Name: Air Fryer Elote Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn on the cob (shucked and cleaned); 2 tablespoons olive oil (separated); 1/2 teaspoon salt (separated); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayo; 2 oz. cotija cheese (crumbled); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful snack that bursts with fresh, zesty goodness, this Air Fryer Elote Recipe is an absolute game changer. Bringing the beloved Mexican street corn tradition right to your kitchen with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers perfectly charred corn glazed with a creamy, tangy sauce and dusted with spicy cayenne and crumbly cotija cheese. It’s a stunning mix of textures and flavors that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a must-try for both casual weeknight eats and impressive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four golden-yellow corn cobs with light and dark kernels, arranged in a black grill basket on a white marbled surface. The corn cobs have some black grill marks and look juicy with a slight shine on the kernels. The basket's texture is visible, with small holes and ridges that hold the cobs in place. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Air Fryer Elote Recipe sing with authentic flavor. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of taste, from the sweet corn’s natural crunch to the creamy and tangy sauce that clings to every kernel.

4 ears of corn on the cob (shucked and cleaned): Fresh corn is the star, bringing natural sweetness and that satisfying pop with every bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil (separated): Used both for roasting the corn and adding a luscious golden finish.
1/2 teaspoon salt (separated): Enhances every flavor, making the corn and sauce shine.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the elote sauce with a bit of protein bomb.
2 tablespoons mayo: Brings richness and helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
2 oz. cotija cheese (crumbled): A salty, crumbly finish that adds authentic Mexican flair.
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens up the sauce with zesty citrus notes.
1 tablespoon lime zest: Infuses the corn with fragrant lime oils and extra punch.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives that iconic spice kick to balance the creaminess and sweetness.

How to Make Air Fryer Elote Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Corn

Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF to get it ready for roasting. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil all over the shucked ears of corn, then give them a good massage so the oil seeps in evenly. Sprinkle with half the salt and the black pepper to build a simple but flavorful foundation for grilling.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote even roasting. Place the corn in the basket, making sure they’re spaced evenly. Cook for about 10 minutes total, flipping the corn halfway through so every side gets that beautiful, slightly charred texture that defines classic elote.

Step 3: Whip Up the Elote Sauce

While the corn roasts, combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and the remaining salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended. This creamy, tangy coating is what really makes this Air Fryer Elote Recipe unforgettable. Be sure to set aside the cayenne pepper for seasoning later to control the heat exactly how you want it.

Step 4: Coat and Spice It Up

Once the corn is out of the air fryer and still warm, roll each ear in the luscious elote sauce, turning it to ensure every kernel is generously covered. Use a spoon to drizzle any leftover sauce over the corn for maximum indulgence. Finally, sprinkle with cayenne pepper to add a playful, fiery edge. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Air Fryer Elote Recipe

Two grilled corn on the cob pieces lay on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. Each corn is covered with a thick layer of white creamy sauce sprinkled with red chili powder and small green herb pieces. There are also small bits of white cheese scattered on and around the corn. On the side, there are two bright green lime wedges adding a fresh touch to the dish. The corn kernels are golden yellow with some slightly charred spots showing a grilled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Air Fryer Elote Recipe to new heights, try garnishing with some extra crumbled cotija cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a fresh squeeze that brings out the zesty flavors even more vibrantly.

Side Dishes

This elote pairs wonderfully with just about anything grilled or fresh salads, making it perfect next to grilled chicken tacos or a bright avocado salad. Its bold flavors and creamy texture beautifully complement simpler, lighter dishes while standing out on its own as a fabulous snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, consider serving the corn on a rustic wooden board with miniature bowls of extra sauce, cotija, and cayenne pepper so everyone can customize their bites. You can also slice the corn off the cob and serve it in a vibrant bowl as a colorful side salad sprinkled with chili powder and fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Elote Recipe, store it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture and prevent the corn from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing elote isn’t ideal because it can cause the corn and sauce to become watery and lose their fresh textures. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh or store leftovers briefly in the refrigerator instead.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the corn in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature until heated through, then add any reserved sauce or fresh garnishes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep that delightful roast char and crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh for this Air Fryer Elote Recipe?

Fresh corn always gives the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but if you only have frozen corn on hand, you can air fry the kernels separately. Keep in mind the experience won’t be quite the same as when using whole ears of fresh corn.

How spicy is the elote with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that livens up the creamy sauce but doesn’t overwhelm the dish. You can always adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer a milder version.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt and mayo for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The lime and spices will keep the dish bright and flavorful.

Is the olive oil necessary for roasting in the air fryer?

While you can roast corn without oil, olive oil helps achieve a beautiful golden color, enhances flavor, and prevents sticking, making it highly recommended for the best results in this Air Fryer Elote Recipe.

What can I serve this elote with for a complete meal?

This Air Fryer Elote Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish tacos, or a fresh bean salad. It also works wonderfully as a flavorful appetizer or side for any summer BBQ or casual dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Air Fryer Elote Recipe that makes you want to keep coming back for more. Its ease, bold flavors, and irresistible textures combine to create the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re a seasoned elote fan or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to bring sunshine and smiles to your table. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it become one of your new favorites!

Air Fryer Elote Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need