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Air Fryer Corn Nuts

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Air Fryer Corn Nuts — Have you ever tried air fryer corn nuts? They are a delicious, healthy snack perfect for when you need something to tide you over.

Plus, they are effortless to make! Today, I will share my air fryer corn nuts recipe so you can try them yourself. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed!

Do you love the taste of corn nuts but don’t love all of the fat and calories? Well, with an air fryer, you can enjoy this crunchy snack without all the guilt.

Air frying is a great way to cook food with very little oil, producing a crispy texture that other cooking methods can’t match. This recipe will show you how to make air fryer corn nuts using just a handful of simple ingredients. So prepare your air fryer—these corn nuts will become your new favorite snack!

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What Are Corn Nuts?

Corn nuts, or toasted corn or corn kernels, are a popular snack made from deep-fried or roasted whole corn cobs. These crunchy and savory snacks are enjoyed for their unique texture and satisfying flavor. Corn nuts are typically made from large-kernel corn varieties, such as hominy or Cuzco corn.

Making corn nuts involves soaking the corn kernels in water with lime or other alkali agents, which softens the outer hull and allows them to puff up during cooking. After soaking, the kernels are deep-fried or roasted until they become crispy and golden brown. The result is a satisfyingly crunchy snack with a slightly nutty flavor and a hint of salt.

Corn nuts are available in various flavors, including original (lightly salted), barbecue, ranch, chili picante, and more. They are a popular snack option at convenience stores, movie theaters, and sporting events, and they can also be enjoyed as a crunchy topping for salads or added to trail mix for extra texture and flavor. Corn nuts provide a tasty and addictive snacking experience for those who appreciate the satisfying crunch of roasted corn kernels.

What is Hominy?

Dried hominy is a dry type of corn and has a hard exterior. It is used in dishes like posole, boiled until soft, and then added to the soup. Dried hominy can also be ground into grits, popular in Southern cuisine. While it may not be a common ingredient for most cooks, dried hominy is worth trying out if you want to add extra flavor and texture to your dishes.

Where To Purchase Hominy?

If you’re a cook, you know that hominy is a delicious recipe ingredient. But did you know that it can be a little tricky to find? If you’re looking for where to purchase hominy, look no further.

You can purchase hominy at any Wal-Mart or Amazon. There are two types that you can buy dried and canned. The canned is easy to find.

The only difference between the canned and dried versions is that the dried version needs to be soaked overnight, while you need to drain the canned version.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love making air fryer corn nuts at home for several reasons:

Healthier Snacking: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, making your corn nuts a healthier snack than traditional deep-fried versions.
Customizable Flavors: This recipe allows you to experiment with various seasonings and flavors, creating corn nuts that match your taste preferences.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy texture to your corn nuts, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave in a snack.
Quick and Easy: Making corn nuts in the air fryer is quick and hassle-free. It takes less time than traditional frying and requires minimal hands-on effort.
Versatile Snack: Homemade air fryer corn nuts are a versatile snack option for parties, movie nights, or simply enjoying as a crunchy treat any time you like.
No Preservatives: When you make corn nuts at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring a preservative-free and wholesome snack.
Cost-Effective: Homemade corn nuts can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged versions, especially if you make them in bulk.
Great for Gifting: You can package your homemade air fryer corn nuts in decorative bags or jars and give them as thoughtful and unique gifts to friends and family.

In summary, this air fryer corn nuts recipe offers a healthier, customizable, and convenient way to enjoy this beloved snack, all while providing the perfect crispiness that makes them irresistible. Get ready to snack smarter and tastier with homemade air fryer corn nuts!

If you love corn, try my Air Fryer Fresh Corn recipe, Air Fyrer Corn Ribs, or Air Fryer Frozen Corn Kernels.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Corn Nuts

Creating homemade Air Fryer Corn Nuts is a simple and rewarding snack-making adventure. With just a handful of essential ingredients, you can craft perfectly crispy corn nuts in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you prefer a classic salted version or want to explore exciting flavor combinations, these ingredients are your ticket to a satisfying and crunchy treat. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible snack!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Dried Corn Kernels: The star ingredient, dried corn kernels, will transform into deliciously crunchy corn nuts after air frying.
Vegetable Oil: A small amount of vegetable oil coats the dried corn kernels, helping them achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the corn nuts and enhancing their savory flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Seasonings (Optional): You can customize your corn nuts by adding chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite spices to create unique flavor profiles.

How To Make Corn Nuts In Air Fryer

Making corn nuts in an air fryer is easy and results in a deliciously crispy snack. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Soak the Corn Kernels: Place the dried corn kernels in a large bowl and cover them with water. Add a pinch of baking soda, which helps soften the kernels. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse them thoroughly.

Pat Dry: After soaking, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the corn kernels completely dry. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a crispy texture.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Coat with Oil: Toss the dried corn kernels with vegetable oil in a bowl until they are evenly coated. This will help them crisp up during cooking.

Season: Season the corn kernels with salt to taste. You can also add optional seasonings at this stage to infuse them with extra flavor. Toss the kernels to ensure even distribution.

