Air-Fryer Street Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular dish sold in street carts in Mexico and around the world. It is traditionally made by grilling ears of fresh corn and then coating them in a sour cream mixture, cotija cheese, chilli powder, and lime juice. This recipe can be made at home in an air fryer in just 10 minutes. The corn is cooked in the air fryer and then coated in a sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices. The sauce can be brushed on the corn or served as a dip.

Choosing the right corn

Start by examining the silks, which are the long hair-like strands protruding from the top of the corn cob. Look for silks that are brown and tacky, as this indicates the presence of moisture in the cob and signifies freshness. Avoid corn with dry, dark brown, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.

Next, take a close look at the husks, the green leaf-like coverings that wrap around the corn. Opt for corn with bright green husks, free from excessive brown spots or tiny holes at the tops, which could indicate the presence of worms. The husks should be tightly clinging to the corn, and slightly dampness is a good sign of freshness.

When selecting your corn, gently squeeze the ear, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It should feel firm, and the individual kernels should be plump. Avoid ears of corn with voids or soft spots.

If you're buying corn from a farmer's market, you can ask the farmer when the corn was picked, as the freshest corn will have the best flavour. Also, look for farmers who keep their corn refrigerated, as this helps maintain its sweetness.

When preparing the corn for cooking, remove the husks and silk, giving the corn a rinse before brushing it with oil and placing it in the air fryer.

Remember, when it comes to choosing corn, freshness is key. By following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to selecting the perfect corn for your air fryer street corn recipe.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, it is important to select the right air fryer for your needs. If you are cooking for a larger group, consider a bigger air fryer like the 6-quart option mentioned in one source. Alternatively, a smaller 2-quart air fryer is perfect for preparing a couple of ears of corn. Ensure your air fryer is clean and dry before use, and always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for safety guidelines.

Now, let's get into the specifics of preparing the air fryer for cooking street corn:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for corn doneness. Most recipes recommend preheating for around 2-3 minutes.
• Prepare the corn: Shuck the corn and remove the silk. You might need to trim the corn to ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer. If your corn is too large, you can cut the ears in half and cook them in batches. Some recipes suggest spritzing or brushing the corn with a small amount of oil at this stage.
• Season the corn: This step is optional but can add extra flavour to your street corn. You can season the corn with salt, pepper, paprika, or other spices of your choice. Be generous, as this will enhance the flavour of the corn.
• Place the corn in the air fryer: Arrange the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the cobs for the air to circulate. Do not stack the corn to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the corn: Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the corn for 8-15 minutes. Most recipes recommend flipping the corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the corn to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Check for doneness: After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs. The corn should be tender, with a slightly charred exterior. If you prefer your corn more toasted, you can always put it back in the air fryer for a few extra minutes.

Remember, every air fryer is unique, so don't be afraid to adjust temperatures and cooking times slightly to achieve the perfect street corn for your taste!

Brushing the corn with oil

Brushing your corn with oil is an important step in making street corn in an air fryer. It helps to "air fry" the corn and keep it from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a spoon to drizzle the oil onto the corn or use a non-aerosol oil spray. It is recommended to use olive oil, and you will need about one tablespoon for each ear of corn.

Once you have your corn and oil ready, it's time to start preparing. First, place the corn in the basket of the air fryer. This will make it easier to access and manipulate the corn while you brush it with oil. Make sure that the corn is in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded, as this will ensure even cooking.

Next, take a food-safe brush and dip it into the oil. You can also pour a small amount of oil onto a plate and dip the brush into it as needed. Start brushing the oil onto the corn, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Use a light touch and work quickly so that the oil doesn't pool or drip. You can also use your hands to rub the oil onto the corn, ensuring an even coating.

After brushing the corn with oil, you can proceed to season it with salt and pepper or any other desired spices. Then, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the corn

To make street corn in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 390 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Shuck the corn and remove the silk. You may need to trim the corn to fit it into your air fryer. Spritz the corn with a tiny amount of spray oil and place it in the air fryer. Fry the corn for 5 minutes, then carefully turn it with tongs and fry for another 5 to 6 minutes. The corn is ready when it is tender and slightly charred on the outside.

While the corn is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, and any additional ingredients such as garlic, lime juice, and salt. You can also add some crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco to the sauce. If you want a spicier sauce, add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder.

Once the corn is done, remove it from the air fryer and brush all sides with the sauce. You can be generous with the sauce as this will help the cheese and spices adhere to the corn. Next, sprinkle the corn with the cheese and add more spices if desired. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice and sprinkling chopped cilantro over the corn. Remember to taste as you go and add salt only if needed, as the cheese is quite salty.

Your air fryer street corn is now ready to be served! Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet corn, savory toppings, and smoky flavours.

Adding toppings

Once your corn is cooked, it's time to add toppings! In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Brush the cooked corn on the cob with this mixture, being as liberal as you like. You can also roll each piece of corn in the mayonnaise mixture until all sides are covered.

Next, sprinkle the corn with your chosen cheese. If you're using cotija, queso fresco, or feta cheese, crumble it finely with your fingers so that you get a bit in every bite. If you're using parmesan, grate it over the corn.

Then, add your chosen spices. You can sprinkle on some chili powder, paprika, and/or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Don't forget to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to finish it off!

If you want to get creative, you can add some unique toppings. For a zesty lime kick, add lime zest to the sour cream mixture and squeeze some lime juice over the corn before serving. For a sweet and spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne, salt to taste, and drizzle hot honey over the corn. If you like some heat, finely chop fresh or pickled jalapenos and mix them into the sour cream mixture.

Frequently asked questions