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

Mexican street corn, or elotes, is a popular Mexican street food often seen at county fairs and food festivals. It is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The corn is cooked to perfection and then coated in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese and spices, resulting in a tasty and healthy snack.

Choosing the right corn

First, always opt for fresh corn instead of frozen. Fresh corn will give you the sweet, juicy crunch that is key to this dish. Frozen corn tends to become mushy and watery, so it's best avoided. Look for corn with bright green husks and moist silks, as these are signs of freshness. If you can't find fresh corn, choose a high-quality frozen brand with plump kernels.

When preparing your corn, you'll need to shuck it and cut it to fit your air fryer basket. You can then coat it with butter or a light spray of oil before seasoning and cooking.

Some recipes call for white or yellow corn, which can be air-fried to perfection, resulting in sweet, crispy kernels.

Remember, the quality of your ingredients will impact the final taste of your Mexican corn, so choose the freshest corn you can find and enjoy the delicious results!

Preparing the corn for the air fryer

Start by peeling and shucking your corn, then give it a good rinse and pat it dry. If your corn is too long to fit in the air fryer, cut it down to size. You can then brush the corn with melted butter or a light spray of oil. Alternatively, you can roll the corn in a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder before placing it in the air fryer.

Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the corn in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F and cook for around 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through. The corn is ready when the kernels are tender and lightly browned.

Air frying the corn

Air-frying corn is a quick and easy way to make Mexican street corn. It's best to use fresh corn on the cob, but frozen corn can be used if you don't have access to fresh corn. If using frozen corn, it's recommended to rinse it under water first to help it thaw out.

To prepare the corn for air frying, shuck and rinse the corn, then pat it dry. Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray or brush it with oil, melted butter, or butter alternative such as a butter spray or light spray of oil.

Air fry the corn at 370-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-16 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the corn, how full the air fryer basket is, and the model and size of the air fryer. For a charred look, lightly spray the corn again after flipping it.

Once the corn is done, remove it from the air fryer and spread a sauce or crema all over it. The sauce can be made by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Then, sprinkle the corn with extra crumbled cheese, paprika, or chili powder, and serve with lime wedges.

Making the sauce

Some recipes suggest adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cilantro to the sauce. You can also add extra paprika or chipotle for extra flavour, and a little butter to make the sauce creamier.

Adding toppings

There are many different toppings you can add to your Mexican corn to elevate the dish and add extra flavour. Here are some ideas:

Cheese

Cotija cheese is the traditional choice for Mexican corn, also known as elotes. It's a salty, crumbly cheese that doesn't melt, adding a distinct texture and taste. However, if you can't get your hands on cotija cheese, feta or parmesan are good substitutes, although the flavour will be different.

Herbs

Chopped cilantro is a popular herb to add to Mexican corn. It provides a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy elements of the dish. You can use dried cilantro, but fresh is best for maximum flavour.

Spices

Chilli powder is commonly used in Mexican corn, but for a more authentic flavour, try Tajín, a Mexican seasoning made with chilli peppers, lime and salt. Paprika can also be used for colour and flavour, and a pinch of cayenne will add extra spice.

Sauces

You can make a sauce for your Mexican corn by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain Greek yoghurt with the seasonings, including lime juice, and brushing it onto the cooked corn.

Extras

For an extra kick of garlic, add some garlic powder to your sauce. You can also add extra toppings such as green onions, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions