Go Back
–+ servings
image of realistic and creative image showing all the fresh ingredients for Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn artfully arranged on a rustic wooden board with vibrant colors and natural lighting
katya bou

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

Transform your weeknight with this crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn (Elote). Ready in under 15 minutes, it delivers all the flavors of authentic street corn with none of the fuss.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 ears
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Corn Ingredients
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob shucked and cleaned
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Creamy Sauce
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise high-quality, or vegan mayo for vegan version
  • 2 tbsp sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 tsp lime zest from 1 lime
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • pinch salt
Topping Mix
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese crumbled, or feta for substitute
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili powder Ancho preferred, or Tajín
  • 2 limes quartered for squeezing

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,

Method
 

  1. Prep the Corn: Shuck the corn and remove as much silk as possible. Brush each ear lightly with olive oil.
  2. Air Fry the Corn: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place corn in a single layer in the basket. Cook 10–14 minutes, turning once, until kernels are golden and slightly charred.
  3. Make the Sauce: While the corn cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Combine the Toppings: On a plate or shallow dish, mix crumbled Cotija, chopped cilantro, and chili powder. Set up a rolling station for easy assembly.
  5. Coat the Corn: Once cooked, transfer the corn to a platter. While still hot, brush them generously with the creamy sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Roll the corn in the Cotija mixture or sprinkle over the top. Squeeze lime juice over each ear before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Tip for Vegans: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and Cotija with a plant-based cheese or crumbled tofu.
Frozen Corn Option: If using frozen corn on the cob, increase cooking time by 3–5 minutes.
For Kids: Keep chili powder on the side or reduce heat entirely for milder versions.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe