Air-Fried Cornbread: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer cornbread is a quick, simple, and delicious dish that can be made with just three ingredients and is a great alternative to making cornbread in a cast-iron skillet. It is soft, moist, and fluffy, with a crispy exterior, and can be served as a side dish or a snack. The cooking time for air fryer cornbread is typically around 15-30 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the size and shape of the pan used. To make air fryer cornbread, you will need a mixing bowl, a baking pan or silicone muffin cups, and cooking spray. The ingredients and step-by-step recipe will be covered in the following paragraphs.

Air fryer cornbread ingredients

Air fryer cornbread is a quick, simple, and delightful recipe that can be made with just a handful of simple ingredients. The ingredients you will need depend on whether you are making the cornbread from scratch or using a box of Jiffy cornbread mix.

If you are making the cornbread from scratch, you will need the following dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. You can also add in some additional ingredients for fun and tasty variations, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeño, or cooked pork sausage crumbles. Keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may change the texture of your cornbread.

For the wet ingredients, you will need buttermilk, melted butter, and an egg. You can also add in some honey to make the cornbread slightly sweet. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk as a substitute.

If you are using a box of Jiffy cornbread mix, simply follow the instructions on the box. Different brands have different instructions and varieties. You can also add in some extra ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as whole kernel sweet corn.

In addition to the ingredients, you will need a pan that fits into your air fryer. An 8-inch springform pan or a 6-inch springform pan are good options. You can also use a Bundt pan, which cooks more evenly due to the hole in the center. For cornbread muffins, you can use silicone muffin cups.

Air fryer cornbread recipe

Air fryer cornbread is a quick, simple, and delicious recipe that can be made with just a few ingredients. It is a great side dish for BBQ ribs, your favourite chilli, or even as a snack. The air fryer crisps the exterior while leaving the cornbread moist.

Ingredients:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Buttermilk
• Butter
• Honey
• Egg

Optional Ingredients:

• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Chopped Jalapeño
• Cooked pork sausage crumbles
• Corn

Steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F.
• Spray an air fryer-safe baking pan with cooking spray. You can use a round cake pan, a loaf pan, or a bundt pan.
• In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and egg.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cornbread dense and dry.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for about 12 minutes.
• Open the air fryer and cover the pan with aluminium foil.
• Continue air frying for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through. The total cooking time should be around 16-17 minutes.
• Remove the cornbread from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can also make cornbread muffins by pouring the batter into silicone muffin cups. Muffins will cook faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For a softer and moister cornbread, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk.
• To reheat leftover cornbread, place it in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
• Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Air fryer cornbread temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking cornbread in an air fryer depend on the type of cornbread you are making. For example, cornbread muffins will cook faster than a whole cornbread.

If you are making cornbread muffins, preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray your silicone muffin cups with cooking spray and fill them 3/4 of the way with batter. The muffins will take around 10 minutes to cook, but you should keep an eye on them. If the tops are golden but the insides are still wet, cover them with aluminium foil and cook for a few more minutes.

If you are making a whole cornbread, the temperature and time will depend on the size and shape of the pan you are using. For example, if you are using a loaf pan, your cornbread will need a thicker batter and will take longer to cook. If you are using a Bundt pan, you don't have to worry about the centre being cooked through since there is no centre. Make sure that your pan is thin-walled to allow for airflow and even cooking.

Most recipes for whole cornbread in an 8-inch round cake pan recommend cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. However, one recipe suggests cooking at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This recipe also warns against cooking at a higher temperature, as it may brown the cornbread too much on top.

Air fryer cornbread toppings and sides

Air fryer cornbread is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main, and paired with various toppings and sides to elevate the flavour. Here are some ideas for toppings and sides to accompany your air fryer cornbread:

Toppings

• Butter: A classic topping, butter adds richness and moisture to cornbread. For an extra indulgent touch, try whipped honey butter or simply drizzle honey over the cornbread.
• Maple Syrup: For a sweet and sticky treat, drizzle maple syrup over your cornbread. This combination is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and can transport you back to childhood.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Butter: For a spicy kick, top your cornbread with jalapeno cheddar butter. This topping adds a savoury and creamy element to the cornbread.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream provides a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweetness of the cornbread. For an extra indulgent bite, add some shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Sugar: A sprinkle of sugar on top of your cornbread can add a sweet and crispy element to the dish.

Sides

• Chilli: Cornbread pairs well with chilli, adding a spicy kick to the meal.
• BBQ Foods: Cornbread is a perfect side for BBQ dishes, such as ribs or chicken wings. It helps to balance out the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.
• Stews: Cornbread can be a great addition to a hearty stew, providing a soft and fluffy contrast to the savoury dish.
• Pork: Pork and cornbread are a classic combination. Try air fryer pork loin, boneless pork chops, or ham alongside your cornbread for a delicious meal.

With its versatility and simple preparation, air fryer cornbread is a great option for a quick snack or side dish to elevate your meal.

Air fryer cornbread storage

Air fryer cornbread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, use the reheat setting on your air fryer or a microwave. To keep the cornbread moist during reheating, cover it with a damp paper towel.

If you have made cornbread muffins, these will cook faster than a regular-sized cornbread, so be sure to keep an eye on them. If the tops are golden but the insides are still wet, cover them with aluminium foil. Cornbread muffins are usually cooked to perfection in 16-17 minutes at 320°F.

Frequently asked questions