Air fryer street corn – Air fryer street corn is a delicious twist on traditional Mexican street corn that has been gaining popularity in recent years. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful corn dish with less oil and less mess. In this article, we’ll explore what air fryer street corn is, how to make it, and why it’s such a popular side dish.
Tips and suggestions to make the perfect air fryer street corn
Air fryer Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By using an air fryer instead of grilling or roasting the corn, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful dish with less oil and less mess.
- Choose fresh corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the key ingredient for making delicious air fryer street corn. Look for corn with plump and firm kernels and avoid ears that have brown or dry spots.
- Remove the silk and husk: Before cooking, remove the silk and husk from the corn. This will help the corn cook evenly and prevent any unwanted flavors from the husk.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the corn. This will ensure that the corn cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture on the outside.
- Brush with oil: Brush the corn with oil before adding it to the air fryer. This will help the spices and seasonings stick to the corn and prevent it from drying out.
- Add seasonings: Add your favorite seasonings to the corn before cooking. Some popular options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle it with crumbled cotija cheese for a more authentic street corn flavor.
- Cook in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches to ensure that each ear cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture.
- Serve hot: Air fryer street corn is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. You can serve it on a stick or remove the kernels from the cob and serve it in a bowl for a more snack-like experience.
Overall, air fryer street corn is a fun and flavorful snack or side dish that can be customized to your taste preferences. With these tips and suggestions, you can make the perfect air fryer street corn every time.
How to Make Air Fryer Street Corn
Making air fryer street corn is relatively easy and can be done in a few simple steps:
- Peel back the husks of the corn, but don’t remove them completely. Remove the silk and discard it.
- Brush each ear of corn with oil or melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the corn, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Place the corn in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The corn should be golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the corn from the air fryer and sprinkle it with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Air fryer street corn has several benefits
- Healthier option: Cooking corn in an air fryer uses less oil than grilling or frying, making it a healthier option.
- Quick and easy: Air fryers cook food quickly and require minimal preparation, making air fryer street corn a quick and easy dish to make.
- Versatile: Air fryer street corn can be customized with different spices and toppings to create a unique and flavorful dish.
- Delicious flavor and texture: Air fryers can create a crispy and delicious texture on the outside of the corn while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Perfect for entertaining: Air fryer street corn is a great dish to serve when entertaining guests or at a barbecue. It’s easy to make in large quantities and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Suitable for different dietary needs: Air fryer street corn can be made with vegan or gluten-free ingredients to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Less Mess: Air fryer street corn is a less messy option than traditional street corn, which can be messy to eat. With air fryer street corn, you can enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of street corn without getting your hands covered in butter or mayo.
- Consistent Results: With an air fryer, you can achieve consistent results every time you make street corn. The temperature and cooking time are controlled, which means that each ear of corn will be cooked to the same level of doneness.
- Preserves Nutrients: Air fryer street corn preserves the nutrients and flavors of the corn. Unlike boiling or grilling, which can cause some of the nutrients and flavors to leach out of the corn, air frying helps retain the corn’s natural flavors and nutritional value.
- Environmentally Friendly: Air fryer street corn is an environmentally friendly option, as it doesn’t require the use of charcoal or gas. This means that you can enjoy delicious street corn without contributing to air pollution or creating waste.
- Easy Cleanup: Air fryer street corn is easy to clean up, as the basket and tray can be easily removed and washed in the dishwasher or by hand. This makes it a convenient option for busy families or those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up after cooking.
In summary, air fryer street corn has several benefits, including being healthier, quicker, more versatile, and less messy than traditional street corn. It also produces consistent results, preserves nutrients and flavors, is environmentally friendly, and is easy to clean up.
Why is Air Fryer Street Corn So Popular?
Air fryer street corn has become a popular side dish for a variety of reasons. First, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried street corn. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil needed to cook the corn. This makes it a healthier option for those who are looking to cut down on their oil intake.
Second, air fryer street corn is a quick and easy dish to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the air fryer makes it easy to cook the corn evenly and achieve that crispy texture that’s so desirable in street corn.
Finally, air fryer street corn is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. You can adjust the seasonings to make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and you can also experiment with different toppings like queso fresco or chopped jalapeños.
Most asked questions about street corn air fryer
Can I use frozen corn for air fryer street corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn for air fryer street corn. However, it’s important to thaw the corn before cooking it in the air fryer. This will ensure that the corn cooks evenly and has a crispy texture. To thaw frozen corn, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or run it under cool water until it is no longer frozen. Once thawed, pat the corn dry with paper towels and then proceed with brushing it with oil or butter, seasoning it, and cooking it in the air fryer.
What spices should I use to season air fryer Mexican corn?
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lime juice
- Cotija cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Mayonnaise or sour cream
To create a basic seasoning blend, you can mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste. Once the corn is cooked in the air fryer, you can brush it with mayonnaise or sour cream, sprinkle it with the seasoning blend, and top it with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Finally, drizzle fresh lime juice over the top for a delicious and authentic Mexican street corn flavor.
Can I make air fryer street corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can make air fryer street corn ahead of time. After cooking the corn in the air fryer, let it cool to room temperature and then wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the corn back in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes until heated through. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to serve air fryer street corn immediately after cooking.
What toppings can I add to air fryer street corn?
There are many toppings that you can add to air fryer street corn to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are a few popular options:
- Cotija cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese has a salty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Mayonnaise: Mexican street corn is often brushed with mayonnaise before being sprinkled with spices and cheese, giving it a creamy and tangy flavor.
- Sour cream: Similar to mayonnaise, sour cream adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the corn.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright and acidic flavor to the corn.
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Hot sauce: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle the hot sauce over the corn for a spicy kick.
- Smoked paprika: This spice adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the corn.
- Green onions: Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings to find the combination that you like best.
What I can serve with a Mexican street corn air fryer?
- Grilled meats: Mexican street corn is a traditional accompaniment to grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork.
- Tacos: Mexican street corn makes a great topping for tacos or can be served alongside tacos as a side dish.
- Rice and beans: Mexican street corn pairs well with rice and beans as a side dish.
- Quesadillas: Mexican street corn can be served as a side dish with cheese quesadillas or used as a filling for veggie or chicken quesadillas.
- Guacamole: A side of guacamole or avocado slices can add a creamy and fresh flavor to the meal.
- Salsa: A side of salsa or pico de gallo can add a tangy and spicy flavor to the meal.
- Margaritas: A refreshing margarita can be the perfect beverage to complement the flavors of Mexican street corn.
Remember, you can always customize the meal to suit your taste preferences, so feel free to mix and match different sides and beverages with the Mexican street corn to create the perfect meal.
PrintBetter 15 mins to make delicious Air fryer street corn
Air fryer street corn is a delicious twist on traditional Mexican street corn that has been gaining popularity in recent years. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful corn dish with less oil and less mess. In this article, we’ll explore what air fryer street corn is, how to make it, and why it’s such a popular side dish.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice from one lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2 minutes.
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Brush the oil evenly over the corn to coat.
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Place the corn in a single layer in the preheated air fryer.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
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While the corn is cooking, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt to a small bowl. Whisk well to combine.
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When corn is finished cooking, immediately remove it to a plate and brush liberally with the sour cream mixture.
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Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder before serving.
Notes
- Can’t find cotija cheese? Use crumbled queso fresco or grated Parmesan instead.
- Swap the chili powder for cayenne if you’d like more spice.
NUTRITION
- Serving: 1g | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g |
- Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 672mg |
- Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Keywords: air fryer mexican street corn, air fryer street corn, mexican street corn air fryer