Air-Fryer Corn: Can You Do It?

Corn on the cob cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to boiling or grilling corn. The air fryer gives corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. You can cook fresh or frozen corn in an air fryer, and you can also add toppings like butter, salt, pepper, and cheese.

How to prepare corn for the air fryer

Preparing corn for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Corn

Select fresh, good-quality corn, preferably with bright green husks and moist silk, as these indicate freshness. You can also use frozen corn, but you will need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt. You can also cut the ends off if the stalk remains attached or cut the corn in half, especially if you have a small air fryer.

Step 3: Season the Corn

Brush or drizzle the corn with olive oil. This will help the corn develop a golden colour and keep it from drying out. You can also add salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice. Remember not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Corn

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or touching each other. Set the air fryer to 370-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through to prevent hot spots. If using frozen corn, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it as is, or add some extra olive oil, melted butter, or other toppings like chilli flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs.

How to cook corn in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Remove the husk and silk from the corn.
• Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt.
• Cut the ends off the corn if needed to fit in the air fryer.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket.
• Rub or brush the corn with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Cook in the air fryer at 370-400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
• For frozen corn, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Once cooked, remove the corn from the air fryer and serve with butter, if desired.

Tips

• It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer when cooking corn.
• Do not stack the corn in the air fryer, cook in batches if needed.
• Check the corn halfway through cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Corn is ready when the kernels are plump, bright yellow, and fork-tender.

How to store and reheat air-fried corn

Storing Air-Fried Corn:

• If you're storing cooked corn for a few hours, it can be kept at room temperature.
• For longer storage, shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag, or leave the husks on and keep it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• To prevent the corn from drying out, use a plastic bag or wrap it in a damp paper towel.
• Place the corn in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
• Avoid storing corn with ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, as the ethylene will cause it to spoil.

Reheating Air-Fried Corn:

• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each corn cob in aluminum foil and place them in the air fryer basket for 5-8 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the corn in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
• Stove: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the corn, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• Microwave: Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute per cob.

How to pick the best corn for air frying

Picking the best corn for air frying is essential to ensure juicy and tender kernels. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect corn for your air fryer:

Check the Silks:

Start by examining the silks, which are the long hair-like strands protruding from the top of the corn cob. Look for brown and tacky silks, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.

Inspect the Husks:

The green husks that wrap around the corn should be bright and vibrant, free from excessive brown spots or little holes at the tops. These holes may indicate the presence of worms in the corn. Choose corn with tightly wrapped husks that feel slightly damp, as this is a sign of freshness.

Give it a Squeeze:

Gently squeeze the corn cob, starting from the bottom and working your way up. A firm cob with plump kernels is ideal. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.

Seasonality:

When buying corn, consider the time of year. Corn is typically in peak season from June to August. Buying corn during this period increases the likelihood of finding fresh and tasty cobs.

Storage:

Once you've purchased your corn, store it in the husk in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. It's best to use it within a day or two of purchasing to ensure maximum freshness.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to select the best corn for air frying, ensuring a delicious and tender result. Remember, fresh and high-quality ingredients are key to a successful dish!

Toppings and seasonings for air-fried corn

Air-fried corn is a versatile dish that can be customised with various toppings and seasonings to elevate its flavour and make it even more delicious. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to try:

Mexican Street Corn

Take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico with this popular street food-inspired creation. Simply cook the corn in the air fryer, then top it with a generous helping of Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing. For an extra kick of flavour, sprinkle on some chilli flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Cilantro Lime Corn

Add a zesty twist to your air-fried corn by melting butter in the microwave, stirring in a teaspoon of lime juice and cilantro, and then drizzling this tangy mixture over the corn.

Spicy Air-Fried Corn

For those who like it hot, sprinkle a little paprika and cayenne pepper on the corn before cooking it in the air fryer. This will give your corn a nice spicy kick.

Butter, Salt, and Pepper

Sometimes, simplicity is best. Let the natural sweetness of the corn shine through by topping it with a generous helping of butter, salt, and pepper. This classic combination never fails to satisfy.

Compound Butter

Compound butter is a fantastic way to elevate your air-fried corn. Simply mix some butter with garlic, basil, dill, chives, or your favourite herbs and spices, then spread it on the corn after cooking.

Parmesan Cheese

Add a salty, savoury touch to your air-fried corn by sprinkling on some grated parmesan cheese. This topping is sure to take your corn to the next level.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great choice for cooking air-fried corn, as it helps to prevent sticking and keeps the corn juicy. It also adds a subtle flavour that complements the corn perfectly.

Greek Yogurt Ranch

For a creamy, tangy twist, serve your air-fried corn with a side of Greek yogurt ranch. This unexpected pairing is sure to impress.

Spicy Cheetos Corn

For an extra crunchy and spicy treat, crush up some Spicy Cheetos and dunk your buttered corn into the crumbs. This unusual combination is sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering!

Lemon

A squeeze of lemon can take your air-fried corn to the next level. The acidity of the lemon juice brightens up the flavour of the corn and adds a refreshing twist.

Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning

If you're looking for a flavourful kick, season your air-fried corn with Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning. These blends of herbs and spices will transform your corn into a flavour explosion.

Frequently asked questions