Corn pudding is one of those dishes that always feels nostalgic, which makes sense as it has Pennsylvania Dutch roots and fits right in on grandma’s table! While it’s sometimes called corn casserole, the two are actually different, with this dish having no cornbread and more of a custard base to it. I make mine in the air fryer for the ultimate convenience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting. Sweet corn and a rich, custardy texture make every bite warm and satisfying
- Easy to make. Simple ingredients come together with minimal prep for an impressive side dish
- Perfect for holidays. It’s right at home on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other special-occasion tables, while still being easy enough for a weeknight!
- A family favorite. Its slightly sweet, buttery flavor is approachable enough for both kids and adults
- Great for potlucks. It’s easy to transport and makes a welcome addition to any shared meal
- Pairs with almost anything. Serve it alongside turkey, ham, chicken, pork, beef, or barbecue
- Easy to customize. Add cheese, herbs, jalapeños, bacon, or a little extra seasoning to make it your own!
- Perfect comfort food. It’s hearty enough to feel satisfying while still working beautifully as a side dish
- Great for making ahead. Prep it in advance to save time when you’re cooking for a crowd
- A delicious way to serve corn. If plain corn feels a little boring, this turns it into something much more special!
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Ingredients List
- 14-ounce can creamed corn
- 14-ounce can sweet corn kernels, drained
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives for garnish (optional)
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels instead of the canned corn (about 1 ½ cups)
- The flour can be swapped for fine cornmeal or cornstarch if preferred (each will give it a slightly different texture though; I’ve always made mine with flour)
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste (and you may want more salt if you use unsalted butter). You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or parsley for some other great options
- The bacon is optional, though I like the smoky notes it adds. You could also add jalapenos for some heat!
Equipment Notes
You need an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer to make this recipe. I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer with two compartments, so I split the casserole into two smaller oval casserole dishes.
For a single basket air fryer, you can use a larger square or round casserole or baking dish instead! Cooking times can vary a little (both based on dish size and your air fryer), so adjust with a little extra time if needed.
Feel free to split this recipe in ramekins as well, for perfect single servings!
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the bacon and chives, and stir well. Then, spread the batter evenly into a greased baking dish (or split evenly into two smaller dishes) that fits in your air fryer
- Place the filled casserole dish in your air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (it shouldn’t jiggle in the middle when gently shaken)
- Top with the bacon and chives, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Corn pudding is creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile side dish for everything from holiday dinners to backyard barbecues. It pairs especially well with savory meats and classic comfort food. Here are some of my favorites!
Main Dishes
- Roast turkey: A classic Thanksgiving pairing that belongs on any holiday table. Check out my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for some great choices!
- Baked ham: The salty, savory flavor of ham balances the sweetness of the corn pudding. Try my air fryer Small Ham!
- Roasted chicken: A comforting combination for Sunday dinner or an easy family meal
- Pulled pork: Sweet corn pudding is a delicious contrast to smoky, savory barbecue
- Barbecue ribs: The creamy side helps balance the bold, smoky flavors
- Smoked brisket: A hearty pairing for backyard cookouts and gatherings
- Meatloaf: Classic comfort food that pairs naturally with creamy corn pudding. Try any of my Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes!
- Pork chops: Juicy grilled or pan-seared pork works beautifully with the sweet corn
Other Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes: Double down on the comfort food with two creamy favorites!
- Green bean casserole: A classic holiday combination
- Stuffing: Especially delicious alongside turkey for Thanksgiving!
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their caramelized flavor adds a savory contrast. Try my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon for a perfect complement!
- Glazed carrots: Another naturally sweet vegetable that fits right into a holiday spread. Try my Air Fryer Brown Sugar Carrots!
- Mac and cheese: Perfect for an indulgent comfort food feast
Bread & Rolls
- Dinner rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for holiday meals
- Cornbread: A great choice for a Southern-inspired spread
- Buttermilk biscuits: Flaky and savory alongside the creamy pudding
- Garlic bread: A flavorful option for a hearty family dinner
Desserts
- Apple crisp: Warm cinnamon apples make a natural finish to the meal
- Pumpkin pie: A classic Thanksgiving pairing!
