Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread

This Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread is the game-changer your comfort food lineup needs! No oven? No problem. Just grab your air fryer and get ready for a slice of Southern-style goodness in half the time!

Craving that golden, crispy-edged cornbread without heating up the whole kitchen? This Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread brings all the comfort and flavor of traditional Southern cornbread with a quicker, easier twist.

It’s perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and comes together in no time thanks to your air fryer. Whether you’re pairing it with chili, barbecue, or enjoying it solo with a pat of butter, this recipe is about to become your new go-to!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick & Easy – No need to preheat the oven! The air fryer gets your cornbread perfectly cooked in less time with minimal fuss.
• Crispy Edges, Fluffy Center – The hot skillet and circulating air create that crave-worthy texture combo every cornbread lover dreams of.
• Perfect for Small Batches – Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you don’t need a full pan—this recipe keeps it simple and satisfying.
• No Oven Required – Great for summer days or small kitchens when you want something hearty without heating up the house.
• Customizable – Sweet or savory? Add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or corn kernels take it to the next level—make it your own!

Ingredients Needed  

• Cornmeal: This is located in the baking aisle, near the flour and sugar.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use regular all-purpose flour, that has been sifted.
• Salt: Adds some great flavor, you can omit if you use salted butter.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Both act as leaveners in this recipe.
• Buttermilk and Milk: Both add lots of flavors, and make for a creamy cornbread.
• Egg: Use large, room temperature eggs.

How To Make Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread

Step One: Start by mixing all of your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Then mix in the wet ingredients, buttermilk, whole milk, and egg, and mix well.

Step Two: Then spray your cast iron skillet with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Pour your batter into the prepared skillet. Set your cook time for 9-12 minutes at 350 degrees F. I checked mine and it was golden brown on the edges, so I removed it. That’s the color you are looking for, golden and firm to the touch.

Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread Recipe Tips

• Preheat Your Skillet – If your air fryer allows, preheat the cast iron skillet for a couple of minutes before pouring in the batter. This helps achieve those crispy, golden edges.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cornbread dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness Early – Air fryers can vary, so start checking at the 9-minute mark. Look for golden edges and a firm center that springs back when lightly pressed.
• Use Buttermilk for Rich Flavor – Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness. If you don’t have any, a mix of milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works too!
• Let It Rest Before Serving – Let the cornbread sit for 5–10 minutes after air frying. This helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.
• Add Toppings or Mix-Ins – Customize with shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, corn kernels, or a drizzle of honey butter on top after baking!

Storing

• Storing: Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat slices of cornbread in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispy edges and warm, soft center. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread

Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread pairs perfectly with a variety of savory dishes, making it a versatile side for any meal. Serve it alongside hearty stews, like chili or beef and vegetable soups, where its buttery texture can soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s also great with barbecued meats such as pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken, adding a warm, comforting touch. For a Southern-inspired feast, try it with fried chicken and collard greens, or enjoy it with a simple salad and some honey butter for a deliciously sweet twist!

Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of flour for cornbread? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might change slightly. Make sure to use a blend designed for baking for best results.

Can I make this cornbread without buttermilk? Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.

How do I prevent the cornbread from sticking to the skillet? Be sure to generously spray the cast iron skillet with non-stick spray or brush it with olive oil before adding the batter. This helps ensure easy removal after baking.

Can I double the recipe in the air fryer? If you have a large enough air fryer, you can double the recipe, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. You may need to cook it a bit longer, so keep an eye on it for the perfect golden brown edges.

Can I add ingredients like cheese or jalapeños? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in shredded cheese, jalapeños, or even corn kernels to customize your cornbread to your liking. Just fold in your add-ins after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.

How do I know when my cornbread is done? Check your cornbread after 9 minutes. It should be golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch in the center. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pickles In A Blanket
• KETO Air Fryer Pickles
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles
• Air Fryer Frozen Pickles
• Air Fryer KETO Cheesy Pickles
• Air Fryer Cajun Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Deep Fried Pickles (Hooter’s Copycat)
• Air Fryer Copycat Texas Roadhouse Pickles
• Air Fryer Shake and Bake Fried Pickles

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Don’t Forget To Pin!