Air-Fryer Elote: A Quick, Crispy, And Easy Recipe

Elote, or Mexican Street Corn, is a popular Mexican street food that can be made at home using an air fryer. The dish is made by coating corn on the cob with a creamy sauce, seasonings, and cheese. The air fryer allows for a similar texture to grilled corn without the need for a grill. This recipe typically includes ingredients such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, and spices like chili powder and cilantro. The corn is cooked in the air fryer and then coated in the sauce and toppings. It is a quick and easy dish to make, perfect for a weeknight side or a fiesta.

Choosing the right corn

Go for Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the best choice for making elote. Look for ears of corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. The kernels should be plump and milky; avoid corn with dry or shrivelled kernels. If you can, give the corn a little squeeze to check for freshness – fresh corn will release a milky liquid when pressed.

Colour: Choose ears of corn with bright yellow or white kernels. Avoid corn with dull or discoloured kernels.

Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to break the corn in half to fit it into the basket. Check your air fryer's instructions or the manufacturer's website for guidance on the optimal size of food pieces for your particular model.

Frozen Corn: While fresh corn is always best, you can also use frozen corn if fresh is not available. Keep in mind that frozen corn can turn out chewy or mushy, so it's essential to cook it properly. If using frozen corn, follow the instructions provided with your air fryer for the best results.

Amount: This will depend on how many people you're serving and the size of your air fryer. As a general rule, allow for one to two ears of corn per person.

Storage: If you're not using the corn immediately, store it in the refrigerator. Place the ears of corn in their husks in a plastic bag and keep them in the crisper drawer. Fresh corn is best used within a few days of purchase.

By choosing the right corn and following the simple cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and flavourful elote made right in your air fryer!

Preparing the sauce

While the corn is cooking in the air fryer, it's time to prepare the sauce. The sauce is what makes elote so delicious and flavourful, so it's important to get it just right. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect elote sauce:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. You can adjust the measurements of these ingredients to your taste preferences. For a more tangy sauce, add more lime juice. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. You can also add in some garlic for an extra kick of flavour.
• Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. You can use a whisk or a spoon to mix, whichever you prefer.
• If you want to get creative, you can add some extra ingredients to your sauce. Some people like to add in some crumbled cotija cheese or even parmesan cheese to make it extra cheesy. You could also add in some chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of colour and freshness. Just make sure to taste your sauce as you go to ensure the flavours are balanced.
• Once your sauce is ready, set it aside until the corn is done cooking. You don't want to apply the sauce to the corn while it's still hot, as it will melt right off. Let the corn cool down for a few minutes before spreading the sauce.
• When the corn is cooled, brush each cob generously with the sauce. Make sure to get an even coating all over the corn. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to spread the sauce.
• After the sauce is applied, you can add some extra toppings to your elote. Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and freshly chopped cilantro on top of the sauce. These toppings will add even more flavour and texture to your dish.
• Finally, serve your elote with some lime wedges on the side. The lime wedges add a nice touch of acidity and freshness to the dish.

Now you have perfectly prepared elote with a delicious sauce! Enjoy your tasty treat!

Cooking the corn

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380-400° F. While the air fryer is heating up, brush each ear of corn with vegetable oil, melted butter, or olive oil. You can also season the corn with salt and pepper at this stage, if desired.

Next, place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the corn is not overcrowded. This will help to ensure even cooking and a good char on each ear of corn. Cook the corn for 5-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness. For smaller air fryers, you may need to cut the corn in half to fit.

Halfway through the cooking process, rotate or flip the corn to ensure even cooking on all sides. If you prefer your corn a bit more toasted, you can cook it for a few minutes longer.

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly before applying any toppings or sauces.

Your elote is now ready to be topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, and fresh herbs!

Applying the sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

While the corn is cooking in the air fryer, it is the perfect time to prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder. Mix these ingredients well until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. You can adjust the proportions according to your taste preferences. Some recipes also include garlic and cilantro in the sauce, adding a unique twist to the traditional elote sauce.

Step 2: Remove the Corn from the Air Fryer

Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Place the hot ears of corn on a plate or a platter, and allow them to cool down slightly before applying the sauce. This step is important for two reasons: it ensures that the sauce doesn't melt off and makes the corn easier to handle.

Step 3: Apply the Sauce

Now comes the fun part! Using a pastry brush, generously brush the sauce onto the corn. Make sure to coat the corn evenly on all sides, ensuring that every bite will be packed with flavour. Be as generous as you like with the sauce—after all, it's one of the best parts of elote!

Step 4: Sprinkle with Cheese

After saucing the corn, it's time to add the cheese. Crumbled cotija cheese is the traditional choice, but you can also use feta cheese, queso fresco, or even grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauced corn, ensuring it sticks to the sauce. The cheese adds a salty, tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish withsection of the corn, adding a bright and tangy note to the dish.

And there you have it! Your elote is now ready to be devoured. This Mexican street corn is a delicious and addictive treat, perfect as a snack or a side dish for your next fiesta. Enjoy the explosion of flavours and textures with every bite!

Adding the toppings

Now for the fun part: adding the toppings! While the corn is cooking, make your sauce by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder in a bowl. You can also add in some garlic, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for extra flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the chili powder for cayenne pepper to give your elote an extra kick. If you don't have any lime juice, lemon juice works just as well.

Once your corn is cooked, brush each cob with a generous amount of the sauce. You can be as liberal as you like with the sauce—the more, the better! Next, sprinkle each cob with cotija cheese. If you can't get your hands on any cotija, crumbled queso fresco or grated parmesan will also work. Finish off your elote with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

And there you have it! A delicious, air-fried elote that's perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish for your next Mexican feast.

Frequently asked questions