- Peach cobbler: Sweet, fruity, and wonderfully comforting. Try my Air Fryer Peach Cobbler!
- Pecan pie: Rich and nutty for a special-occasion dessert
- Apple pie: A timeless choice after a cozy family dinner
Best Occasions
Corn pudding is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, Sunday dinners, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings. Serve it alongside turkey or ham for the holidays, or pair it with barbecue and grilled meats for an easy summer spread!
Recipe FAQs
Are Corn Pudding And Corn Casserole The Same Thing?
They’re similar, and the names are sometimes used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Corn pudding is typically softer, creamier, and more custard-like, while corn casserole tends to be firmer and more bread-like.
What Makes A Good Corn Pudding?
A good corn pudding should be creamy and tender with plenty of sweet corn flavor. The ideal texture is soft and custardy without being watery, with just enough richness from butter and dairy to make it comforting.
Is Corn Pudding Southern Or Pennsylvania Dutch?
Corn pudding has roots in both Southern and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking traditions, so it’s difficult to claim it exclusively as one or the other.
Similar baked corn dishes developed in different regions, with Southern versions often emphasizing sweet corn and Pennsylvania Dutch versions reflecting the area’s traditional farm-style cooking.
Can I Make This In The Oven Instead?
Absolutely! Corn pudding is traditionally made in the oven, so it’s an easy alternative to the air fryer. Bake it in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until the center is set and the top is lightly golden, usually 45-60 minutes.
Tips For the Best Corn Pudding
- I make this dish in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. As pictured, I cooked this batch for 18 minutes total, without preheating. Cooking times can vary between different air fryers, and based on your dish size (especially depth), so adjust as needed
- If your pudding is starting to overbrown, you can add foil to slow it. This will also add cooking time, though, so I wouldn’t do it unless you’re trying to get a particularly deep dish cooked through
- You may have extra pudding mixture depending on the exact size of your dish(es). You can cook additional batches (it reheats well), or even add a few ramekins to use it up
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the corn pudding cool before covering and refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days for the best flavor and texture
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through
- Air fryer: Reheat individual portions at 325°F for 5-8 minutes (depending on size of portion) until hot
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between intervals if needed (but it will lose the crispy edges this way)
- Add a little butter or cream if the pudding seems dry after refrigeration
Make Ahead Tip
Corn pudding can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. If baking straight from the refrigerator, allow a little extra cooking time and look for the center to be set before serving.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer corn pudding recipe offers a modern and convenient twist on a classic Southern (and Pennsylvania Dutch) dish. Your grandmother’s down home cooking is made even faster (less than half the time of the oven), with the same golden brown top!
I love to make this easy corn side in my air fryer not only because it’s quicker, but my favorite thing is that it leaves my range oven open for larger things (like a ham or turkey), and handles the sides with ease so I don’t have to juggle dishes.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great vegetable sides? Check out all of my Air Fryer Corn Recipes for options to suit any season or occasion!
Air Fryer Corn Pudding
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can creamed corn
- 14 ounce can sweet corn kernels (drained)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 4 Tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives for garnish (optional)
- 2-3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the bacon and chives, and stir well. Then, spread the batter evenly into a greased baking dish (or split evenly into two smaller dishes) that fits in your air fryer14 ounce can creamed corn, 14 ounce can sweet corn kernels, 2 large eggs, 4 Tbsp butter, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, ¼ cup all purpose flour, Salt and black pepper to taste, Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Place the filled casserole dish in your air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (it shouldn’t jiggle in the middle when gently shaken)
- Top with the bacon and chives, and enjoy!1 Tbsp chopped chives for garnish, 2-3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Notes
- You can also use fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels instead of canned (about 1 ½ cups is equivalent)
- Flour can be swapped for fine cornmeal or cornstarch (each will give it a slightly different texture though; I’ve always made mine with flour)
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or parsley for some other great options
- While bacon is optional, I like the smoky notes it adds. You could also add jalapenos for some heat!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or swaps, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
