Air-Fryer Corn: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Corn on the cob cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this popular side dish. The air fryer gives corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. This method is also a great alternative to boiling corn, as it doesn't require a large pot of water and can help you avoid a steam burn. To make corn on the cob in an air fryer, simply brush the corn with olive oil, season with salt and pepper or other spices, and air fry at around 380-400°F for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. You can also cook frozen corn in the air fryer by thawing it first or cooking it straight from frozen, which will take a little longer. So, if you're looking for a new way to cook corn on the cob, give the air fryer a try!

Air Frying Corn Characteristics and Values

Choosing the right corn

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

The husks, or green leaf-like coverings, should be bright green and free from excessive brown spots or holes. Small holes can indicate the presence of worms, so it's best to avoid those. The husks should cling tightly to the corn, and if they are damp, it's a sign of freshness.

Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It should feel firm, and the kernels should be plump and tightly packed. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots.

When purchasing corn, it's best to avoid pre-shucked corn, as corn starts to go starchy once removed from the stalk. Look for corn with bright green husks that are not dried out or damaged. The silk should be pale, moist, and sticky, indicating freshness.

Lastly, weight is an important factor when choosing corn. Select a cob that feels heavy for its size, as this indicates it is full of juice and sap, resulting in juicier and sweeter corn.

By following these simple guidelines, you'll be sure to choose the right corn for your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and successful cooking experience.

Oil and seasoning

The oil you choose for your corn on the cob is important for two reasons: it helps the corn to "air fry" and prevents it from sticking, and it helps the seasoning to stick to the corn.

You can use a spoon to drizzle oil onto the corn, or use a non-aerosol oil spray. Olive oil is a popular choice, but vegetable oil and melted butter are also options.

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the most common choices, but you can also experiment with paprika, thyme, garlic salt, parsley, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or parmesan cheese. You can also try a spice blend designed for roast vegetables and fries.

If you want to get creative, you can make a compound butter by adding seasoning to butter and spreading it on the corn after it's cooked.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a more complex seasoning blend. One recipe suggests mixing mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, then rolling each piece of corn in this mixture before air frying.

Remember, corn has a natural sweetness, so it's important not to overpower that with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch at a time and add more to taste.

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 370-390 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have an exact temperature setting, it's better to choose a slightly lower temperature rather than a higher one to avoid overcooking the corn.

Preparing the Corn:

Shuck the corn and remove any fine silks or hairs. You may need to trim the ends of the corn or cut the cobs in half to ensure they fit inside the air fryer basket. This step is crucial, as you want to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect cooking performance.

Seasoning the Corn:

Before placing the corn in the air fryer, it's best to season it. Brush or drizzle the corn with olive oil, melted butter, or vegetable oil. This step helps the seasonings stick to the corn and also promotes crisping and caramelization. After coating the corn with oil, add your desired seasonings. The most common seasonings are salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with paprika, thyme, garlic salt, parsley, or Parmesan cheese.

Air Frying the Corn:

Arrange the seasoned corn cobs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or overcrowded. Close the air fryer and cook the corn for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. It's important to remember that every air fryer is different, so it's a good idea to check on your corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure it doesn't burn.

Serving and Storing:

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, transfer it to plates and serve immediately. You can also let the corn cool and then slice the kernels off the cob for use in other dishes. To store leftover corn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked corn by placing it in a resealable bag and storing it flat in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the corn cobs in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Check on your corn halfway through the cooking process to prevent burning.
• Use a spoon or a non-aerosol oil spray to apply oil to the corn. Avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant as it can damage the air fryer basket.
• Choose fresh corn with bright green husks and plump, firm kernels.
• If using frozen corn, ensure it is completely thawed before air frying, and consider adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cooking time and technique

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, without the need to boil a large pot of water. It is a great way to prep corn for your favourite dishes, such as salads, dips, and chowders.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for corn on the cob in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking the corn for around 8-15 minutes at a temperature of between 370-400°F (188-204°C). It is important to note that air fryers can vary, so it is a good idea to check the corn halfway through cooking to ensure it does not burn.

Technique

The technique for cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer is relatively simple and involves the following steps:

• Choose and prepare the corn: Look for fresh corn with green husks and moist silk. Peel back the husks, remove the silk, and rinse the corn in cold water. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 370-400°F (188-204°C).
• Season the corn: While the air fryer is heating up, brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter. This will help the corn develop a golden colour and keep it from drying out. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or other desired spices.
• Cook the corn: Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cobs are not touching. Close the basket and set the timer according to your chosen recipe, usually around 8-15 minutes. It is important to flip the corn every few minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
• Serve: When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before serving to help retain its juiciness.

Tips

• Do not stack or overlap the corn cobs in the air fryer, as this will prevent proper air circulation.
• If your corn on the cob is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can try cutting it in half lengthwise or breaking it into two halves.
• You can cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer, but it is best to thaw it first or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Be mindful not to over-season the corn, as this can overpower its natural sweetness. Start with a small pinch of seasoning at a time and adjust as needed.
• For an extra flavour boost, try adding toppings such as butter, chili flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Storing and Reheating

To store cooked corn on the cob, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place the corn in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warm and crisp.

Storing and reheating

When storing corn, it's best to keep the husks on as they act as a natural barrier to keep the corn moist and protected from drying out. It's also a good idea to place the corn in a plastic bag or wrap it in a damp paper towel to maintain humidity. Make sure the bag isn't sealed too tightly to allow for some airflow, and keep the corn away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, as these will cause it to spoil.

Ideally, corn should be eaten within two to three days of purchasing for the freshest taste. The longer it's stored, the more its natural sugars will convert to starch, affecting its sweetness. If you can't eat it within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage.

To freeze corn on the cob, first blanch it by boiling it for four to six minutes, then immediately transfer it to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry the corn, then wrap each cob individually in plastic wrap or a freezer bag before placing it in the freezer. Frozen corn can be stored for eight to twelve months.

When you're ready to reheat your corn, there are several methods you can use, depending on the number of cobs you're reheating and your desired texture.

If you only have one or two cobs to reheat, the microwave is a good option. Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and heat it for 30 seconds to one minute per cob.

For a larger quantity of corn, the oven is a better choice. Wrap each cob in aluminium foil and place them on a baking sheet. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes for already cooked corn, or 30 to 35 minutes for frozen corn.

If you're looking for a bit of crunch, you can reheat your corn in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap each cob in aluminium foil. Place the corn in the air fryer basket and heat for five to eight minutes, turning halfway through.

You can also reheat corn on the stove by placing it in a pot of boiling water for three to four minutes. However, this method may cause the corn to lose some of its original flavour.

Finally, if you're short on time, you can simply cut the cooked kernels off the cob and do a quick hot sauté in a pan with your choice of oil or fat. This will dry out the corn a bit but will also make it sweeter.

Frequently asked questions