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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is cooked to perfection using the air fryer. Air fried corn comes out similar to grilled corn without the need to fire up the grill. It results in lightly charred ends with plump, juicy corn kernels, with very little prep. It is quick, easy, and delicious.

Corn on the cob on a plate topped with pats of butter, salt and chopped herbs.
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We live in an area where fresh corn on the cob is only available for a couple of months a year. But when it’s available, it’s everywhere and you better believe we are eating as much as we can during that time.

My favourite way to enjoy corn on the cob is when it has been cooked on the grill. I like that a few kernels get a bit toasty, but mostly I like that the corn doesn’t get overly soft or water logged. If I had my way I’d eat all of my vegetables raw, but on the occasion I need to cook them, like corn, I want them to retain texture and crunch.

Because we use our air fryer so often we decided to see how it would do cooking corn, and I have to say I am very happy with the result.

Just like the grill the corn gets a bit charred on the end and a few kernels here and there get a bit toasty. But the main reason I love it is that the corn has crunch. No soft, water logged kernels, just plump, juicy and perfect. And it only takes about 15 minutes.

Cooked ears of corn topped with butter and chopped parsley.

Ingredients

Are you ready for it?

To make this recipe you need corn. And that is really all you need.

You will also want to spray or brush the corn with a bit of olive oil before putting it in the air fryer.

Toppings like butter, salt, pepper, spices or chopped herbs are optional, but definitely recommended.

Instructions

Begin by pre-heating the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.

While the air fryer is pre-heating, shuck and clean the corn, then trim the ends off so that it will fit in your air fryer basket.

Brush or spray the cobs with a bit of olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

The pre-heat button on my air fryer is pre-programmed to 400°F, which is the reason for the difference in pre-heat and cook temperature. If your air fryer allows you to set the pre-heat temperature you can use 380°F.

Raw corn on the cob in an air fryer basket.

Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook the corn for 12-15 minutes turning halfway through.

The corn is done when the ends are slightly golden and the corn kernels feel tender when pierced with a fork.

The cook time will vary slightly depending on the size and variety of corn you choose and your preferred doneness.

Four cooked corn on the cobs in an air fryer basket.

What Type of Corn is Best?

For corn on the cob you want to use sweet corn, but the variety you use will depend both on your preference and what is available in your area.

There are many varieties of sweet corn, ranging from mildly sweet to super sweet. Some are bright yellow, some are white, and some, like peaches and cream, are a combination of yellow and white kernels. There are even varieties of sweet corn that are red or purple.

In my area the most common types of corn available are either peaches and cream or jubilee. Both have nice plump, sweet kernels and can be cooked in a variety of ways.

When choosing corn look look for bright green husks that are not dried out, and if you can see the cob you want to make sure the kernels are plump and bright and not dried or shrivelled.

If you have the space you may even want to try growing your own. Gardener’s path has a great article on the best varieties of corn to grow at home, and a bit about the differences between each variety as well.

Serving Suggestions

When serving corn you are always going to want to serve it with lots of butter.

After it is slathered in butter you can season it however you wish. Salt and pepper is most common, but I love to sprinkle it with Tajin which is a salty seasoning flavoured with lime and a bit of spice. Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley and chives are nice as well.

In my family corn can become a meal in itself, but more commonly it is served as a side dish.

Corn on the cob goes great with almost anything. Grilled steak or chicken, BBQ ribs, or air fried pork chops are all good choices.

4 corn on the cobs with butter pats, salt and fresh chopped herbs.

FAQS

Can I cook corn on the cob from frozen?

You can cook corn on the cob from frozen in the air fryer if you wish. You will need to add 3-5 minutes to the cook time. I advise cooking for a few minutes to thaw before brushing with the olive oil and then continue to cook until it is done to your preference.

Can I air fry the corn on the cob in the husk?

No, I do not recommend leaving the husk on when cooking corn in the air fryer. It will only extend the cook time and the husk will smoke and burn.

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Printable Recipe

Corn on the cob on a plate topped with pats of butter, salt and chopped herbs.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is cooked to perfection using the air fryer. With lightly charred ends, plump, juicy corn kernels, & very little prep. It is quick, easy, and delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 86kcal
Author: Deanna

Ingredients

  • 4 ears of sweet corn
  • olive oil spray

Optional Toppings

  • Butter
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Fresh chopped herbs

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
  • Shuck and clean the corn and trim the ends or cut them in half so that the cobs will fit in the air fryer basket.
  • Lightly brush the cobs with olive oil or spray with olive oil spray.
  • Place the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and place the basket in the air fryer.
  • Set the air fryer to 380°F. Cook the corn for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The corn is done when the ends are slighly browned, the corn is bright, and the the kernels are tender when poked with a fork.

Notes

My air fryer will only preheat at 400°F, which is the reason for the difference between preheat and cook temperatures. If your air fryer allows you to set the preheat temperature you can preheat at 380°F.
Time to cook will vary slightly depending on the size of the corn, the variety you choose, and your preferred doneness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cob | Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

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Recipe Rating




Linda focht

Thursday 5th of August 2021

The corn looks really good

Deanna

Friday 6th of August 2021

Thank you. It is!