Air Fry: Place corn kernels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air Fry for 10-12 Minutes: Air fry the corn kernels at 390 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing them occasionally. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Check for Crispiness: Pause the air fryer and check the corn kernels for crispiness. They should turn golden brown and become crunchy. If they are not yet crispy to your liking, continue air frying in 5-minute intervals, checking in between.

Cool and Enjoy: Once your corn nuts are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will become even crunchier as they cool. Enjoy your homemade air fryer corn nuts as a snack or a flavorful topping for salads and dishes.

With this simple method, you can create your own batch of irresistible air fryer corn nuts with the perfect crunch and seasoned to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavors that match your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your air fryer corn nuts by exploring these flavorful recipe variations:

Spicy Chili Lime Corn Nuts: After coating the corn kernels with oil, season them with chili powder, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty and spicy twist.
Smoky BBQ Corn Nuts: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, and brown sugar into the oil coating for a smoky and sweet BBQ flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Corn Nuts: Toss the corn kernels with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a dash of dried Italian herbs for a savory and cheesy variation.
Sweet and Spicy Corn Nuts: Coat the corn kernels with honey and Sriracha before air frying for a delightful contrast. The result is a sweet, spicy, and crispy snack.
Everything Bagel Corn Nuts: Sprinkle the corn kernels with an “everything bagel” seasoning blend (typically containing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, and garlic flakes) for a savory and aromatic experience.
Herbed Corn Nuts: Add a medley of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the oil coating for a fragrant and herb-infused corn nut variation. Serve with a topping of cotija cheese.
Taco-Flavored Corn Nuts: Season the corn kernels with taco seasoning mix for a Southwestern-inspired flavor profile. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Corn Nuts: After air frying, toss the corn nuts in a spice mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet and crunchy treat reminiscent of cinnamon toast.
Honey Mustard Glazed Corn Nuts:– Coat the corn kernels with a blend of honey and Dijon mustard before air frying for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own unique flavors by mixing and matching your favorite seasonings and spices. Homemade air fryer corn nuts offer endless possibilities for customized snacking experiences that cater to your tastes.

Pro Tips

To ensure your homemade air fryer corn nuts turn out perfectly crunchy and flavorful, consider these pro tips:

Thoroughly Dry the Corn Kernels: After soaking, pat the corn kernels completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can hinder the crisping process.
Even Coating of Oil: Aim for an even and light coating when tossing the corn kernels with oil. Using too much oil can lead to greasiness and may cause the air fryer to smoke.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the corn kernels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking.
Shake or Toss Frequently: Shake the air fryer basket or toss the corn kernels regularly during the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly and achieve uniform crispiness.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Season the corn kernels with salt, cajun seasoning, or any desired seasonings, but start with a modest amount. You can always add more seasoning after cooking if needed.
Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer’s model and size, so monitor the corn nuts closely as they cook to prevent burning.
Cool for Extra Crispiness: Allow the air-fried corn nuts to cool for a few minutes after cooking. They will become even crunchier as they cool down.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative with seasonings and spices. Try different flavor combinations to find your favorite.
Store in an Airtight Container: To maintain the crispiness of your corn nuts, store them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely.
Reheat for Freshness: If your corn nuts lose some crispiness over time, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on crafting the perfect batch of air fryer corn nuts that are crunchy, flavorful, and customized to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade snack!

Faq’s

Can I use frozen corn kernels to make air fryer corn nuts? It’s best to use dried corn kernels for making corn nuts. Frozen corn may have too much moisture, resulting in a less crispy texture.

Can I make sweet corn nuts with sugar and cinnamon in the air fryer? Absolutely! You can make sweet corn nuts by tossing the corn kernels with sugar and cinnamon before air frying. This creates a delightful, sweet, and crunchy snack.

How do I store homemade air fryer corn nuts? Store your homemade corn nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crunchy for several days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes if they lose their crispiness.

Can I make corn nuts with different seasonings and flavors in the air fryer? Yes, you can customize your corn nuts with various seasonings and flavors. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sweet coatings to create unique flavors.

How long should I soak the dried corn kernels before making corn nuts in the air fryer? Soak the dried corn kernels for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This helps soften them and prepares them for the air frying process.

Can I use different oil types to coat the corn kernels in the air fryer? Yes, you can use different oils like vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or even olive oil to coat the corn kernels. Choose an oil with a neutral flavor for a classic taste, or experiment with flavored oils for unique variations.

What should I do if my air-fried corn nuts are not crispy enough? If your corn nuts are not as crispy as you’d like, you can return them to the air fryer and continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Be sure to shake or toss them during this process.

Can I make corn nuts in an oil-less air fryer? You can make corn nuts in an oil-less or oil-free air fryer. As usual, skip the oil coating step and proceed with seasoning and air frying. They may be slightly less crispy but still delicious.

Are air-fried corn nuts a healthier snack compared to store-bought versions? Air-fried corn nuts are generally considered a healthier snack because they use less oil than traditional deep-fried ones. However, overall health depends on the seasonings and flavorings you add.

Can I use different corn varieties to make nuts in the air fryer?– While traditional corn nuts are made from specific large-kernel varieties, you can experiment with different corn types to create unique textures and flavors. Just be aware that the results may vary.

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