How to Make Delicious Cornbread in Your Air Fryer

For many home chefs, air fryers have become a versatile kitchen appliance, particularly for frying and reheating. However, some wonder if they can handle the intricacies of baking, such as making cornbread. While it’s true that air fryers are designed more for frying and dehydrating than baking, they can work for cornbread with the right approach.

Can Air Fryers Be Used for Baking Cornbread?

Send air fryers a mixed reception when it comes to baking. They excel in crispy, fried foods but have mixed results with baking. The reason? Temperature control is a bit more challenging in air fryers compared to ovens. Ovens have a larger volume and weight, which helps maintain consistent temperatures, whereas air fryers can see wider temperature swings. This inconsistency can make baking a bit tricky.

That being said, you can make cornbread in an air fryer. However, it requires careful adjustments and attention to the cooking process. You should lower the heat and check frequently to ensure the cornbread doesn't overcook.

Recipe for Air Fryer Cornbread

Here is a popular recipe for air fryer cornbread, tailored for your crispy, homemade cornbread experience:

Ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 2 eggs, beaten 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and butter together in a separate bowl. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is combined. Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan. Place the pan into the air fryer. Cook the cornbread in the air fryer until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center, approximately 25 minutes.

Additional Tips for Successful Cornbread Baking

Moisture is a key factor in baking. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a homemade buttermilk alternative by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Leave it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken. This not only helps but also adds a tangy flavor to your cornbread.

For a bit of extra texture, you can add corn kernels to the batter. This gives you that delightful, crunchy bite with every bite!

Conclusion

While air fryers aren’t designed for baking, with some adjustment, you can still make delicious cornbread. The key is to monitor the cooking process closely and adapt parameters based on the specific model of your air fryer. Give it a try and see if it works for you!