Scalloped corn is a classic old fashioned New England staple side dish. It’s creamy, buttery, and sweet thanks to the use of sweet corn kernels. The air fryer gives the cracker topping a golden brown finish, for a side that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for the holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and comforting. Every bite is creamy, buttery, and packed with sweet corn flavor
- Perfect for the holidays. It’s a classic side dish that’s always welcome on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables!
- Easy to make. Simple pantry staples come together for an impressive side with minimal effort
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will keep coming back for seconds
- The perfect balance of textures. A creamy corn filling pairs beautifully with a golden, lightly crisp topping
- Pairs with almost any main course. Serve it alongside turkey, ham, chicken, pork, or beef for a complete meal!
- Great for potlucks. It travels well and stays warm, making it ideal for sharing
- Easy to customize. Add shredded cheese, fresh herbs, bacon, or a pinch of cayenne to make it your own
- Perfect for making ahead. Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve
- Comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this scalloped corn is a warm, satisfying side everyone will love, since it feels like something grandma would serve (but with a modern, convenient twist)!
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Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup milk or half and half
- ½ cup crushed crackers (Ritz or saltines), divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted (divided)
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- ½ Tbsp finely chopped or grated onion
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- For a creamier dish, you can substitute an equivalent amount of canned creamed corn instead of the kernels (or do half and half)
- You can use canned corn as well, but make sure to drain it well
- Want some heat? Add in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to bump it up!
- If you are using frozen corn and baking this recipe, I recommend thawing and draining it first
- Meaty Variation: Add some cooked, cubed or crumbled ham, sausage, or bacon to add a protein!
Equipment Notes
You need an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer to make this recipe. I have a 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, so adjust with a little extra time if needed.
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, beaten egg, milk, ¼ cup of crushed crackers, 1 Tbsp melted butter, sugar, onion, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then spread it evenly into a greased baking dish (or split evenly into two smaller dishes)
- Place the filled casserole dish in your air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes
- While that’s cooking, combine the remaining ¼ cup cracker crumbs and 1 Tbsp melted butter, tossing until the crumbs are well coated. Once the initial cook is completed (the edges should be set at this point, but the center still a bit wet and jiggly – add additional time if your is not), add the cracker crumbs to the top of the corn mixture
- Cook an additional 5-7 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly (or if preferred, a butter knife inserted near the center of the dish should come out clean)
- Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for color if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy!
What Goes Well With Scalloped Corn?
Scalloped corn is creamy, buttery, and comforting, making it the perfect side dish for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings. It pairs especially well with roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and other classic comfort food sides!
Main Dishes
- Roast turkey: A holiday classic that pairs beautifully with creamy corn. Any of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes would be perfect!
- Baked ham: The salty, smoky flavors complement the sweetness of the corn. Check out my air fryer Small Ham with hot honey glaze!
- Roast chicken: A comforting combination for any time of year
- Pork tenderloin: Juicy pork and rich scalloped corn are a perfect match
- Meatloaf: A hearty, family-friendly pairing. See my Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes for inspiration!
Classic Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy comfort food at its best
- Green bean casserole: A must-have for holiday meals
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their caramelized flavor balances the richness of the corn. Try my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon!
- Glazed carrots: Sweet, tender carrots complement the buttery casserole
- Stuffing or dressing: A natural addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Fresh Vegetables
- Garden salad: Crisp greens lighten up the meal
- Roasted asparagus: A simple vegetable side with fresh flavor. My Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a great choice!
- Steamed green beans: Bright and tender with a little butter
- Sautéed spinach: A lighter option that complements the creamy casserole
- Broccoli: Roasted or steamed for an easy addition
Bread
- Dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last bite
- Buttermilk biscuits: Warm, flaky, and comforting
- Cornbread: Double down on the corn for a Southern-inspired meal. Air Fryer Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls are a great quick option!
- Garlic bread: A buttery favorite that pairs with almost anything
- French bread: Crisp on the outside and soft inside
Desserts
- Apple pie: A timeless finish to a comforting meal!
- Pumpkin pie: Especially perfect for Thanksgiving
- Peach cobbler: Sweet fruit balances the savory flavors. I love Air Fryer Peach Cobbler!
- Bread pudding: Rich and comforting
- Pecan pie: A classic holiday dessert that rounds out the meal. For a no bake option, try my Pecan Pie Bark!
