Air-Fryer Corn Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Corn nuggets are a tasty treat that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried corn nuggets. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a blend of sweet and savoury flavours. This guide will take you through the simple process of making corn nuggets in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly.

How to make corn nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)
• Shortening (or butter/margarine)
• Egg
• Milk (any type)
• Oil (for frying)
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

Optional Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Cheese
• Green onions
• Mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt

Instructions

• Prepare the corn kernels: If using frozen corn kernels, defrost them in the microwave until they reach room temperature. Squeeze out any excess water from the kernels.
• Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted shortening. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. Finally, stir in the corn kernels.
• Form the nuggets: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form the batter into small balls and gently flatten them into nugget shapes.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-200°C).
• Cook the nuggets: Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each nugget to ensure even cooking. Spray the nuggets with cooking spray or lightly brush with oil for a crispier texture. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Remove the corn nuggets from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• If you prefer a more traditional deep-fried texture, you can also fry the corn nuggets in oil. Simply heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (180°C) and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes until golden brown.
• To ensure the oil is hot enough for deep frying, use a thermometer to check the temperature.
• Don't overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. Cook the nuggets in batches if necessary.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove excess grease and oil after frying.
• You can also bake the corn nuggets in the oven at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 12-20 minutes until golden brown.

Storage:

• To store leftover corn nuggets, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, place the nuggets in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
• To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or skillet. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the nuggets soggy.

How to cut corn off the cob

First, you will need to shuck the corn, removing the husks and silk. You can then use a sharp knife to carefully slice the kernels off the cob. Stand the corn cob upright on a cutting board and hold it at the top. Position your knife at the top of the cob and cut downwards in one stroke. Rotate the cob and repeat until all the kernels have been removed.

There are a few different methods you can use to avoid making a mess:

• Using a bowl or pie dish: Place the cob upright in a large bowl or pie dish to catch the kernels as you cut them. This can be unstable and it may be difficult to remove the kernels from the bottom of the cob.
• Using a Bundt pan: Place the tip of the cob in the hole in the center of the pan and cut straight down the side, rotating the cob until all the kernels have been removed. The bowl-like pan will catch the kernels. However, it can be time-consuming to get the kernels out of the pan, and the corn may not feel stable when cutting.
• Using a sheet pan: Place a small cutting board within a sheet pan with raised edges. Cut off one end of the cob to create a flat surface for stability, then stand the cob upright on the cutting board and cut downwards along each side, rotating until all the kernels are removed.
• Using a kitchen towel: Drape a clean kitchen towel over a cutting board and cut the kernels off. The towel will stop the kernels from bouncing and you can gather them up in the towel when finished.
• Using a corn stripper tool: This handy gadget can be useful if you are a beginner cook or prefer not to use a knife. Lay the corn on a cutting board and use the tool to peel the kernels off.

Once you have cut the kernels off the cob, you can also run the back of your knife down the cob to release the corn milk, which can add extra flavour to your dish.

Tips and tricks for making the best corn nuggets

• Use fresh or frozen corn kernels, but ensure they are completely thawed before starting the recipe.
• Pulse the corn and chickpea mixture in a food processor or blender until it reaches a coarse texture—be careful not to overdo it and make it too smooth.
• If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour. The mixture should hold together well enough to form nugget shapes.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can affect the cooking time and texture of the nuggets. Leave some space between each nugget to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the nuggets to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Lightly coat the nuggets with cooking spray or oil before air frying to help them crisp up.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Serve the nuggets immediately after cooking, as they will lose their crispness if left to sit too long.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your corn nuggets, you can include cheese, nutritional yeast, spices, herbs, hot sauce, or smoked paprika.

How to serve corn nuggets

Corn nuggets are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Corn nuggets can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack or appetizer. They are crispy, golden, and have a savory, slightly sweet flavor that makes them irresistible. You can also dip them in sauces like ranch, aioli, bang bang sauce, sweet chili, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

With Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement the corn nuggets. Some popular options include ketchup, copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, spicy mustard aioli sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, vegan ranch, chipotle mayo, and a homemade smokey sour cream sauce.

As a Side Dish

Corn nuggets make a great side dish for a range of meals. Serve them alongside meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. They also go well with a wedge salad, roasted vegetables, or a salad like coleslaw, spinach salad, or broccoli salad.

As Part of a Main Course

You can include corn nuggets as part of a heartier meal. Try serving them in a wrap or sandwich with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite sauce. They can also be added to a salad or grain bowl for some extra crunch and flavor.

On a Platter with Other Finger Foods

Arrange corn nuggets on a platter alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, vegan chicken wings, bacon jalapeno poppers, and more. This makes for a delicious and interactive appetizer spread.

With a Garnish or Sprinkle

Garnish corn nuggets with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor. You can also sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to give them an extra kick.

Storing and reheating corn nuggets

Storing Corn Nuggets

Leftover corn nuggets can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, let the nuggets cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It is recommended to lay them flat in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Reheating Corn Nuggets

When you're ready to enjoy your corn nuggets again, you can reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Reheating them in the microwave is not recommended as it will make them soggy. For oven reheating, place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until heated through. If reheating from frozen, this will take around 15 minutes. For the air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for about 4 minutes, or until crispy.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• If you're reheating a large batch of corn nuggets, it's best to arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.
• To maintain the crispy texture, avoid reheating in the microwave.
• If you're freezing the corn nuggets, it's best to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer to prevent any moisture buildup, which can affect their texture.
• You can also reheat the corn nuggets by frying them in a hot skillet for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.

Frequently asked questions