Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Oh, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession – air fryer cornbread with honey butter! I stumbled onto this method when I desperately needed cornbread in a hurry for chili night, and wow, did it deliver. That golden, fluffy texture in 18 minutes flat? Magic. The honey butter melting into warm crannies takes it to another level entirely. My air fryer has become my secret weapon for quick breads – no preheating the big oven, no guesswork, just perfect little squares of cornbread heaven every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

This recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute sides or snacks.
• Fluffy and Golden: The air fryer gives it an incredible texture with a crispy edge and tender center.
• Honey Butter Bliss: The sweet, creamy honey butter is the perfect finishing touch.
• No Oven Needed: Skip the wait and use your air fryer for perfectly baked cornbread every time.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this air fryer cornbread! Here’s everything you’ll need – I’ve learned through trial and error that these measurements create the perfect balance of fluffy and crispy:

• For the cornbread:
  • 1 cup packed cornmeal (the fine/medium grind works best)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (yes, a full tablespoon!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter, cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
• For the honey butter:
  • 1/2 cup softened butter (let it sit out for 30 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (local honey adds amazing flavor)

Pro tip: I always measure my cornmeal by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off – no packing or shaking!

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How to Make Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Trust me, this method couldn’t be simpler – even my twelve-year-old niece nailed it on her first try! The key is taking it step by step. Here’s how we’ll create that perfect golden cornbread with dreamy honey butter:

Preparing the Cornbread Batter

First things first – grab two bowls! In the larger one, whisk together all your dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) until they’re completely combined. In the smaller bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in the milk and melted butter. Now here’s the secret – pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until everything’s moistened. Resist the urge to overmix! A few lumps are totally fine – they’ll give us that perfect texture.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

While you’re mixing the batter, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Generously grease your pan (I use a 7-inch round cake pan that fits perfectly in mine) with butter or nonstick spray. Pour in the batter – it should fill about 3/4 of the pan. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, but start checking at 15 with that trusty toothpick test. Remember, all air fryers are different – my sister’s needs 2 extra minutes compared to mine!

Making the Honey Butter

While your cornbread bakes, let’s make that heavenly honey butter. Make sure your butter is softened (leave it out or microwave in 5-second bursts). Whip it with honey until it’s light and fluffy – I use a fork unless I’m making a big batch. Serve it immediately dolloped onto warm cornbread, or store any extra in a cute jar in the fridge (if it lasts that long!).

If you love sweet, buttery treats, you’ll adore my Air Fryer Honey Butter Toast Recipe next! It’s golden, crisp, and topped with a luscious honey butter glaze — the perfect companion to your warm, fluffy cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

After making this cornbread more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:

• Check early! Air fryers vary – start testing with a toothpick at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Room temp matters. Cold eggs or milk can make the batter seize up – take them out 30 minutes beforehand.
• Taste your honey. Some are sweeter than others – adjust the honey butter to your preference.
• Grease thoroughly. Cornbread sticks like crazy – don’t skimp on greasing that pan!

One more thing – let it cool just 5 minutes before slicing. That wait is torture, but it prevents crumbling!

Variations for Air Fryer Cornbread

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun begins! My family loves when I jazz up our air fryer cornbread with mix-ins. Try folding in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweeter version. My neighbor swears by adding corn kernels for extra crunch – just pat them dry first so they don’t make the batter soggy. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Oh, this cornbread plays so well with others! My absolute favorite is crumbling it into a bowl of steaming chili – the honey butter melts into the spicy broth in the most magical way. Soup nights? A must-have side. But honestly, I’ve been known to eat it straight from the pan as a snack (no judgment!). For leftovers, just pop slices back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll taste fresh-baked all over again.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to keep your air fryer cornbread tasting fresh as can be! Let it cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat slices in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes – it’ll come out warm and crispy just like the first bake!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Here’s the scoop on what you’re enjoying with each delicious slice (based on cutting the cornbread into 8 servings with honey butter):

• Calories: About 220 per slice
• Fat: 10g (mostly from that glorious butter)
• Carbs: 28g (hello, cornmeal goodness!)
• Protein: 4g

Keep in mind – these numbers can vary depending on your exact ingredients. My neighbor’s homemade honey bumps up the sugar content, while using skim milk brings the calories down slightly. It’s cornbread, not calculus – enjoy every bite!

For more irresistible air fryer breads, sweet spreads, and cozy breakfast ideas, follow us on Pinterest! You’ll find endless inspiration for quick treats, family-friendly recipes, and creative ways to enjoy honeyed goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about this air fryer cornbread – let me share the ones that pop up most often!