Looking for a quick and easy cornbread recipe made right in your air fryer? This deliciously moist and tender cornbread is ready in just 30 minutes thanks to the air fryer’s hot circulated air.
It has a classic cornbread flavor with a hint of sweetness from the creamed corn and sugar. The air fryer makes the outside crispy and golden brown while keeping the inside soft and cake-like.
With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, such as cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and egg, you can whip up this easy cornbread to enjoy as a sweet side or snack.
The step-by-step recipe ensure it comes out perfect every time. Keep reading for the full simple recipe for air fryer cornbread now!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Satisfying- This cornbread is super easy. With only a few ingredients that you likely have on hand, you can have fresh, warm cornbread on the table fast.
Perfectly Moist and Tender– Baking cornbread in the air fryer allows the inside to cook evenly while creating a deliciously crispy outer layer. Each bite melts in your mouth with a tender, moist texture that you just can’t achieve in the oven. The creamed corn ensures plenty of moisture too.
Versatile Side or Snack- This cornbread is simple enough to make every day yet special enough to serve guests. Enjoy it as a side to your favorite chili or soup, or snack on it plain. Drizzle it with honey butter for even more decadence. However you serve it, this cornbread is sure to be a hit.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this corn bread in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 4.5oz (125g) All-Purpose Flour
- 5.5oz (155g) Cornmeal
- 4.6 (130g) Sugar
- 8oz (250g) Creamed Corn
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Egg (large)
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy cornbread air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a bowl. Mix well, and then add the egg, oil, and creamed corn. Stir again – until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 2
Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Spray it with olive oil cooking spray. Then, pour the batter into it.
Step 3
Air fry at 350F (175C) for about 30 minutes. To check if the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then the bread is ready.
Step 4
Remove the pan from the air fryer and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before releasing the cornbread from the pan. That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer cornbread!
💡Tips
1. Allow the Cornbread to Cool Completely Before Cutting
It’s hard to resist slicing into freshly baked cornbread right away, but exercising some patience here pays off. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes first.
This allows it to finish cooking and set up properly on the inside. Cutting cornbread too soon causes it to break apart and dry out. Letting it rest ensures tidy, perfect slices every time.
2. Adjust Baking Time as Needed
The baking times given in cornbread recipes are simply guidelines since all air fryers operate a bit differently. Check your bread a few minutes early to see if the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If not, continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals, monitoring frequently to avoid overbaking. Adapt the time as needed based on your particular model.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
Once you master the basic recipe, get creative by adding mix-ins to make your cornbread unique. Stir in shredded cheese, corn kernels, diced jalapeños, or crumbled bacon before baking for a fun twist.
You can also substitute different types of flour, such as almond or coconut flour, for a different texture and flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
4. Grease the Pan Thoroughly
One of the biggest pitfalls when baking cornbread is having it stick to the pan. Be sure to grease your baking pan very well by rubbing the bottom and sides with a thin coating of butter or spraying generously with non-stick cooking spray.
This creates a protective barrier to keep the bread from bonding to the pan. Skipping this essential step often results in crumbling cornbread when you go to remove it.
Variations
1. Jalapeño Cornbread- Add 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup finely diced jalapeño peppers to the batter before baking. The spicy kick of the jalapeños paired with the creaminess of the cheese makes for an extra flavorful and delicious cornbread. Serve it alongside chili or soup.
2. Honey Butter Cornbread- While the cornbread bakes, mix together 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter with 2 tablespoons honey until fully incorporated. As soon as the cornbread comes out of the air fryer, spread the honey butter evenly over the top. Let it melt into the crevices. The sweet honey and salty butter take this cornbread in air fryer recipe over the top!
3. Bacon Cheddar Cornbread- Cook 8 slices bacon until crispy. Crumble and mix with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the bacon and cheese into the batter. Top with a little extra cheddar before baking. The smoky bacon flavor complements the sweet cornbread beautifully.
