5 Ingredients Air Fryer Corn bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked corn bread wafting through your kitchen. This air fryer corn bread delivers that same golden, fluffy perfection you love, but in half the time! Here’s a fun fact: cornbread has been a Southern staple since the 1600s, originally made by Native Americans.
What makes this recipe special is its incredible simplicity and lightning-fast cooking time—perfect for busy families who crave homemade comfort food without the wait.
Table of Contents
What is Air Fryer Corn bread?
Ever wonder why we call it corn bread when it’s more like cake? This delightfully sweet and crumbly creation gets its name from its star ingredient—cornmeal! Legend says corn bread was originally called “johnnycake” by early settlers.
Whether you’re Team Sweet or Team Savory, this air fryer version delivers that perfect golden crust and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. After all, they say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach! Ready to fall in love with this game-changing recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Corn bread:
Lightning-Fast Cooking Time
Forget waiting 25 minutes for oven corn bread! This air fryer version is ready in just 12-15 minutes. The circulating hot air creates that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside incredibly moist and fluffy.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Skip the expensive bakery versions and make restaurant-quality corn bread at home for a fraction of the cost. With simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
Irresistible Flavor and Texture
The air fryer creates an amazing contrast—crispy, golden edges with a tender, cake-like center. Add honey butter, jalapeños, or cheese to customize your perfect slice. Unlike my popular air fryer biscuits, this corn bread has a slightly sweeter profile that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet toppings.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern bakery? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Corn bread:
Quick Overview
This air fryer corn bread recipe is incredibly simple and delivers bakery-quality results every time. The key features include:
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just mix, pour, and air fry! The result is a perfectly golden corn bread with a deliciously crispy exterior and tender, moist interior.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Corn bread:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease a 7-inch round cake pan or air fryer-safe baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
If using corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese, gently fold them into the batter now.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. The batter should fill about 2/3 of the pan.
Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter and honey!
What to Serve Air Fryer Corn bread With:
Hearty Main Dishes:
- Chili or soup (perfect for dipping!)
- BBQ pulled pork or chicken
- Southern-style fried chicken
- Beef stew or pot roast
Side Dishes:
- Coleslaw and baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Collard greens with bacon
- Grilled vegetables
Sweet Pairings:
- Honey butter and jam
- Maple syrup drizzle
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Cinnamon butter spread
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Corn bread:
Don’t Overmix the Batter
The secret to tender corn bread is minimal mixing. Stir just until ingredients are combined—lumps are your friend!
Room Temperature Ingredients
Let eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature for better mixing and a more even texture.
Check for Doneness
Every air fryer is different. Start checking at 10 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed. The top should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.
Prevent Sticking
Always grease your pan well, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Customize Your Flavor
Try these variations: add 1/2 cup corn kernels for texture, diced jalapeños for heat, or substitute honey with maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storage:
- Store leftover corn bread wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months
Reheating Instructions:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F for 2-3 minutes
- Microwave: 20-30 seconds per slice (cover with damp paper towel)
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes
- Toaster: Toast lightly for crispy edges
Freezing Tips: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label with date and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make air fryer corn bread without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why is my corn bread dry?
Overmixing or overcooking are common causes. Mix gently and check for doneness early. Adding an extra tablespoon of melted butter can help too.
Can I use a different pan size?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time. Smaller pans need less time, while larger, thinner pans may need 2-3 extra minutes.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best cornmeal to use?
Medium-grind yellow cornmeal works best for texture and flavor. Avoid fine cornmeal as it can make the bread too dense.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use a larger pan or make two batches. You may need to adjust cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Why did my corn bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens from overmixing or opening the air fryer door too early. Let it cook undisturbed for the first 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Success:
Altitude Adjustments: If you’re cooking at high altitude (over 3,000 feet), reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and increase liquid by 1-2 tablespoons.
Make-Ahead Option: Mix dry ingredients up to 1 week ahead and store in an airtight container. When ready to bake, just add wet ingredients and cook!
Flavor Variations to Try:
- Mexican Style: Add corn kernels, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese
- Sweet Dessert: Increase sugar to 1/3 cup and add vanilla extract
- Herb Garden: Mix in fresh chives, rosemary, or thyme
- Bacon Lovers: Fold in crispy bacon bits before cooking
Equipment Tips: Use a light-colored pan for even browning. Dark pans may cook too quickly on the bottom. If your pan is too large for your air fryer, try using silicone muffin cups for individual servings!
This air fryer corn bread recipe will become your new go-to for quick, delicious homemade bread. The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, or anytime you’re craving that comforting taste of home. Happy cooking!
