Air Fryer Cornbread Recipe With Expert Tips

Craving that warm, comforting taste of cornbread with a crispy, golden edge? Look no further than your air fryer! This magical kitchen appliance can whip up perfectly textured cornbread in a fraction of the time compared to traditional ovens. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and fluffy Jiffy mixes or prefer a homemade approach with endless customization options, air fryer cornbread is about to become your new go-to side dish.

Why Air Fry Your Cornbread?

There are several reasons to ditch the oven and embrace the air fryer for your next cornbread adventure:

• Speed and Convenience: Air fryers cook significantly faster than ovens, getting your cornbread on the table in under 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying sudden cravings.
• Crispy Perfection: The concentrated heat circulation in air fryers creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. No more dry, crumbly cornbread!
• Healthier Option: Compared to traditional methods that use generous amounts of oil, air frying uses significantly less fat, making your cornbread a lighter and guilt-free indulgence.
• Endless Possibilities: From sweet and savory variations to incorporating cheese, jalapeños, or other delicious add-ons, air fryer cornbread offers endless room for customization.

Craving some delicious cornbread but want to try it in your air fryer? You’re in luck! Here are two recipes to choose from, one using a boxed mix and another made from scratch:

Option 1: Easy Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread

This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and simple option.

Ingredients:

1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1/2 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray for seasoning the pan

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C).
• Spray an air fryer-safe baking pan or oven-safe round dish that fits in your air fryer with oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, sugar (if using), egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Air fry for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Option 2: Air Fryer Cornbread from Scratch

This recipe offers a bit more control over the ingredients and allows you to customize it to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Spray an air fryer-safe baking pan or ramekins with oil. Fill the pan or ramekins ¾ full of batter.
• Air fry for 13–15 minutes for the ramekins 20–25 minutes for the baking pan, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Cornbread Tips:

• For a sweeter cornbread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• For a more savory cornbread, add a chopped jalapeño or crumbled cheese to the batter.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on your cornbread and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How Long to Cook Cornbread In The Air Fryer?

The cooking time for cornbread in the air fryer depends on several factors, including:

Recipe: Boxed mixes like Jiffy tend to cook faster than cornbread made from scratch.
Quantity: Smaller ramekins or individual portions will cook quicker than a large pan of cornbread.
Air Fryer Model: Different air fryers have varying heating capacities and airflow, leading to slight variations in cooking times.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Jiffy Cornbread: Cook for 15–20 minutes at 310°F (165°C).

Cornbread from Scratch:

• Ramekins: Cook for 13-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Baking Pan: Cook for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

However, it’s important to:

• Use a toothpick test: After the initial cooking time, insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, cook for a few more minutes and check again.
• Consider your specific recipe: Check the recipe notes for any specific cooking time recommendations.
• Start with less time and adjust: It’s better to undercook and add more time than to overcook and end up with dry cornbread.
• Monitor your air fryer: Keep an eye on the cornbread during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t burn.

By following these tips and using the recommendations as a starting point, you can adjust the cooking time to perfectly suit your air fryer and recipe for delicious cornbread every time!

Air Fryer Cornbread FAQs