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Air Fryer Loaded Corn - Easy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; if frozen, no need to thaw)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. Season the corn: In a mixing bowl, toss the corn with olive oil or butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
  3. Air fry the corn: Spread the corn in a single layer in the basket. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the kernels are lightly browned with some char.
  4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), and lime juice. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or more lime if needed.
  5. Combine while hot: Transfer the hot corn to a bowl. Fold in the sauce so it coats the kernels. Add half the cheese, half the cilantro, half the green onions, and jalapeño if using. Mix gently.
  6. Load it up: Top with the remaining cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Add a few shakes of hot sauce and an extra sprinkle of chili powder if you like heat.
  7. Serve: Squeeze lime wedges over the top and serve warm as a side, snack, or taco filling.