Air fryer spicy corn is a quick snack made with sweet corn and simple spices. This post shows you how to make it golden and crunchy with just a little oil.
About Air Fryer Spicy Corn
Spicy corn is a popular street snack in India. It is often sold hot, with salt, chilli and a squeeze of lime. This version uses an air fryer, so you need only a light spray of oil.
The corn is boiled for 2 minutes first. Then it gets tossed with spices and a little cornstarch.
The cornstarch helps the spices stick and gives the corn a crisp, dry coat. If you like corn snacks, you may also like this Garlic Butter Masala Corn Chat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Very little oil. A light spray is all you need.
- Quick to make. It takes about 23 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple ingredients. You likely have most of the spices at home already.
- Easy to adjust. Add more chilli for heat or less for a mild snack.
- Good for snack time. It is great with tea or for movie nights.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet corn – Use fresh kernels, or frozen kernels that are thawed. Canned corn works too if you drain it well.
- Water – For boiling the corn.
- Cornstarch – Helps the spices stick and gives the corn a crisp coat.
- Black pepper, and red chilli powder – These give the heat and the golden color. Use less chilli powder if you want it mild.
- Oregano – Adds a light herb taste. Dried mixed herbs can work in its place.
- Oil spray – Any cooking oil spray is fine.
- Salt – Add to taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Spicy Corn
1. Add 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a pan and heat it. When the water is hot, add 200 grams (about 1⅓ cups) of sweet corn and cook for 2 minutes. Pour the corn into a strainer and drain well, so no extra water is left.
2. Add the corn to a bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder, ½ teaspoon red chilli powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and salt to taste. Mix well, so the spices and cornstarch coat every kernel.
3. Preheat the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 2 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Add the seasoned corn and spread it out in one layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Take the basket out 2 to 3 times and toss the corn, so it cooks evenly.
5. If the corn looks dry, give it a light spray of oil. It is ready when the corn looks golden and crispy.
6. Serve the spicy corn hot.
Expert Tips
- Drain the corn well after boiling. Extra water makes the corn soft instead of crisp.
- Spread the corn in a single layer. If your basket is small, cook in two batches.
- Toss the corn a few times while it cooks. This helps it turn golden on all sides.
- Taste a kernel near the end of cooking. Add a pinch of salt if you need it.
What to Serve With Spicy Corn
This corn is great on its own as a snack. For a bigger snack plate, serve it with Crispy Paneer Nuggets in Air Fryer or Air Fryer Potato Balls Recipe.
A squeeze of lime juice and a hot cup of tea go well with it too.
Storage and Reheating
This corn tastes best fresh and hot. If you have leftovers, let them cool and keep them in an airtight box in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes until warm and crisp again.
Variations
- Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes.
- Tangy: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn after cooking.
- Chaat style: Add chopped onion, tomato and coriander leaves after air frying.
More Recipes
- Boiled Egg Fritters For Tea Time Snacks
- Eggplant Fritters For Tea Time Snack
- Air Fryer Potatoes Skewers
- Spicy Indian Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Air Fryer Pineapple Skewers
Air fryer spicy corn recipe
Ingredients
- 200 grams about 1⅓ cups sweet corn kernels
- 2 cups 480 ml water, for boiling
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil spray (as needed)
Instructions
- Heat the water in a pan. When it is hot, add the sweet corn and cook for 2 minutes.
- Drain the corn well in a strainer.
- Add the corn to a bowl. Add the black pepper, red chilli powder, oregano, cornstarch and salt.
- Mix well, so the corn is coated with the spices.
- Preheat the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 2 minutes.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil. Spread the corn in one layer.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Toss the corn 2 to 3 times while it cooks.
- If the corn looks dry, spray a little oil. Cook until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Drain the corn well, so it turns crisp.
- Cook in a single layer for even color.
- Best eaten fresh. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
