourite.
• Fried Chicken: Cornbread is the perfect counterpart to fried chicken. The sweet and light buttery nature of cornbread is a great match for the salty, indulgent goodness of fried chicken. It's a classic combination that never gets old.
• BBQ: Whether it's grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches, cornbread is a common side dish at barbecue restaurants. The sweet cornbread is a perfect match for the savoury, smoky flavours of BBQ sauce.
• Collard Greens: This Southern staple is a tasty and nutritious side dish for cornbread. Simmered low and slow with a touch of smoked meat, onion, and vinegar, collard greens offer a robust, earthy flavour that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cornbread.
• Roasted Vegetables: Cornbread also goes well with roasted veggies, especially Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, and bell peppers. The sweetness of the cornbread is a nice contrast to the slightly charred, caramelised flavour of roasted vegetables.
• Sausage: Savoury grilled smoked sausage or kielbasa is a perfect match for cornbread. The salty, tender sausage is balanced out by the sweet, fluffy cornbread, and of course, don't forget the BBQ sauce!
• Meatloaf: The savoury, beefy nature of meatloaf pairs well with the sweetness of cornbread. Swap out the dinner rolls for cornbread muffins, and you've got a match made in heaven.
• Pinto Beans: As any Southerner knows, pinto beans cry out for a side of cornbread. These beans, simmered for hours with a ham hock and onions, create a savoury and nourishing soup that is elevated by the addition of cornbread.
• Shepherd's Pie: This hearty, comforting dish is filled with ground meat and vegetables, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. The sweet, crumbly cornbread is a delightful contrast to the savoury filling, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Jambalaya: This Creole or Cajun dish is full of bold, spicy flavours. The mild, sweet cornbread is a great way to balance out the heat and make it a more festive, crowd-pleasing meal.
• Gumbo: This Southern dish, loaded with spices, sausage, seafood, and okra, is a burst of flavour that dances well with cornbread. The rich, thick consistency of gumbo pairs perfectly with slices of cornbread for dipping.
• Hot Dogs: Believe it or not, hot dogs and cornbread go well together. Just think of the humble corn dog – a hot dog dipped in cornbread batter and fried. Cornbread is a surprising but delicious counterpart to a hot dog.

Sweet Suggestions:

• Butter and Honey: This is a classic combination that is hard to beat. Slather some butter on your cornbread, drizzle with honey, and melt it all together for a few seconds in the microwave. It's a rich, sweet, and savoury combo that satisfies any craving.
• Jam: Cornbread is naturally sweet, so it pairs well with less sugary spreads like raspberry, fig, or orange jam. Butter and jam on cornbread is a simple yet delightful treat.
• Maple Syrup: For a sweet ending to your meal, drizzle some maple syrup over your cornbread. It's a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, especially if you have a soft spot for pancakes or waffles.
• Ice Cream: For a true dessert experience, top your cornbread with a scoop of ice cream. Corn ice cream is a traditional choice, but good old vanilla works just fine too.
• Fruit: For a healthier option, top your cornbread with sweet and savoury apples or other fruits. Baked apples, in particular, can add a nice, caramelised flavour to your cornbread.

Whether you're serving it as a snack, side, or main, these suggestions will take your air-fried cornbread to the next level!

Frequently asked questions