Air Fryer Cornmeal Patties (Golden Fried Corn Cakes)
Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet version)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter or oil (plus more for brushing)
Optional Add-ins:
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped jalapeños or scallions
1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Instructions:
Preheat Air Fryer:
Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Mix the batter:
In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. (Batter should be thick but scoopable.)
Shape into patties:
Using a spoon or your hands, form small patties—about 2 to 3 inches wide.
Prep air fryer basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper with holes punched for airflow.
Cook:
Place patties in the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Brush with a little oil or melted butter before flipping for extra golden crispiness.
Serve:
Enjoy warm! Perfect with honey butter, sour cream, or alongside chili, soups, or salads.
Air Fryer Cornmeal Patty Tips
1. Don’t Skip the Oil Brush
Even though you’re air frying, lightly brushing the patties with oil or melted butter before and after flipping makes a huge difference in crispiness and color.
2. Chill the Batter
Letting the batter rest for 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps the cornmeal absorb the liquid, making shaping easier and preventing soggy middles.
3. Use Parchment Paper (Optional)
If your air fryer tends to stick, use perforated parchment paper or lightly oil the basket—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
4. Keep Patties Thin & Uniform
Aim for 1/2 inch thick or less for even cooking. Thicker patties may cook unevenly or stay doughy inside.
5. Don’t Overcrowd
Leave a little space between patties for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed—it’s worth it.
6. Reheat Tip
Want to reheat leftovers? Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore that crunch. They reheat like champs!
7. Flavor Boost
Try mixing in herbs, shredded cheese, corn, or even a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Want sweet ones? Add a little cinnamon and honey to the batter