Air Fryer Corn Nuts: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Corn nuts are a crunchy, salty snack that can be made in an air fryer in under half an hour. The process is simple: start by soaking corn kernels in water to rehydrate them, then drain and spread them out to dry. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and add the corn, a small amount of oil, and your chosen seasoning. Shake the air fryer basket regularly to prevent burning and, once the corn nuts are crispy, transfer them to a paper towel to cool.

Choosing your corn

Corn nuts are made from large white corn kernels. You can also use hominy, which is a type of corn that has been treated with a basic solution to make it more delicious, nutritious, and digestible. Hominy is a good option if you want to avoid the hulls of corn kernels, as they can get stuck in your teeth. If you use dried hominy, you will need to soak it in water overnight before cooking. Canned hominy is already rehydrated, so it only needs to be drained and rinsed before cooking. If you want to use fresh or frozen corn, you can soak it in hot water for about five minutes before preparing it.

When selecting your corn, look for large white corn kernels or hominy. You will need a 14-16 ounce bag of hominy or large white corn. You can find this type of corn in Latin American grocery stores or online. If you are using canned hominy, look for a brand that offers giant white corn, as this type of corn will make incredibly crunchy corn nuts.

In addition to corn, you will need oil and your choice of seasonings. For the oil, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or bacon grease. As for seasonings, you can use Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, lemon juice, or any other spices you like. You can also use spice packets like Ranch, taco, or Old Bay Cajun seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different flavours!

Preparing the corn

If you choose to use hominy, you can buy it dried, canned, or make it yourself. If you buy dried hominy, you will need to rehydrate it following the same steps as for the giant white corn. If you buy canned hominy, simply drain and rinse it before adding it to the air fryer. You can also make your own hominy by treating corn with a basic solution to make it more delicious, nutritious, and digestible.

Once your corn is prepared, it's time to season it. You can use any combination of spices you like, such as Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning. You can also add a teaspoon of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mix. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a large bowl and set aside.

In addition to your corn and seasonings, you will also need some kind of cooking fat, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or bacon grease.

Air-frying the corn

Once your corn is prepared, it's time to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You can also give the basket a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray if you like. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your seasoning. In a large bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings and oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or another oil of your choice. For seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne, depending on your taste preferences.

Now it's time to cook the corn. Transfer the kernels to the bowl with the seasoning and oil, tossing them until they are evenly coated. Then, use a large spoon to transfer the kernels to the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer. It's important to not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches.

Air fry the corn for about 10 minutes, then shake the basket and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket again and cook for a final 5 minutes, or until the corn is crispy and golden. Transfer the corn nuts to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

You can also get creative with your seasonings and experiment with different flavours. Try making ranch corn nuts with ranch powder, cheese corn nuts with Kraft cheese powder, or even spicy corn nuts with Cajun seasoning or chili powder. The possibilities are endless!

Adding seasoning

There are many ways to season corn nuts made in an air fryer, and you can get creative with your own combinations. Corn nuts are a beloved snack in South America, Spain, and the Philippines, and they are very easy to make. You can use canned hominy, or start with dried hominy and rehydrate it yourself. Either way, you'll need to drain and rinse the hominy, then dry it out in the air fryer before drizzling with oil and air-frying.

Once your corn nuts are cooked, it's time to season. You can use any spice or spice blend you like, but it's important to season generously while the corn nuts are still hot so that the seasoning sticks. You can also add a teaspoon of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mix. Here are some specific ideas for seasoning combinations:

• Ranch corn nuts: Use Hidden Valley powder
• Cheese corn nuts: Use Kraft cheese powder
• Old Bay corn nuts
• Cajun corn nuts
• Trader Joe's seasoning mixes
• BBQ seasoning
• Chili powder
• Taco seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Cayenne or paprika
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Chilli powder
• Chaat masala
• Cumin
• Sumac
• Tajin spice
• Sugar and cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper

Storing the corn nuts

Airtight Containers:

Store your corn nuts in airtight containers or packages to prolong their freshness. Airtight containers help minimize exposure to moisture and air, which can affect the crispness and flavor of the corn nuts. This is especially important if you plan to store them for an extended period.

Storage Location and Temperature:

The ideal storage location for corn nuts is a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard that meets these conditions is suitable for short-term storage, typically up to one month.

For longer storage, you can consider refrigerating or freezing your corn nuts. Refrigerating corn nuts in airtight containers can extend their freshness for up to six months. Freezing is ideal for long-term storage, and corn nuts can be kept frozen for up to a year.

Storage Duration:

Corn nuts have different storage timelines depending on the storage conditions. At room temperature, corn nuts will typically stay fresh for up to one month. Refrigeration can extend this duration to six months, and freezing can further prolong their freshness for up to a year.

Freshness and Quality Indicators:

To ensure the corn nuts remain in good condition, pay attention to the following indicators of freshness and quality:

• Texture: Corn nuts should have a crisp texture. If they become soft, it may be due to exposure to moisture.
• Smell: A rancid or off-putting smell indicates that the corn nuts have gone bad and should not be consumed.
• Appearance: Check for visible mold or any discoloration, which suggests spoilage.
• Taste: If the corn nuts have an unusual or sharp taste, similar to rancid oil, they should not be eaten.

Safe Consumption Practices:

• Storage: Always store corn nuts in airtight containers to reduce the risk of spoilage.
• Best By Date: Use the 'Best By' date on the package as a general guideline, but also assess the nuts using sensory cues, such as smell, appearance, and taste.
• Food Safety: If you have any doubts about the quality or freshness of the corn nuts, it is best to discard them to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

By following these storage instructions and tips, you can enjoy your homemade corn nuts at their best while maintaining food safety and maximizing their freshness and crunchiness!

Frequently asked questions