Best Occasions
Scalloped corn is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings. Its creamy texture and comforting flavor make it a versatile side dish that’s just as welcome on a holiday table as it is alongside a simple weeknight roast!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Bake This In The Oven Instead?
Yes! Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 30-45 minutes, until the center is set. You can add the topping ahead of time instead of near the end of cooking, as the oven will brown it slower than the air fryer.
What Does Scalloped Corn Taste Like?
Scalloped corn is rich, creamy, and buttery with plenty of sweet corn flavor. It has a soft, comforting custard-like filling texture with a crisp, golden topping that adds just the right amount of contrast.
How Is Scalloped Corn Different From Corn Casserole?
While the two are similar, scalloped corn typically has a creamier texture and uses crackers or breadcrumbs for structure and a crisp topping. Corn casserole is denser and more bread-like thanks to cornbread mix.
What’s The Origin Of Scalloped Corn?
Scalloped corn is a classic American comfort food that became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s especially associated with the Midwest and New England, where corn has long been a staple ingredient and baked casseroles are a family dinner favorite.
Tips For the Best Scalloped Corn
- This recipe easily doubles if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Air fry in separate batches, or swap to oven cooking if preferred!
- I made this recipe in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer without preheating, so cooking times are based on my testing with it! Other air fryers (and pan sizes) can cause your times to vary slightly. Adjust as needed in small increments!
Storage, Reheating, and Make Ahead
Storage Tips
- Let the scalloped corn cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the baking dish
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days for the best flavor and texture
- Cover tightly with a lid, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out in the fridge
- 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 bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil during the last few minutes if you’d like to re-crisp the top
- Air fryer: Reheat individual portions at 325°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring if needed, until hot (though the top will lose its crispiness)
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and cover it tightly before refrigerating
- Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking or air frying to help it cook more evenly (or add a few extra minutes to cooking time to compensate for it being colder when baking; it doesn’t matter so much in the air fryer)
- Bake just before serving for the freshest flavor and the crispiest topping
- Trader Joe’s Corn Ribs in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
This air fryer scalloped corn recipe is one of my favorite modern twists on a recipe that’s been on my family’s table for years! I’ve simply adapted it to work in my air fryer, which makes cooking time nearly half compared to the oven, so it’s on the dinner table even faster.
Whether you’re serving it as a delicious side dish on a weeknight, or adding it to the holiday table, this scalloped corn works so well, pairing flawlessly with a huge variety of different proteins and sides. You’d made your grandmother proud!
Katie’s tip
For more amazing recipes featuring summer’s favorite vegetable, check out all of my Air Fryer Corn Recipes for a huge variety of different flavors and options for any palate!
Air Fryer Scalloped Corn (Old Fashioned Style)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ½ cup milk or half and half
- ½ cup crushed Ritz or saltine crackers (divided)
- 2 Tbsp melted butter (divided)
- ½ Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ Tbsp finely chopped or grated onion
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp each)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, beaten egg, milk, ¼ cup of crushed crackers, 1 Tbsp melted butter, sugar, onion, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then spread it evenly into a greased baking dish (or split evenly into two smaller dishes)2 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn, 1 large egg, ½ cup milk or half and half, ½ cup crushed Ritz or saltine crackers, 2 Tbsp melted butter, ½ Tbsp granulated sugar, ½ Tbsp finely chopped or grated onion, ¼ tsp paprika, Salt and black pepper to taste
- Place the filled casserole dish in your air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes
- While that’s cooking, combine the remaining ¼ cup cracker crumbs and 1 Tbsp melted butter, tossing until the crumbs are well coated. Once the initial cook is completed (the edges should be set at this point, but the center still a bit wet and jiggly – add additional time if your is not), add the cracker crumbs to the top of the corn mixture2 Tbsp melted butter, ½ cup crushed Ritz or saltine crackers
- Cook an additional 5-7 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly (or if preferred, a butter knife inserted near the center of the dish should come out clean)
- Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for color if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe easily doubles if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Cook separate batches, or swap to oven cooking if preferred!
- I make this recipe in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer without preheating, so cooking times are based on my personal results. Other air fryers (and pan sizes) can cause your times to vary slightly. Adjust as needed in small increments
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
