Air-Fried Cornbread: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cornbread is a quick and easy side dish that goes with almost everything. It is one of those delightfully easy dishes that you can whip up in a flash. You can make cornbread in an air fryer in a few simple steps. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make cornbread in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Choosing the right pan

Pan Material

You can use any oven-safe pan in your air fryer, including metal, as long as it fits properly without touching the heating elements. However, it is important to avoid using a glass baking dish as it may shatter due to the high temperatures.

Pan Size and Shape

The size and shape of the pan depend on the capacity of your air fryer. Choose a pan that fits into your air fryer while allowing adequate airflow. A thin-walled pan is ideal as it ensures proper circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider using a mini cast-iron skillet or a small round baking pan, such as a 32-ounce or 7-inch pan. For larger air fryers, you can opt for a standard 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan or a loaf pan. Bundt pans are also an excellent choice as the hole in the center ensures even cooking.

Pan Depth and Batter Amount

It is important to select a pan that provides sufficient depth for your cornbread batter. If your pan is too shallow, the batter may overflow. On the other hand, if you use a deeper pan, such as a loaf pan, your cornbread will require a longer cooking time. Additionally, avoid filling your pan to the brim with batter, as it will not cook evenly. Leave some space for the batter to rise and ensure it is no more than two-thirds full.

Pan Type for Muffins

If you plan to make cornbread muffins in your air fryer, opt for silicone muffin cups or liners. Paper liners are not recommended as they are too lightweight and may not hold the batter properly. Spray the silicone cups with cooking spray before filling them with batter.

Adjusting Baking Time

Remember that the baking time may vary depending on the pan you choose. A smaller pan with deeper batter will take longer to cook, while cornbread muffins will cook faster. Always use a toothpick to test if your cornbread is done; insert it into the center of the cornbread, and if it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready.

Combining the dry ingredients

Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix them well so that they are fully incorporated. You can also use a fork or a spoon to mix, but a whisk will help to ensure that there are no lumps. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix to ensure that all the ingredients are fully combined.

Once your dry ingredients are well combined, you can move on to the next step of adding the wet ingredients.

Adding the wet ingredients

To make cornbread in an air fryer, you'll need to combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the dry ingredients.

Firstly, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add in the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, milk, and honey/maple syrup. Give this a good stir until everything is combined. You can also add in melted butter to this mixture. If you're making a spicy version, you can add in some diced chilli peppers or jalapeños.

Before adding the wet ingredients to the dry, make sure to let the eggs come to room temperature. This will ensure the batter mixes well and cooks evenly.

Now, simply pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to denser, drier cornbread.

Baking the cornbread

Now that you've prepared your cornbread batter, it's time to bake it in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly baked cornbread:

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

First, ensure you have the right baking pan for your air fryer. It's important to use a pan that fits well in your air fryer while still allowing adequate airflow. A thin-walled pan is ideal. You can use a round baking pan, a loaf pan, a disposable foil pan, or even a Bundt pan. Silicone muffin cups are also a great option if you want to make cornbread muffins. Spray your chosen pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pour the Batter

Pour the prepared cornbread batter into your greased baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter and ensure it is evenly distributed in the pan. If you're using a cake pan or a skillet, you may want to cover the pan with foil before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cornbread

Place the pan with the batter into your preheated air fryer. Set the temperature to between 320°F and 360°F. The ideal baking time will depend on the size and shape of your pan, but it typically takes around 15 to 25 minutes for cornbread to bake in an air fryer. For muffins, the baking time will be shorter, around 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To check if your cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the centre of the bread. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any wet batter sticking to it, your cornbread is ready. If not, return it to the air fryer and bake for a few more minutes before checking again.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cornbread is baked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly in the pan. Then, slice and serve it warm. You can enjoy it as is or with a pat of butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam. Cornbread is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various meals, including BBQ ribs, chili, and pulled pork.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Storage:

Cornbread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze it for up to three months.

Reheating:

To reheat your cornbread, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. If using the air fryer, preheat it to 325°F and place a piece of cornbread in the basket. Air fry for 2 to 4 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed to your liking. In the microwave, cover the cornbread with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in short intervals until warm.

Storing and reheating

Storing Cornbread

Cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, it may be better to store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week. However, the refrigerator can dry out cornbread, so it is recommended to freeze any cornbread that will not be eaten within a day or two.

To freeze cornbread, wrap individual slices or a whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. Cornbread can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Cornbread

There are several ways to reheat cornbread, each with its pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cornbread in aluminium foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and is ideal for reheating a whole loaf of cornbread.
• Microwave: Place the cornbread on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method is quick and convenient, and the damp paper towel helps keep the cornbread moist.
• Stovetop: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Place the cornbread slices in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and toasted. This method gives the cornbread a buttery and crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cornbread slices in the air fryer basket and spritz them with a small amount of water or top them with butter. Reheat for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quick and easy, but it may dry out the cornbread slightly.
• Toaster: Place the cornbread slices in the toaster and toast for 2-3 minutes. This method is easy, but it can be messy and may cause the cornbread to fall apart.

It is important to note that the fresher the cornbread is, the better it will be after reheating. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze any cornbread that will not be eaten within a day or two to maintain its freshness.

Frequently asked questions