Air Fryer Corn Elotes

By Lunds & Byerlys

October 22, 2024

This recipe has simple prep and the corn comes out of the air fryer soft and charred, just as it should for elotes. The cheese mix includes cilantro and L&B Ancho Powder, which adds a bit of smoke — and both complement the Cotija cheese. You get a bunch of herbs in every bite and the crema adds brightness.


The air fryer makes cooking corn a breeze — so much easier than other methods and just as (arguably even more) delicious. Try it once and you won’t go back!


SERVINGS

4

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

15 min

Ingredients

  • 4
    corn cobs, shucked
  • 2
    tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½
    cup finely crumbled Cotija cheese, plus more for serving
  • ¼
    cup mayonnaise
  • ¼
    cup Mexican crema
  • ¼
    cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
  • ½
    teaspoon L&B Ancho Powder, plus more for serving
  • 1
    teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1
    lime, cut into wedges
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Additional

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat an air fryer to 400 F.

  2. 2

    Brush the corn with the olive oil, season with salt and black pepper and place it in the air fryer tray. Cook, turning halfway through, until tender and well charred, 14 to 16 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the Cotija, mayonnaise, crema, cilantro, ancho powder and garlic, and season with salt. Stir to combine.

  4. 4

    Transfer the corn to the bowl with the crema and use a large spoon to evenly coat the corn on all sides.

  5. 5

    Transfer the elotes to a serving platter and garnish with more Cotija and ancho powder. Serve immediately with lime wedges, cilantro and hot sauce, if desired.

Recipe adapted from: Serious Eats