Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

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This air fryer corn on the cob is a game changer! No more boiling a pot of water to drop your corn in. You get juicy and tender kernels that will offer a toasty flavor similar to grilling. Best part of all, it takes no time to make corn this way. 

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

If you love easy air fryer recipes and easy side dishes, you’re going to love Air Fryer Corn on the Cob! 

Air fried corn has become my favorite way to cook corn on the cob.  Not only is a great side dish to serve with weeknight meals, it’s also perfect for family gatherings, cookouts, and more!

And, now that it’s finally getting warmer outside, it’s the perfect time of year to pick up some fresh corn at your local supermarket or farmers market and make corn on the cob in the air fryer.

Corn on the cob cooked in the air fryer

Why Make Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

  • Hands off cooking – The air fryer takes away needing to watch a pot of water boil on the stove. Just toss the corn in the air fryer, turn it on and let it do the magical part. You also don’t need to wrap the corn in aluminum foil.
  • Doesn’t heat the home – Air fryers are awesome as they cook without heating up the whole home like our stoves and ovens do. So you can serve your corn up without making the house hot.
  • Juicy kernels – Just as you would get grilling, you will find the kernels get a little toasted. Then as you take a bite, you’ll taste that sweet juice we all know and love in this sweet corn recipe.
  • Quick to make – It doesn’t take much time to cook your corn in the air fryer. Depending on the size of the corn cobs the cook time will vary a bit but overall it is quick.
  • An easy side dish – Corn on the cob is an easy side dish to prepare while grilling or cooking food in the oven. Plus, you can’t mess it up.  Just heat up your air fryer and you have an easy side to serve with your favorite meal.

Air Fried Corn on the Cob Ingredients

  • Corn – I used “bicolor” corn because it’s what was freshest at the grocery store but this recipe will work with yellow or white corn! 
  • Oil – Helps the corn cook without burning and keeps it from sticking to the air fryer basket. It also helps the salt stick to the corn. Feel free to use olive oil, avocado oil, canola, etc.
  • Salt – Kosher salt works great! Salt enhances the flavor of the corn and helps balance out the corn’s natural sweetness. 
  • Butter – Butter adds great flavor and richness to the corn. We recommend using real butter, not margarine.
  • Optional toppings – black pepper, cilantro, garlic salt, parsley, cayenne pepper, Old Bay, 

How to Air Fry Corn on the Cob

  1. Start by removing the husks and the silks from the corn. The silks are the strands that cling to each ear of corn.
  2. Brush each ear of corn with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Place in your air fryer basket and cook as directed. Make sure to flip over during the cooking process.
  4. When the corn is done, remove and brush with butter on all sides.
  5. Season as you wish and serve the corn fresh! 

Tips for Cooking Corn in the Air Fryer

  • You can cut the cobs in half with a sharp knife if you want to make smaller cobs. This is great for little kids.
  • I recommend using a basting brush to brush oil and butter on corn. It will make it so much easier.
  • Place corn in a single layer, do not stack or you will get uneven cooking.
  • Make sure to coat all sides of the corn with the oil and salt for even flavor.
  • Rotating the corn during the cooking process is important to ensure all areas get an even cook.
  • Butter the ears right after they are removed so the melted butter soaks into the corn.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fried Corn On The Cob Variations

  • Once your corn is done remove it and season as you wish. Pepper, Chili powder, parmesan cheese, Cotija cheese, Creole spice, etc. Create any flavors for your corn as you wish.
  • To make Mexican street corn, remove and add a layer of mayo on the corn. Then add seasonings and cheese, and place in the air fryer for 1 additional minute to get nice and hot. Then serve.
  • If you love garlic parmesan wings, you’ll love garlic parmesan corn!  After adding the butter, sprinkle over ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  • You can skip the oil and use only butter, just note if the butter gets too hot it can smoke and alter the flavor of the corn.
  • For spicy corn, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to taste.

Storing Leftovers

Store any corn you do not eat right away in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Then eat within the next few days. Feel free to eat it cold or warm it up.

You can also cut the corn off the cob and use it as a salad topper, add to pasta salads or mix it into your favorite appetizer or dinner recipe.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?

You are welcome to use frozen corn if you want. Place it in frozen and just add a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure the corn thaws. Or allow the corn to thaw first in the fridge. Just know frozen corn will have a bit of a different texture than fresh corn when cooked since it was pre-frozen.

Can I stack corn in the air fryer?

No. Stacking food in the air fryer will cause areas to not get the heat evenly circulated around the food and cause areas that are unevenly cooked. The corn needs to be in an even layer with room around each cob, don’t let them touch. If you have extra corn, then batch cook the corn. 

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Yes. This recipe is easy to double and triple depending on the size of your air fryer. Just make sure that the corn is in an even layer on the bottom of the air fryer. You can cook as many ears of corn as you want as long as they are lying flat on the bottom of your air fryer.

What’s the best way to reheat corn on the cob?

Reheating corn on the cob is so easy and takes less than 10 minutes! You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, and air fryer. Just reheat until it is warm throughout.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

This air fryer corn on the cob is a game changer! No more boiling a pot of water to drop your corn in. You get juicy and tender kernels that will offer a toasty flavor similar to grilling. Best part of all, it takes no time to make corn this way. 
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ears of corn, shucked and with silks removed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Instructions
 

  • Brush (or spray) the corn witholive oil and sprinkle over the salt. Make sure to cover all sides of thecorn!
  • Add the corn to the air fryer and cook at 375F for 8 minutes. Then, flip the corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes. 
  • While the corn is still warm, spread the butter over corn. Garnish with any additional seasonings and enjoy. 

Notes

  • Store any leftover corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
  • I used “bicolor” corn because it’s what was freshest at the grocery store– but this recipe will work with yellow or white corn! 
  • Olive oil helps the corn cook without burning. It also helps the salt stick to the corn. 
  • Salt enhances the flavor of the corn and helps balance out the corn’s natural sweetness. 
  • Butter adds great flavor and richness to the corn. 
 
Optional Seasonings 
  • Garlic Parmesan: After adding the butter, sprinkle over ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese. 
  • Elote: Instead of spreading the corn with butter, spread it with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream. Then sprinkle over ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese, ½ teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and chopped cilantro for garnish. 
  • For spicy corn, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 343IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.5mg
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Recipe Rating




One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    oh great. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe and recipe. I will try to make this according to your recipe