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Golden-yellow Mexican street corn made in the air fryer is covered with white Parmesan cheese, red spices, and green flakes. The corn pieces are piled on top of each other on a white plate.
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Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

Make these delicious elotes, or mexican street corn, without the hassle of firing up the grill. With just 5 simple ingredients, this is a fantastic snack or side dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
4

Equipment

  • Microwave
  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 ears corn
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Microwave the corn ears (husk and all) for 3 minutes. Cut the stem at the base of the corn and squeeze the corn out of the husk.
    A corn cob is halfway covered with corn husk on a cutting board. A large knife has cut off the end of the corn husk, and there are corn kernels spread on the cutting board.
  • Cut the corn in half lengthwise (the long way), then cut that in half. Each ear of corn should yield 4 long quarter pieces.
    Two slices of long corn pieces are laid on a cutting board. The remaining corn is also on the cutting board. A large knife is resting halfway on the cutting board.
  • Place the corn pieces in the air fryer basket and spray with oil.
    Eight pieces of yellow corn are placed in an air fryer basket. The corn is cut lengthwise into quarter pieces. The corn is bright yellow.
  • Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes until the corn is cooked.
    Eight pieces of cooked corn are in an air fryer basket. The corn is bright yellow and has barts that are cooked brown from the heat of the air fryer.
  • After the corn cools down, brush with mayonnaise. Make sure the corn is well coated.
    Pieces of cooked corn are laid on a cutting board. There is a cooking brush laid on top of a dish of mayonnaise that is used to brush the corn pieces with mayonnaise.
  • Pour the grated parmesan cheese in a flat dish. Place the mayonnaise-coated corn pieces in the parmesan cheese and use a spoon to cover the corn with cheese.
    A cooked corn piece is laid in a dish with grated Parmesan cheese. There are two other corn pieces that are covered in Parmesan cheese laid on a cutting board.
  • Season the corn pieces with chili powder. For more spice, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
    Pieces of cooked corn covered in mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, chili powder and cayenne pepper are placed on a cutting board. Two spice bottles filled with chili powder and cayenne pepper are laid on the cutting board.

Notes

  • This recipe can also be made with frozen corn. Evenly distribute the frozen corn in your air fryer basket. Spray with oil and cook for 350°F for 8 minutes. Add mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, chili powder and cayenne pepper to a tupperware container and mix. Add the corn to the tupperware container, seal it, and give it a good shake for 1-2 minutes, until the corn is covered in the seasoned mixture. 
  • This recipe can be made in an air fryer unit with a basket or an air fryer oven. If you are using an air fryer oven, use the middle rack and choose the “Air Fry” function.
  • Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Make sure to check your food as it’s cooking to learn your air fryer better and avoid over- or undercooking.
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