Best Damn Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a game-changer, giving you perfectly cooked corn with just the right amount of crisp. It’s my new favorite way to make corn because Air fryer corn is super easy to cook without the hassle of boiling a giant pot of water.

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy side dish that will take your summer barbecues and dinners to the next level. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while still maintaining soft and juicy kernels.

I love sinking my teeth into golden, sweet kernels of corn on the cob (Note to self: Remember to have a string of floss handy). I love it for the delicious combo of the juicy sweet corn and the salty butter and the satisfying crunch that comes with each bite - it's like popping candy! More of my favorite crispy veggies are Air Fryer Asparagus, Air-fried Cauliflower, and Air fryer Brussels Sprouts.

With an air fryer, I love how corn cooks up perfectly crispy on the outside, and stays moist and juicy on the inside. It's like the air fryer was not only made for French fries and Onion rings, but the corn and air fryer is a match made in heaven. Plus, you get to skip all the hassle of boiling a giant pot of water and risking a steam burn.

Say goodbye to flimsy, soggy, boring corn - air fryer corn on the cob is the way it is meant to be enjoyed.

How to make Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4 - ears of fresh corn
• Salt and pepper to taste
• The desired seasoning - I use the Roast Vegetables and Fries spice blend.
• vegetable oil spray (or you can rub a teaspoon of Olive oil)
• One tablespoon of butter
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnishing

Instructions

Choose and prep your Corn. Look for fresh ears with green husks and moist silk, as these are indicators of quality. Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the ears in cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Preheat and season. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, brush (or spray) each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden color and keep it from drying out. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. I used a pinch of Vegeta All-purpose seasoning for each ear.

Tip - Mind the seasoning: Do not overpower corn’s natural sweetness with too much seasoning. Resist the temptation to go overboard on seasoning. Start with a small pinch at a time. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you.

Cook. Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots. 

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the kernels retain their juiciness.

How to Serve

Enjoy your air fryer corn on the cob hot with a bit of extra olive oil or melted butter, or try some different toppings like chili flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley. 

Enjoy corn as a side dish with a Juicy Air fryer Burger, Air Fryer chicken drumsticks, or Crispy Pork chops.

Squeeze half a lemon on top when the corn is ready to serve. Lemon takes its taste to the next level.

Leftovers

To maintain the corn's moisture and taste, store cooked corn on the cob in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal them in an airtight container, or place them in a plastic storage bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warm and crisp.

Other ways to cook corn on the cob

If you don't have an air fryer and you love to eat corn, here are some simple tips, that will help you cook the corn without an air fryer.

Boil it:  Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Gently place the shucked corn into the pot, making sure it's fully submerged. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the kernels are tender and sweet. Serve your perfectly boiled corn on the cob with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt. 

BBQ Grill it: First, soak your corn in cold water for 30 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning. Once your corn is soaked, place it directly on the grill over high heat and rotate every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. After about 20 minutes, your corn should be cooked to perfection with those delicious char marks we all know and love. Top it off with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper to bring the taste it to the next level. 

Microwave it: Have you ever been craving some juicy, delicious corn on the cob but dreaded the thought of waiting for a pot of water to boil? Good news: you can cook your corn on the cob in the microwave! This method is the quickest and also super easy. Wrap each ear of corn in a damp paper towel and pop them in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes per ear. Once cooked, drizzle some butter and sprinkle some salt for the perfect finishing touch. With this handy trick, you can have fresh, perfectly cooked corn in minutes.

Can I cook Frozen Corn on the Cob?

Yes! Air fryer can also give frozen corn on the cob a crispy crunch. You can thaw it for 30 minutes or cook it straight from frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, brush each ear of frozen corn with a small amount of olive oil, and season as per this recipe. Place your frozen corn on the cob in the basket, and let it cook for about 15 minutes (turning every 5 minutes), or until charred and cooked through. 

What to do if Corn on the Cob does not fit in my Air fryer?

Corn is too big to fit in the air fryer lengthwise? Not to worry. There are some creative solutions you can try. First, cut the corn in half lengthwise and place the halves cut side down in the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can try cutting off the ends of the cob to make it small enough to fit lengthwise in the basket. Lastly, break the cob into two halves, as shown in the picture below.

Other Air Fryer Veggies You'll Love

• Air fryer Carrots
• Corn on the Cob wrapped in Bacon
• Crispy Zucchini Chips or Yellow Squash