Air Fryer Cornbread

Air Fryer Cornbread is such an easy side dish recipe. Perfect for pairing with your favorite main course or topping with honey and butter and enjoying every bite. You can easily make cornbread quickly with this simple air fryer recipe. 

The fun part about making cornbread is that the batter is quick and easy to make. This cornbread recipe is also very foolproof as well since the air fryer takes over and does all the hard work.

The texture of cornbread cooked in the air fryer is one of the reasons it's so popular. The top offers a crispy crust, while the middle is moist and delicious. Some people like to pair their cornbread with ham and beans, while others use it as a compliment to meats.

In our house, we're split. Adding a drizzle of honey on top of warm cornbread offers a flavor that is addictive and sweet. It's amazing how fried cornbread can be something served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert. It's all about how you want to eat and enjoy it.

Since this recipe is made without having to use all purpose flour, it's a simple gluten-free side! I love whipping it up for dinner, and enjoying leftovers all week long.

Speaking of simple recipes, be sure to check out my Smoked Cornbread for a smoky addition to any meal. These recipes aren't low in carbohydrates or calories, but they are delicious!

Ingredients

Cornbread mix - You can choose a mix of your choice. I like to use Jiffy Cornbread Mix. You could also use various kinds of cornmeal like white cornmeal. 

Whole kernel corn - Sweetened canned corn works excellently. 

Sour cream - This adds moisture to the recipe. 

Milk - Helps to bind and add richness. You could use buttermilk as well. 

Egg - Adds a little protein and holds everything together while cooking. 

Sugar - Just a tad for sweetness. 

Baking powder - Helps to give the cornbread some fluff. Make sure both baking powder and baking soda are fresh before you use them.

Salted butter - Adds flavor and a buttery richness. If you have unsalted butter just add a pinch of salt.

How to Make Air Fryer Cornbread

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Grab a medium bowl or large mixing bowl large enough to make the batter.

Step Two: Mix all the ingredients until it is nice and smooth.

Step Three: Pour the cornbread mixture into a baking dish that has been greased. I have an Instant Pot with the Air Fryer Lid so I used the cake pan made for Instant Pot that is 7.7 inches. Make sure that the dish or silicone molds you use fits into the air fryer. (Remove the air fryer basket, if needed, depending on your model). 

Step Four: Cook for 15 minutes. Once that time has passed, reduce the heat to 250 degrees and cook for another 15 minutes. The top should be golden brown and not have any jiggle to it.

Expert Tip: The baking time for this recipe will vary based on your baking pan and air fryer. This time is an estimate.

Variations

Add cheese - Putting in some cheddar cheese to mix with the cornmeal batter is a great way to make savory cornbread. The cheese will melt quickly once you are making this air fry cornbread.

Add bacon - If you really want to change the flavor, add some cooked crumbled bacon into the mixture.

Make it spicy - You can easily add a jalapeno pepper to the mixture, too. Fresh jalapenos or pickled jalapenos will work.

Gluten-free - If you use a gluten-free cornbread mix this can be gluten-free. You want to use 8.5 ounces of mix.

Common Questions

Can I use this recipe to make air fryer cornbread muffins?

Yes, you can! Air fryer cornbread recipes are really versatile and simple to make. You can use a muffin pan and cook the muffins in the air fryer.

You can also bake this recipe in the oven, too. Add some cooking spray to silicone muffin cups and bake in the oven until the cornbread is cooked all the way.

Can I make a small batch of this cornbread recipe?

You can. Once you mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients in the bowl, you can scoop out and use as much of the mixture as you want.

Making mini cornbread is a fun way to make a simple serving size to share. Just be sure that you adjust the cooking time so that you don't overbake the mixture.

This is a great way to make batches of cornbread so that they're hot and ready to eat.

How do I store leftover cornbread?

Letting the cooked cornbread cool down completely is key. Once it's cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

If you want to warm the cornbread before eating, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also add leftovers to the freezer and save them for later.

What do I serve cornbread with?

There are so many options on what to pair with air fryer cornbread! Chili is always a great idea. You can also serve it with stews and soups as well.

Don't forget that melted butter on top is delicious!

How do I know when cornbread is done cooking?

The easiest test is the toothpick test. Insert a clean toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cornbread is done and ready to rest. Simple instructions for a simple test.