Gather all ingredients.

Place corn in a large bowl and cover with water; let sit to rehydrate, 8 hours to overnight.

Drain corn and spread out in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels. Air-dry for 20 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Place corn in a large bowl. Add oil and salt; stir until evenly coated.

Working in batches, place corn into the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for 10 more minutes. Shake the basket again, cook for 5 more minutes, then transfer corn nuts to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining corn.

Allow corn nuts to cool until crisp before serving, about 20 minutes.