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Air Fryer Cornbread — American Baking recipe, 25 min, serves 6American

Air Fryer Cornbread

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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Vegetarian

Tender cornbread with a golden crust baked right in the air fryer. The rapid circulating heat gives it a crisp top while the inside stays moist and crumbly.

25
min
10
prep
🔥
15
cook
👥
6
servings
195
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

2

Whisk egg, buttermilk, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.

💡 Do not overmix. A few lumps are fine and result in more tender cornbread.
3

Pour batter into a greased 15 cm (6 in) round baking pan that fits your air fryer.

4

Cook at 160°C (325°F) for 15 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

15:00
5

Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before slicing.

5:00

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Common Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
What pan should I use?
A 15 cm (6 inch) round cake pan or a small oven-safe skillet that fits inside your air fryer basket.
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes, traditional Southern cornbread often skips sugar. The cornbread will be less sweet but still has great flavor.
Why is my cornbread dry?
Overmixing develops gluten and makes cornbread tough. Stir until just combined and do not overbake.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Zinfandel or California Cabernet — bold reds match smoke and umami.
🍺
Beer
American IPA or amber ale.
🍸
Cocktail
Old Fashioned with a bourbon base.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon or a craft root beer.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
buttermilkmilk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup1:1Let sit 5 minutes to curdle. Same acidity, same activation.
plain yogurt thinned with water3:4 yogurt + 1:4 waterSlightly thicker, same tang.
sugarerythritol1:1Zero-glycemic. Slight cooling sensation on tongue.
monk fruit blend1:1Zero-glycemic, no aftertaste.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Cornbread has roots in Native American cuisine and became a staple across the American South. Baking it in an air fryer mimics the effect of a hot cast-iron skillet, creating a satisfying crust on the outside.
🍳Build your own air fryer recipeFree recipe generator — pick an ingredient + flavour, get a recipe instantly.Try it →
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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