4. Southwest Cornbread- Add drained corn, diced green chilies, 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, and 2 teaspoons cumin to the batter. Top with shredded cheese and bake. This version has bold Tex-Mex flavors from the corn, chilies, pepper jack, and cumin.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make a keto and low carb version of this cornbread recipe, there are a few simple substitutions we can make:
Instead of all-purpose flour, use a low carb flour like almond flour or coconut flour. You may need to adjust the quantity to account for moisture and binding.
Replace the cornmeal with a nut meal like almond meal. You can also try using shredded low carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
Omit the sugar or replace it with a low carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You may be able to reduce or eliminate it entirely.
Swap the creamed corn for extra vegetables like riced cauliflower, diced mushrooms, shredded cheese, etc. This removes the corn carbs.
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten free version of this recipe, simply replace the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten free flour blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten free flour blend, which substitutes cup for cup for regular flour.
Other than replacing the all-purpose flour, you can follow the rest of the recipe as written. The cornmeal, creamed corn, oil, egg, baking powder, salt, and sugar are all naturally gluten free. Just mix the gluten free flour blend together with the cornmeal and other dry ingredients, then proceed with adding the wet ingredients.
Storage
This air fryer cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
To freeze the cornbread, let it cool completely after baking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag.
Defrost the cornbread overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Bring to room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave or air fryer before eating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of cornmeal should I use for this air fried cornbread recipe?
You can use either yellow cornmeal or white cornmeal. Yellow cornmeal will give the cornbread a richer corn flavor and slightly yellow color. White cornmeal will result in a more neutral taste and lighter color. Either variety will work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make substitutions for the creamed corn?
It’s best not to substitute the creamed corn in this recipe if possible. The consistency of creamed corn works well to give the cornbread body and moisture.
3. Can I make cornbread muffins instead of a square?
Yes! This recipe works great for making cornbread muffins too. Simply divide the batter evenly among 8-10 lined or greased muffin cups. Cook at the same temperature for 15-18 minutes, checking frequently toward the end, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, cornbread in an air fryer freezes well for later! Allow the cornbread to cool completely first. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag. It will keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Oven vs. Air Fryer
Cornbread is a beloved staple in many households. Its crispy edges and moist, tender middle make it the perfect accompaniment for soups, salads, and more. For years, people have baked cornbread in the oven.
However, today more and more home cooks are discovering that air fryers actually produce superior cornbread. Here’s why you should be using an air fryer instead of your oven to make cornbread:
More Even Browning
One common issue that arises when baking cornbread in the oven is uneven browning and cooking. The hot air circulates inconsistently in an oven, which means some spots end up more browned while other spots look pale and undone.
With an air fryer’s super hot air circulation, the cornbread gets hit from all angles, allowing for precise, even cooking and browning throughout.
Crispier Edges and Corners
While oven-baked cornbread often has soft edges and corners that lack crunch, air fryer cornbread gets delightfully crisp exterior edges. The intense convection heat of the air fryer sizzles and crisps the cornbread’s outer surface beautifully without drying it out.
Faster Cook Time
Air fryers preheat and cook very rapidly owing to their small cavity size and powerful heating elements. Whereas cornbread can take up to 45 minutes in the oven, most air fryer cornbread recipes take only 20-30 minutes or less from start to finish. This quicker cook time makes air fryers the perfect option for whipping up quick cornbread.
This easy cornbread recipe turns out perfect every time in the air fryer. The crisp edges and moist interior make it a hit at any meal. Be sure to check out more air fryer recipes for sides, mains, and desserts on the blog.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about making this air fryer cornbread or suggestions for other air fryer recipes you would like to see!
Air Fryer Cornbread
- 4.5 oz All-Purpose Flour (125g)
- 5.5 oz Cornmeal (155g)
- 4.6 oz Sugar (130g)
- 8 oz Creamed Corn (250g)
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Egg (large)
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- Add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a bowl. Mix well, and then add the egg, oil, and creamed corn. Stir again – until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Spray it with olive oil cooking spray. Then, pour the batter into it.
- Air fry at 350F (175C) for about 30 minutes. To check if the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then the bread is ready.
- Remove the pan from the air fryer and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before releasing the cornbread from the pan. That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer cornbread!
