If you want a fast side dish that actually tastes special, this air fryer Mexican street corn is one of the easiest recipes you can make. It’s sweet from the corn, creamy from the topping, a little salty from the cheese, and finished with a fresh lime flavor. The air fryer cooks the corn quickly while still giving light roasted spots, so you don’t need a grill.

Mexican street corn – commonly called Elote – is a very popular corn snack served by street vendors. Traditionally, whole corn is grilled and then coated with a creamy topping and cheese. The air fryer version gives a very similar result but takes much less effort and only around 10 minutes.

I now make it whenever I need a quick side dish for dinner, especially with chicken, tacos, rice bowls, or even burgers. The topping sticks to the corn perfectly, and every bite has a mix of creamy, smoky, and citrus flavor.

What Makes This Recipe Work

The important part is not only cooking the corn but what goes on it after cooking.

The air fryer cooks the corn evenly and slightly roasts the surface. After that, a creamy mixture is brushed over the hot corn. Because the corn is hot, the topping melts slightly and helps the cheese and spices stay attached.

The combination gives:

• sweet corn
• creamy coating
• salty cheese
• chili flavor
• fresh lime finish

That balance is what makes street corn different from normal buttered corn.

Ingredients

Corn on the cob
Fresh corn is best. Sweet corn works great, but honestly any fresh variety cooks well in the air fryer.

Sour cream + mayonnaise
This is the base coating. Sour cream gives tanginess while mayonnaise gives smoothness and helps the spices stick.

Cotija cheese
A crumbly salty cheese used in Mexican cooking. If not available, queso fresco or feta can be used.

Chili powder & paprika
Adds light smoky flavor and color. This does not make the corn spicy.

Sea salt
Add carefully because the cheese is already salty.

Fresh lime
Very important. The acidity balances the creaminess.

Cilantro
Adds freshness at the end.

How to Cook Corn in the Air Fryer

1. First remove husk and silk from the corn.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
3. Lightly spray the corn with a small amount of oil.
4. Place corn inside the basket (do not overcrowd).

Cook 5 minutes, then turn using tongs.

Cook another 5–6 minutes until:

• tender inside
• slightly roasted outside

You will notice small charred spots – this is exactly what you want.

Making the Street Corn Topping

While corn cooks, mix:

• sour cream
• mayonnaise

Once corn is hot and ready, brush the mixture over all sides. Apply generously. This is what holds the toppings.

Immediately add:

• crumbled cheese
• chili powder
• paprika

Then finish with:

• fresh lime juice
• chopped cilantro
• salt if needed

Serve while warm. The topping melts slightly and tastes much better fresh.

Serving Ideas

This works as a side dish or snack. Good pairings:

• grilled chicken
• tacos
• burritos
• rice bowls
• burgers
• barbecue meals

You can also cut kernels off and add to salads or wraps.

Storage & Reheating

Let the corn cool before storing.

Keep in airtight container in refrigerator.
Best within 3–4 days.

To reheat:

• air fryer 3–4 minutes
  or
• oven 350°F for 5–7 minutes

Avoid microwave if possible because it softens the topping.

Easy Variations (Optional)

These are optional ideas, not required.

Extra lime flavor
Add lime zest into the sour cream mixture.

Sweet and spicy
Add pinch cayenne and drizzle honey.

Jalapeno version
Mix finely chopped jalapeno into the creamy mixture.

Using as a Dip

After cooking:

1. Cut kernels off the cob.
2. Mix with same toppings.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Works very well for parties.

Notes

Cutting kernels safely
Stand the corn upright on a board and slice downward with a sharp knife. Move slowly.

No air fryer?
You can boil, grill, or roast the corn and still follow the topping steps.

Is it spicy?
No. Chili powder here adds flavor, not heat.

Corn too big for air fryer?
Cut the ears in half before cooking.