Air Fryer Cornbread: Perfect Timing For Golden Bread

Air fryer cornbread is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is a great side dish that is moist, fluffy, and flavourful. The cornbread can be made from scratch or with a boxed mix, such as Jiffy Cornbread Mix, and cooked in an air fryer at 310-320°F for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the type of pan used, so it is important to keep an eye on the cornbread to ensure it is cooked through.

Air Fryer Cornbread Characteristics

Jiffy cornbread mix

To make Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 310 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the cornbread mix by combining the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the specific Jiffy cornbread mix you are using, but typically you will need to add an egg and milk. Some recipes also suggest adding whole kernel corn for added texture and taste. You can also add other ingredients like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or vegetable oil for a more moist and rich cornbread.

Once the ingredients are combined, it is important to grease your pan to prevent the cornbread from sticking. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, avocado oil, or butter to grease the pan. Be sure to choose a pan that is not too thick, as this may affect the cooking process. An 8-inch springform pan or a Bundt pan is often recommended for Jiffy cornbread in an air fryer.

After greasing the pan, pour the cornbread batter into the pan and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 310 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on the cornbread to ensure it doesn't burn. To check if the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cornbread is ready. If not, you may need to cook it for an additional 5 minutes or until it is golden brown.

Once the cornbread is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool. You can serve it with butter on top or as a side dish with various meals. Air fryer Jiffy cornbread is a quick, easy, and delicious option for those who want to enjoy homemade cornbread without the fuss.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking cornbread in an air fryer is around 310-320°F.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 320°F, then reducing the temperature to 300°F before adding the cornbread batter. However, others recommend setting the air fryer to 310°F or 320°F and maintaining this temperature throughout the cooking process.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size and type of pan used. For example, one source recommends cooking cornbread muffins for half the time of a regular-sized cornbread, checking the muffins every 1-2 minutes after this to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, the type of cornbread mix or recipe used can also affect the cooking time and temperature. For instance, Jiffy Cornbread Mix, a popular and inexpensive option, typically cooks at 310°F for 15-20 minutes. On the other hand, a recipe that includes cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt cooks at 320°F for about 25 minutes.

Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the recipe or box instructions and adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Pan size and type

When making cornbread in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right pan size and type. The pan should fit comfortably inside your air fryer, with enough space to allow for airflow around the pan. A pan that is too thick or too large may not cook the cornbread evenly or efficiently.

There are several types of pans that are commonly used for making cornbread in an air fryer. One option is to use a round cake pan, typically ranging from 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Another popular choice is a springform pan, which comes in 6 or 8-inch sizes. A bundt pan is also a good option, as the hole in the centre of the pan helps with even cooking. If you're looking for a more unique shape, a round cheesecake pan or a bundt cake pan can be used, but be sure not to fill them all the way to the top as this can affect cooking.

If you prefer individually portioned cornbread, you can use silicone muffin cups or liners. These are a great option if you're looking for a snack-sized treat or wanting to speed up the cooking process. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will vary, and you may need to reduce it by half, checking the muffins frequently to ensure they don't overcook.

Cast iron skillets are another popular choice for making cornbread in an air fryer. They come in various sizes, such as the 10.25-inch cast iron pan mentioned in one source, but you can also find smaller sizes that fit comfortably in an air fryer. Using a cast iron skillet can give your cornbread a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

When choosing a pan for your air fryer cornbread, it's important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer basket to ensure the pan fits properly and allows for adequate airflow. Additionally, always spray your pan with cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil to ensure easy removal of the cornbread after baking.

Batter preparation

To prepare the batter for cornbread, you'll need to gather your ingredients and separate the dry from the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. You can also add in other dry ingredients like bacon, scallions, cheddar, or jalapenos, depending on your preference. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, such as melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and honey.

Once you have your dry and wet ingredients mixed separately, it's time to combine them. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense and tough cornbread. The batter should have a smooth top, but it's okay if there are still some lumps in it.

Before pouring the batter into the pan, it is recommended to let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and incorporate more air, resulting in a fluffier cornbread. It also gives the leavening power of the baking powder to shine and ensures a crispy crust.

If you are using a boxed cornbread mix like Jiffy, simply follow the instructions on the box. Typically, you will need to add an egg and milk to the mix, and mix well, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get everything combined.

Cooking time

The cooking time for cornbread in an air fryer varies depending on the type of pan used, the temperature set, and the specific air fryer model. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the cooking time:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to temperatures between 310°F and 320°F. The preheating time can vary, but generally, it is recommended to preheat for at least 5 minutes.

Preparing the Batter:

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the cornbread batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as cornbread mix, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Then, add the wet ingredients, such as egg, milk, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cornbread.

Cooking the Cornbread:

Once your batter is ready and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the cornbread. The cooking time will depend on the type of pan you use and the temperature you set.

If you are using a standard baking pan or a cast-iron skillet, spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil. Then, pour the batter into the pan and place it in the air fryer. Cook at 320°F for about 12 minutes. After this, open the air fryer and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the cornbread is cooked through. So, the total cooking time at this temperature will be around 16 to 17 minutes.

If you are using a Jiffy Cornbread Mix or a similar boxed mix, the cooking time may vary. Some sources recommend cooking at 310°F for 15 minutes and then checking if the cornbread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cornbread is ready. If not, you can add another 5 minutes to the cooking time until it is golden brown.

It is important to note that the cooking time may differ slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your cornbread. Always keep an eye on your cornbread while it's cooking, and adjust the time as needed.

Cooling and Serving:

Once your cornbread is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Cornbread can be served warm with butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam. It can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, in the refrigerator for about a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions