I love corn casserole (also sometimes known as corn pudding, though they are different). It’s basically where cornbread meets creamed corn and creates this absolutely delicious yet easy side dish. I’m going to show you how to make air fryer corn casserole so you don’t even need to fire up the oven!
What is Corn Casserole?
Corn casserole is a classic comfort-food side dish commonly served at holidays and gatherings (or just your next family dinner). In fact, I make it all throughout the year, as it pairs well with all sorts of things from Thanksgiving dinner to a summer cookout!
It’s a creamy and savory baked dish made with a handful of simple ingredients, like canned or fresh corn, creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix (or similar), eggs, butter, and often sour cream or cheese.
Katie’s tip
For a version without cornbread mix, check out my Scalloped Corn or Corn Pudding for equally delicious alternatives! Or simply enjoy all my tasty Air Fryer Corn Recipes to see what else you can do with this vegetable!
The texture of corn casserole is moist and slightly fluffy, somewhere between cornbread and a pudding. You can customize it with additional ingredients like jalapeños, green chiles, bacon, or shredded cheese for added flavor.
Thanks to the air fryer, I don’t have to fire up the big range oven during the heat of summer to make this Jiffy corn casserole recipe. Alternatively, it leaves oven space open for cooking larger foods during the holidays!
This air fryer method produces a golden crust while giving you that creamy, velvety inside. It’s also easy to portion it out based on the number of people you’re feeding (because let’s face it I always make way too much of any casserole).
Speaking of fall favorites, make sure to serve up some of my easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries for a twist on another classic vegetable!
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Ingredient List
- ½ cup butter (salted), melted
- 3 Tbsp white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 8.5 oz box Jiffy honey cornbread mix
- 14.75 oz can cream style corn
- 15.25 oz can sweet corn kernels, drained
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Any type of milk (or non dairy milk) works, as well as half and half, heavy cream, or evaporated milk
- Depending on the sweetness of the corn, you can reduce or omit the sugar as desired
- You can use regular Jiffy instead of honey flavor corn muffin mix if you want a more savory option
- Feel free to add in other flavors if desired, such as jalapenos, bacon bits, southwest seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, scallions, garlic, onions, or your favorites!
Special Equipment Note
You’ll need an oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket for this recipe. A cake pan, casserole dish, or loaf pan are all great options.
I have made this recipe many time, both with disposable mini loaf pans and with regular ceramic ones, because they fit well in my Dual Zone air fryer. However, most standard air fryers can just use one larger pan! Note that cooking times do vary slightly between pans.
How to Make Air Fryer Corn Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, and eggs. Whisk thoroughly, making sure the eggs are entirely distributed and everything is well mixed
- Add the milk or cream and the box of Jiffy mix, and stir until blended. Fold in the creamed corn and the drained sweet corn kernels
- Spray an oven-safe pan (or 2 smaller loaf pans) that fit in your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then pour your corn casserole mixture into the greased pan(s), not filling more than ¾ full (as it will expand during cooking)
- Cover the pan(s) with aluminum foil, making sure to secure it around the edges, and place them into the air fryer basket or on the rack
- Cook on the air fry setting for 40-60 minutes at 320°F (or 325°F depending on your air fryer’s settings) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Note: When I make this recipe in a foil pan, 40 minutes is sufficient. With heavier ceramic pans, it takes me 60 minutes. Check it at 40, and if it looks soupy still, just pop it back in. For a deeper golden brown top, remove the foil at the end and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until browned to your liking
Alternate Oven Directions
Place the mixture into a greased 9×9 baking dish, and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For a cheesy corn casserole (like Paula Deen’s corn casserole recipe), add ½ cup shredded cheese (I like cheddar) to the top in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Love Paula Deen? Check out all the Paula Deen Air Fryer Recipes you can make, too!
What Does Corn Casserole Go With?
Corn casserole is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, making it one of the most versatile side dishes you can serve! It pairs beautifully with everything from holiday roasts to backyard barbecue favorites.
Hearty Main Dishes
- Barbecue ribs: Smoky, saucy ribs are a perfect match for the sweet, creamy casserole
- Smoked brisket: Rich beef and corn casserole are a classic barbecue pairing
- Pulled pork: The savory pork balances the casserole’s buttery sweetness
- Roasted chicken: A comforting, family-friendly dinner combination
- Grilled steaks: A hearty pairing for summer cookouts
- Grilled pork chops: Smoky char and sweet corn are made for each other
- Grilled burgers: An easy side for backyard barbecues!
Holiday Favorites
- Roast turkey: A Thanksgiving classic that belongs on every holiday table. It’s also perfect with Air Fryer Turkey Sliders for a leftovers lunch!
- Baked ham: Sweet and salty flavors pair beautifully with corn casserole. Try my Small Ham with hot honey glaze!
- Prime rib: A rich, impressive pairing for Christmas or special occasions
- Roast beef: A hearty Sunday dinner combination!
Comfort Food Classics
- Meatloaf: A timeless comfort food meal!
- Chili: Creamy corn casserole helps balance a hearty bowl of chili
- Hot dogs: Perfect for cookouts or casual family dinners. A great side for any of my Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes!
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Smoky sausage complements the casserole’s rich flavor. My Air Fryer Kielbasa is a classic choice!
- Sloppy Joes: A fun, family-friendly weeknight meal
- Fried chicken: Crispy chicken and creamy corn are always a winning combination
Vegetable Sides
- Green bean casserole: A holiday staple alongside corn casserole
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their caramelized flavor balances the richness. Try my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon!
- Steamed broccoli: A lighter vegetable option
- Honey glazed carrots: Sweet and colorful on the plate
- Garden salad: Fresh greens provide a crisp contrast
Bread & Extras
- Dinner rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for holiday meals
- Sausage Rolls: Savory, wrapped in puff pastry, and perfect as a side or app
- Buttermilk biscuits: Warm, flaky, and perfect with barbecue or chili
- Garlic bread: A delicious addition for hearty comfort food dinners
- Mac and cheese: For the ultimate comfort food feast!
- Brie Bites: The creamy cheese and tart fruit pairs perfectly for an appetizer or the bread tray (especially for Thanksgiving)!
Best Occasions
Corn casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, backyard barbecues, family reunions, Sunday dinners, and cozy weeknight meals.
Whether you’re serving smoked meats, holiday turkey, or a simple bowl of chili, this creamy side dish fits right in and is always one of the first dishes to disappear!
Recipe FAQs
Can Corn Casserole Really Be Put in an Air Fryer?
Yes, corn casserole can be put in an air fryer. Though, if your air fryer doesn’t come with a solid pan, you’ll need to use an oven-safe pan to contain the casserole until it cooks up.
Why is My Corn Casserole Soupy?
Corn casserole is generally soupy when there is too much moisture. Make sure to drain the corn kernels well before adding to your batter.
Adding additional cooking time may help to firm it up, as this should cook off some additional moisture.
How Do You Know When Corn Casserole is Done?
Corn casserole is done when a toothpick inserted in the center is pulled out and appears clean. Alternatively, you may shake the casserole. If the center is set and no longer jiggles, then the casserole is generally cooked.
Can You Leave a Cooked Corn Casserole Out Overnight?
No, you should not leave a cooked corn casserole out overnight. It may only sit out for about 2 hours, after which it should be stored in the refrigerator.
For more long term storage, it is safe to freeze corn casserole for 2-3 months.
Is Corn Casserole the Same Thing as Corn Pudding?
Corn casserole and corn pudding are similar but distinct dishes. Corn casserole typically includes cornbread mix (like Jiffy), giving it a firmer, bread-like texture, whereas corn pudding focuses on a custard-like consistency without cornbread mix.
Corn casserole is a fluffy hybrid of cornbread and pudding, whereas corn pudding is a sweeter, softer dish. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the inclusion of cornbread mix is a key differentiator.
Tips For the Best Corn Casserole
- There is no stirring or flipping required when making a corn casserole in the air fryer
- When I use two small foil loaf pans in my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer, at 40 minutes it’s cooked perfectly. My thicker, deep ceramic pans (which I use when I want it a little “fancier” looking) take 60 minutes. Remember, different brands and sizes of air fryer and pans will vary (so adjust as needed)
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation
- Store leftover corn casserole in the fridge in an airtight container, or just cover the baking dish with saran wrap or foil. Consume within one week for best flavor
Reheating Tips
- Heat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high (though the edges will lose crispiness
- Conventional oven: Reheat for 20 minutes at 350°F
- Air fryer: Reheat portions (on a piece of foil or parchment) at 350°F for 5-10 minutes depending on the size of your piece
- If your casserole is frozen, you should defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
- You may want to cover with foil to prevent over browning (especially in the oven and air fryer)
Make Ahead
Corn casserole can be made ahead and frozen. You’ll want to cook it and then freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost the casserole before reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
It’s so easy to make air fryer corn casserole. This way, you don’t need to heat up your house by turning the oven on, and cleanup is a breeze.
I love that it’s an easy way to get a delicious side dish on the table with little fuss. You can even make this easy corn casserole recipe ahead of time and freeze it! This makes it a great addition to the holiday table, since it’s low stress and pairs with many other foods.
If you love this air fryer casserole, make sure to check out my easy Air Fryer Tuna Casserole recipe, or another of these comforting Best Air Fryer Casserole Recipes for more great options!
Air Fryer Jiffy Corn Casserole Without Sour Cream
Equipment
- Casserole dish (or similar oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (salted) (melted)
- 3 Tbsp granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 8.5 oz box Jiffy honey cornbread mix
- 14.75 oz can cream style corn
- 15.25 oz can sweet corn kernels (drained)
- Nonstick spray
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted salted butter with 3 Tbsp white sugar and 2 large eggs½ cup butter (salted), 3 Tbsp granulated white sugar, 2 large eggs
- Whisk thoroughly, making sure the eggs are entirely distributed and everything is well mixed
- Add ½ cup milk or cream and one box of Jiffy honey cornbread mix and mix until blended½ cup milk or cream, 8.5 oz box Jiffy honey cornbread mix
- Next, fold in one can of cream style corn and one can of drained sweet corn kernels14.75 oz can cream style corn, 15.25 oz can sweet corn kernels
- Spray an oven-safe pan (or 2 smaller loaf pans) that fit in your air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Pour your corn casserole mix into the greased pan(s), not filling more than ¾ fullNonstick spray
- Cover the pan(s) with aluminum foil, making sure to secure it around the edges, then place your casserole filled pan(s) into the air fryer basket or on the rack
- Cook on the air fry setting for 40-60 minutes at 320°F (or 325°F depending on available settings), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Foil and thinner pans usually take closer to 40, heavier ceramic pans take closer to 60, but can vary between styles. Adjust cooking time as needed for your setup
- For a browner top, remove foil and cook an additional 3-5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Any type of milk (or non dairy milk) works, as well as half and half, heavy cream, or evaporated milk
- You can use regular Jiffy instead of honey flavor if you want a more savory option
- I use two small loaf pans to fit in my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer (I’ve tested disposable foil and it takes 40 minutes, and heavier ceramic takes 60 minutes for me), but different brands and sizes of air fryer and pans may vary slightly
- Any oven-safe pan, casserole dish, baking insert, or foil dish that fits in your air fryer basket or tray should work fine (but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly based on overall size)
- Exact nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredients used and total amount consumed, so please consider this as only a guideline or estimate
Nutrition
Why do you have to cover in air fryer? I don’t cover mine when I cook in oven.
Hi Mary – I recommend using foil in the air fryer because it browns much faster compared to the oven (the hot air circulates much faster and stronger in the air fryer). This can lead to the top getting overbrowned. You can always leave the foil off and just check in on it regularly if you’d like, and only add the foil if it starts getting too brown for your personal tastes!