My Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe is made in under 20 minutes and takes just 2 ingredients. If you are looking for an easy seasonal side dish give this cooking method a try.
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that graces many dinner tables during summer barbecues and family gatherings. But what if I told you there’s a way to take this beloved dish to the next level? Enter the air fryer – a kitchen gadget that has been revolutionizing the way we cook. Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook my corn on the cob in the slow cooker when I’m entertaining or even make my Instant Pot corn on the cob during a busy weeknight. If I’m cooking on the grill I’ll grill corn on the cob to make my bacon ranch corn on the cob. But If I’m craving a little bit of crispiness and not grilling I will pull out the air fryer and make my air fried version.
I know what you are thinking, no way can you air fry corn on the cob, but you can. It comes out perfect every time too! If you are new to air frying or simply want to switch things up I hope you read further and learn how to make the most perfect corn in under 20 minutes.
Table of contents
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Perfectly Cooked Corn: The air fryer ensures that your corn on the cob is cooked to perfection every time. It achieves a wonderful balance of tender kernels with a slightly crispy exterior that’s hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to boiling large pots of water or dealing with messy grill setups. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process. It’s a breeze to prep and cook corn on the cob with minimal fuss.
Versatile Flavors: The air fryer allows you to experiment with a variety of seasonings and coatings for your corn. Whether you prefer classic butter and salt, a smoky barbecue rub, or a zesty garlic and herb blend, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Corn on the Cob – Fresh ears of corn on the cob that have been shucked and hairs removed.
- Butter – I like to use salted butter so that I don’t have to salt the corn; however, unsalted butter works. If you are vegan and/or have a dairy allergy you can also use a plant based butter.
- Seasonings – I like to stick with the classic of just salt, but there are many options out there. Try a sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder, or even fresh parsley.
Directions
First, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your corn on the cob cooks evenly and develops that irresistible crispiness.
Remove the husks and silk from the corn. If desired, brush each ear with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
Place the prepared corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your corn and your air fryer model.
Once the corn is golden brown and tender, remove it from the air fryer and top with a pat of butter. Serve immediately and enjoy.
FAQS
Yes, you can! Simply adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes, turning the corn halfway through.
Get creative! Try cajun seasoning, parmesan cheese, or even a drizzle of honey and lime for a unique twist.
While you can wrap the corn in foil, it won’t achieve the same crispy texture. It’s best to cook them directly in the air fryer basket.
How to Pick Corn on the Cob
When picking corn on the cob, you want to select the freshest and most flavorful ears. Here are some bullet points to help you choose the best corn:
- Look for Plump Kernels: Examine the cob for plump, evenly spaced kernels. They should be full from the top to the bottom of the ear.
- Avoid Gaps or Missing Kernels: Corn with gaps or missing kernels may be less mature and could lack sweetness.
- Check the Husk: The husk should be bright green and slightly damp to the touch. Dry or brown husks may indicate older or overripe corn.
- Feel the Weight: Pick up the corn and feel its weight. It should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it’s well-filled with kernels.
- Inspect the Silk: Look at the silk (the fine threads at the top of the ear). It should be light golden or pale yellow, not dark brown. Dark silk can be a sign of older corn.
- Peek at the Tip: Gently pull back a small section of the husk at the top to check the kernels. They should be plump, milky, and tightly packed. If the kernels are small and underdeveloped, the corn may not be as sweet.
- Consider the Season: Corn is typically at its peak during the late summer months. If you’re buying corn outside of this period, inquire about its freshness.
- Smell It: While this isn’t foolproof, some people find that fresh corn has a slightly sweet, earthy aroma. Give it a sniff, but don’t rely solely on this method.
- Avoid Insects: Check for any signs of insect damage, such as holes or brown spots. These can indicate pest infestations.
- Select Uniform Ears: If you’re buying multiple ears, try to choose ones that are similar in size. This ensures even cooking when preparing them together.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to pick the tastiest and freshest corn on the cob for your next meal.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for making Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
- Use fresh corn for the best results.
- If you prefer to avoid butter or oil, you can skip the brushing step, and the corn will still turn out delicious.
- Experiment with different cooking times to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
Air fryer corn on the cob is a game-changer for your next meal. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So, fire up your air fryer, grab some fresh corn, and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic side dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
Corn Recipes
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 6 ears Fresh corn on the cob
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 4 teaspoons Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your corn on the cob cooks evenly and develops that irresistible crispiness.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. If desired, brush each ear with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
- Place the prepared corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your corn and your air fryer model.
- Once the corn is golden brown and tender, remove it from the air fryer and top with a pat of butter. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Fresh Corn – Use fresh corn for the best results.
- No Oil – If you prefer to avoid butter or oil, you can skip the brushing step, and the corn will still turn out delicious.
- Cooking Times – Experiment with different cooking times to achieve your preferred level of doneness. Remember, all Air Fryers are not made the same.
- Seasonings – Garnish with seasonings like powder ranch dressing, paprika, season salt, garlic salt, Parmesan cheese, or even fresh herbs.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!