Mexican Street Corn (Elote) | Air Fryer Recipe
Take your corn-on-the-cob game to the next level with this Elote air fryer recipe. Ears of corn cooked to perfection and then slathered with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce and dusted with chili powder, cilantro, and Mexican cotija cheese!
If you are a corn lover like me, you have to give this air fryer version a try.
What is Elote?
Elote is a popular Mexican street food that consists of grilled, boiled (or in this case air fried) corn on the cob, typically coated with a delicious combination of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
The corn is often skewered for easy handling, making it a convenient and flavorful snack. Elote is known for its savory, smoky, and slightly spicy taste, making it a tasty treat enjoyed not only in the streets of Mexico but also in various regions where Mexican cuisine has made its mark.
The dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite at festivals, fairs, and celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo.
Why Use the Air Fryer?
Cooking this traditional Mexican street corn in the air fryer offers several advantages, especially for those with limited kitchen space or those who enjoy the convenience and efficiency of this kitchen appliance.
Any model of air fryer will work, but my hands-down favorite is the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1. It combines the functionality of a pressure cooker, crock pot, rice cooker, and air fryer all in one. I use mine every week without fail!
Here are a few reasons why you might choose to cook Elote in the air fryer:
- Efficiency: The air fryer cooks food quickly and efficiently by circulating hot air around the ingredients. This means you can achieve a beautifully charred and flavorful Elote without the need for an outdoor grill, or waiting for water to boil on the stove. This makes it a time-saving option.
- Compact Size: In an RV kitchen, space is often limited. The air fryer’s compact size makes it a practical choice for preparing dishes like Elote without taking up too much counter space.
- Charred Flavor: The air fryer can provide a similar charred flavor to that of grilling, enhancing the taste of the Elote. The high heat generated by the air fryer helps achieve a slightly crispy and smoky exterior on the corn. Plus you can make this air fryer Mexican street corn recipe rain or shine.
- Ease of Use: Using the air fryer is generally straightforward. It requires minimal preparation and monitoring, making it a convenient option for those who want to enjoy delicious Elote with less hands-on effort.
- Less Mess: Air fryers are known for containing messes within their cooking chamber. This can be particularly beneficial in an RV setting where clean-up and limited space are crucial considerations.
Ultimately, using the air fryer is about convenience, speed, and achieving a desirable flavor profile without the need for outdoor grilling facilities. It’s a great way to bring the taste of Mexican street corn to your RV kitchen with minimal fuss.
I always give instructions with step-by-step photos in my posts, just in case some readers have questions. But if you are just here for the recipe, click the JUMP TO RECIPE tab under the title and it will take you straight there. You can also print the recipe card with full instructions, or you can click one of the SHARE BUTTONS and save it for later!
Let’s Gather Up The Ingredients
- Fresh Corn– Shucked.
- Mayonaise– Be sure to use a high-quality brand like Kraft, Duke’s, or Hellmann’s.
- Sour cream
- Limes– Zest and juice
- Garlic– I recommend using fresh garlic, but garlic powder will work if that’s all you have on hand.
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cojita cheese– You can find Cojita cheese in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, feta cheese or Queso Fresco are good alternatives.
- Fresh cilantro
- Chili powder
Now Let’s Get Cooking
Make the Mexican Crema
First thing first. Let’s make the creamy sauce for this Mexican street style corn.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Set aside.
Rub each ear of corn evenly with olive oil. Place the corn cobs in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until slightly charred and tender. I like to flip the corn cobs halfway through the cooking time.
Combine the crumbled cotija cheese, lime zest, and cilantro in a pie pan or any flat dish.
Once the corn is cooked to your liking, let it sit for a few minutes until it’s cool enough to handle.
Using a pastry brush, slather each of the corn ears with the mayonnaise mixture making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Then lightly roll each one in the cotija/cilantro mixture. Sprinkle each ear all over with chili powder. Serve warm with a lime wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn for Air Fryer Elotes? While fresh corn is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Just ensure it’s thawed and pat it dry before air frying to avoid excess moisture.
Can I customize the spice level of the mayo mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to meet your spice preferences. Cooking is all about making it your own!
Different variations
Switch this air fryer corn recipe up by swapping a few simple ingredients:
Italian Elotes:
- Add Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese to the mayo mixture for a different twist. Sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Cool Ranch Elotes:
- Mix ranch seasoning into the mayo for a creamy and herby profile. Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Buffalo-Style Elotes:
- Add buffalo sauce to the mayo mixture for a spicy buffalo kick. Top with crumbled blue cheese for a bold and tangy finish.
Mexican Street Corn Salad:
- Cut the kernels off the cob after air frying and toss them in the mayo mixture. Serve the Elote salad in a cup, perfect for sharing at campground gatherings.
Air Fryer Elotes are a great example of the joy of experimenting with flavors in a limited space. Whether you’re a fellow RVer or a home cook looking for a delicious side dish, this easy air fryer recipe is a must-try.
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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a picture and tag me on Facebook.
As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote) | Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer any model will work. I use the Ninja Foodi 10-1
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and zest plus lime wedges for serving
- 1 small clove garlic grated on a Microplane or pressed through a garlic press
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 4 ears corn shucked
- 1 cup finely crumbled cotija cheese Queso Fresco or Feta is a good substitute
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- chile powder to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the cotija cheese, lime zest, and cilantro on a large, flat dish.
- Rub each ear of corn evenly with olive oil.
- Place the corn cobs in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes or until tender. I like to flip the ears of corn halfway through the cooking time.
- Once the corn is cooked to your liking, let it sit for a few minutes until it's cool enough to handle.
- Using a pastry brush, slather each of the corn ears with the mayonnaise mixture making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Then lightly roll each one in the cotija/cilantro mixture.
- Sprinkle each ear with a dusting of chili powder.
- Serve warm with lime wedges.
Perfect recipe for Cinco de Mayo!
The corn was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of charred flavor. And the creamy sauce was the perfect complement. Seriously, I’ve never tasted anything like this before. I’m hooked!
What fantastic combination of flavours. I used to serve my current just roasted plain. This was a very tasty change! Thanks for the inspiration
This is my go-to corn recipe now! I absolutely love this Elote recipe. The flavors are just amazing, love the creamy sauce and it’s super easy to make. So yum!
This would be perfect for BBQs! I tried it and it was so good! The creamy lime garlic sauce gives that zesty flavor, while cotija cheese and cilantro is so is delicious!
I had elote years ago when on vacation and it was so good that when I saw this recipe I immediately saved it. I never realized how easy it was to make! These will be on regular rotation this summer for sure.