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This Air-Fried Elote is the faster, easier way to enjoy authentic Mexican street corn—juicy, charred corn smothered in creamy mayo, cotija cheese, and bold spices. It’s irresistibly smoky, tangy, and perfect as a side dish or summer snack!

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Air-Fried Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Taylor Jackzen
This Air-Fried Elote is the faster, easier way to enjoy authentic Mexican street corn—juicy, charred corn smothered in creamy mayo, cotija cheese, and bold spices. It’s irresistibly smoky, tangy, and perfect as a side dish or summer snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears of corn husks removed
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Carefully shuck the corn and remove any silk strands.
  • Rinse the corn under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place the ears of corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with olive oil.
  • Air fry the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the kernels are tender and lightly charred in spots.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated cotija cheese until well combined.
  • In a second small bowl, mix together chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket.
  • Using a brush or spoon, evenly coat each ear of corn with the elote topping mixture then sprinkle seasoning mixture on top.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the coated corn, if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.