This air fryer Mexican street corn is a game changer for any corn lover. Sweet, juicy corn cobs are roasted until perfectly golden and then slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, sprinkled with crumbly cheese, and finished off with fresh lime juice and cilantro. It’s inspired by traditional elote but made even easier thanks to the air fryer.

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

If you’re a fan of simple and flavor-packed sides, you’ll love this one. It pairs perfectly with summer grilling, taco night, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Be sure to check out some of my other easy side dish favorites like grilled baked potatoes, creamy pea salad, or even copycat Olive Garden salad to round out your meal.

Using the air fryer means no boiling water or turning on the oven, and cleanup is a breeze. This version keeps all the flavor of classic street corn but skips the mess and extra steps. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick dinner for your family, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat.

What You Will Love About This Recipe:

This air fryer elote is easy, fast, and absolutely bursting with flavor. You get that same charred sweetness from grilled corn with just a few minutes in the air fryer. The creamy coating, cotija cheese, and fresh lime make it the perfect side for just about anything. It’s also easily customizable if you want to kick up the spice or lighten up the sauce.

How to Prep Corn On The Cob

Start by removing the husks on the cobs.
Once you have that done work at getting all the silk off each cob.
Look for any bad Kernels and remove them with a knife.
Then follow the directions below on how to air fry corn.

Tips & Tricks:

Make sure to flip your corn halfway through cooking so it gets evenly roasted on all sides.
Don’t skip the lime juice — it really brightens up the flavors and ties everything together.
If you can’t find cotija, feta or parmesan will give a similar salty bite.
Want more spice? Add a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of Tajín to the mayo mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before air frying for the best texture.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
Feta is a great substitute, or you can try shredded parmesan for a different twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the corn ahead and reheat in the air fryer before adding the toppings.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Craving More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes | The ultimate steakhouse style baked potato made right in your air fryer. You will never make them any other way!
Easy Air Fryer Fried Oreos | Another favorite in our home. Whip these up for the ultimate dessert.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks | This fried chicken is juicy, crunchy breading, and the ultimate dessert.

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

Name: Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 corn cobs, husk and silk removed; 2 Tbsp Cilantro diced; 3 Tbsp mayo; ¼ tsp garlic salt; ¼ tsp chili powder; 1 lime quartered; ½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese (Feta is a good replacement)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn is what dreams are made of. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob That is smothered in all the fixings for Mexican Street Style Corn.

Ingredients

6 corn cobs, husk and silk removed
2 Tbsp Cilantro diced
3 Tbsp mayo
¼ tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp chili powder
1 lime quartered
½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese (Feta is a good replacement)

Instructions

Spray each cob with cooking spray (I used a light olive oil spray)
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees
Cook corn for 10-14 minutes, flipping them once in between cooking. Respray the other side if needed.
While the corn is cooking, mix the mayo in a bowl with garlic salt and chili powder.
Once your corn is cooked, brush the mayo mixture on the corn cobbs, sprinkle with cheese, diced cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 254mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn