Air-Fried Cornbread: A Quick, Crispy, And Easy Recipe

Cornbread is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a great addition to almost any meal, especially if you have BBQ ribs or your favourite chilli. It can be paired with Baked Beans, Taco Salad, or even served as an afternoon snack. It can be made with simple ingredients and is a perfect alternative to making cornbread in a cast-iron skillet.

Choosing the right pan

You can use a variety of pan types to make cornbread in an air fryer, including:

• An air fryer baking pan accessory, often made of metal
• An oven-safe round dish, such as a cake pan
• A small bundt pan or cake pan, which can be a good option if you want to ensure even cooking as the hole in the centre of the pan promotes airflow
• A cast-iron skillet, which is a traditional choice for making cornbread
• Silicone, paper, or foil muffin cups or liners for making individual cornbread muffins

When selecting a pan, it is important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer, as well as the desired thickness of your cornbread. If you choose a larger pan, your cornbread will be thinner and may require less cooking time. Conversely, if you opt for a smaller pan, your cornbread will be thicker and may need to bake for longer.

Additionally, it is important to avoid using a glass baking dish in an air fryer, as it may shatter due to the intense heat. Instead, opt for a thin-walled metal or silicone pan that is specifically designed for use in an air fryer or oven.

Mixing the batter

To make cornbread in an air fryer, you'll need to start by mixing your batter. For this, you'll need a large mixing bowl and a whisk.

First, combine your dry ingredients in the bowl. This includes the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.

Next, you'll add in the wet ingredients. This includes the buttermilk, eggs, milk, honey, and/or maple syrup. Stir these ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture of your cornbread. You may want to beat the eggs before adding them to the bowl, as this can improve the texture of the batter. Additionally, allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes after mixing can help to prevent your cornbread from becoming dense.

At this point, you can also add in any optional mix-ins, such as chopped chili peppers, corn, or shredded cheese. However, be sure not to add too much, as this can affect the consistency of your batter.

Once your batter is mixed, you're ready to move on to the next step of making cornbread in your air fryer!

Cooking the cornbread

Now that you've gathered your ingredients and prepared your pan, it's time to cook your cornbread! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, it's important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 310°F to 320°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking and should not be skipped.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients, including the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, in a separate bowl, mix your wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, milk, honey or maple syrup, and melted butter.

Now, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix everything until it's just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cornbread. You want the batter to be well combined but still a bit lumpy.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray your chosen baking pan (round cake pan, cast-iron skillet, or muffin liners) with cooking spray. Make sure your pan is oven-safe and fits comfortably in your air fryer, allowing for airflow around the dish. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to even out the top.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can cover the pan with foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help contain the moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cornbread

Place the pan into your preheated air fryer and set the temperature to 300°F to 360°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your pan, but on average, it should take around 15 to 25 minutes.

For a 6-inch skillet or cake pan, aim for the longer cooking time of 25 minutes. If you're making cornbread muffins, they will cook faster, usually in about 10 to 15 minutes. Always check that your cornbread is cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the centre – if it comes out clean, your cornbread is done!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the cornbread from the air fryer and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing or serving. Cornbread is best served warm, and you can top it with butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam for extra flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a savoury version by topping your cornbread with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, or spice it up with jalapeño cheddar butter.

Storing and Reheating Cornbread:

Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat your cornbread, simply pop it into the air fryer at 325°F for 2 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Adding toppings

Once your cornbread is ready, you can add toppings to elevate the dish. Here are some ideas:

• Butter: Melted butter can be drizzled over the cornbread, or you can simply serve it with a slab of butter on top.
• Honey: Drizzle some honey on top of your cornbread for a sweet treat.
• Maple Syrup: For a classic pairing, try drizzling maple syrup on your cornbread.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Butter: For a spicy kick, top your cornbread with jalapeno cheddar butter.
• Sour Cream and Cheddar Cheese: For a savoury snack, add some sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese on top of your cornbread.
• Jalapenos: If you like it spicy, add some chopped jalapenos on top.
• Chilli: For an extra kick, add some chopped chilli peppers to your cornbread.
• Corn: Toss in some sweet corn kernels into the batter for a more traditional cornbread flavour.

Storing leftovers

If you don't think you'll eat all the cornbread within a week, you can freeze it. Again, make sure it's completely cooled down, then wrap the cornbread in foil and place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date, and it will stay fresh for up to three months.

To reheat your cornbread, simply pop it in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently asked questions