Air Fryer Corn Casserole

This air fryer corn casserole is rich, cheesy and full of fresh corn and bacon flavor. It’s a quick and easy air fryer side dish that tastes like comfort in a bowl.

If you enjoy this, you might also like mac and beer cheese, Mexican corn kale salad, Hasselback chicken with bacon, or pesto crusted salmon filets.

Why You’ll Love It

Perfect texture: The air fryer gives the casserole a crispy top and tender center.
Bold flavor: Bacon, garlic, goat cheese, and chives add major depth.
No oven needed: Great for keeping your kitchen cool while still serving something cozy.
Great for gatherings: It’s easy to double or transport for potlucks and parties.

Air Fryer Cornbread Pudding Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Bacon: Adds saltiness, crunch and a smoky, savory flavor.
Fresh garlic: Infuses the casserole with rich, aromatic flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn kernels add sweetness and texture.
Cornbread mix: Forms the base of the casserole, keeping it fluffy and flavorful.
Spices: Garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper give the dish a balanced seasoning.
White onion: Adds sweetness and crunch.
Fresh herbs: Chives brighten the casserole with a fresh, oniony note.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
French onion dip: Adds creaminess and savory richness.
Half & Half: Keeps the mixture smooth and tender.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and buttery flavor.
Goat cheese: Brings tang and creaminess as a final topping. Use plain or a herbed goat cheese.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn Casserole

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the bacon: Crisp the bacon in a skillet, then crumble and set aside, keeping the grease.
Sauté the corn: Cook garlic briefly in the bacon grease, then add corn and sauté. Remove from heat.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine cornbread mix, spices, corn, bacon, onion and half the chives.
Add the wet ingredients: Stir in whisked eggs, French onion dip, half and half and melted butter.
Fill the dish: Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer.
Air fry: Cook the casserole until golden and cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Top with crumbled goat cheese and remaining chives before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Different cheeses: Swap goat cheese for feta, cheddar or cream cheese for a different flavor.
Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the garlic and corn.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix.
Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Serving Suggestions

With meat: Roasted chicken, Italian steak and smoked ham are all delicious with this corn casserole made with Jiffy cornbread mix. And it’s really good with apple cider turkey breast.
With seafood: Enjoy the cornbread casserole with pistachio crusted salmon or sheet pan Mediterranean cod.

How to Store Corn Casserole

Store: Cornbread is usually fine in the refrigerator for 5 or 6 days but if it smells sour or feels moist, toss it out. Stale cornbread isn’t unsafe to eat but it won’t taste good anymore, like bread that’s hardened a little.
Freeze: Divide the leftovers into portions when they are completely cool then seal them in freezer bags or wrap in a double layer of aluminum foil. It will keep for a couple of months this way.
Thaw: Thaw it out in the refrigerator overnight. You could pop the Jiffy corn casserole in the oven while it’s frozen, but the texture will be better if you let it thaw out overnight.
Reheat: You can reheat the corn casserole in the microwave or oven.