Air Fryer Sweetcorn: Can It Be Done?

Yes, you can cook sweetcorn in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare sweetcorn, and it's a great side dish for many meals. The air fryer gives the corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft, juicy, and tender. You can use fresh or frozen corn on the cob, and there are a variety of seasonings you can add to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.

Seasoning ideas

There are many seasoning ideas for sweetcorn cooked in an air fryer. The most popular option is to season with salt and pepper. You can also add butter, parsley, and garlic to make the dish "out of this world".

Some other seasoning ideas include:

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne
• Fajita seasoning
• French fry seasoning
• Vegeta All-purpose seasoning
• Chilli flakes
• Sour cream
• Honey and lime juice
• Garlic mayo
• Piri piri seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Mayonnaise (to make elotes, a Mexican street corn dish)

Cooking times and temperatures

Some recipes suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 180°C-190°C for 10-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn has softened and started to brown. This method may be preferable for those who like their corn on the cob with a slight crunch but still juicy and tender.

It is worth noting that air fryer models vary, so it is important to keep an eye on the corn while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. Additionally, if using frozen corn, the cooking time may need to be increased slightly.

For an extra crispy texture, some recipes suggest brushing or spraying the corn with olive oil or melted butter before cooking. However, others recommend adding butter after cooking to avoid overbrowning during the cooking process.

Overall, cooking sweetcorn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve delicious, tender, and juicy corn on the cob with a crispy exterior.

How to prepare the corn

Preparing corn for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps. First, if your corn has husks, you will need to remove them. You can buy corn with the husks already removed to save time. Next, rinse the corn in cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Then, place the corn in a bowl and drizzle it with oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil. Make sure you are not using a cooking spray, as this can ruin the air fryer basket. Generously season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also add butter, garlic, and parsley to the bowl and mix well to coat all the cobs.

Finally, place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. If you are using foil, wrap the corn in foil before placing it in the basket. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the corn from drying out.

What to serve it with

Air-fried corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that goes with almost anything. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

Burgers

A classic pairing is to serve air-fried corn with a burger. This could be a beef, turkey, halloumi, or bacon cheese burger. For a healthier option, you could serve it with an air-fried chicken burger.

Chicken

Air-fried corn on the cob is a great side dish for chicken dishes. It goes especially well with garlic and lime chicken thighs and ancho chilli chicken.

Barbecue

Air-fried corn on the cob is a perfect addition to a barbecue spread. It can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own.

Fish

Air-fried corn can be served with fish, such as salmon burgers or grilled salmon.

Pork

Air-fried corn on the cob is a tasty side dish for pork dishes. It pairs well with crispy pork chops or pulled pork.

Salads

If you have leftover air-fried corn, you can slice the corn off the cob and add it to salads. This is a great way to enjoy air-fried corn as a light and healthy option.

Storing and reheating

Alternatively, if you want to store your cooked sweetcorn for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Start by slicing the kernels off the cob and placing them inside a freezer bag. Leave the bag open until the kernels have cooled, then seal it tightly. Frozen sweetcorn can be stored for up to six months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen sweetcorn, simply heat it from frozen with a splash of water in a microwave-safe dish. You can also add it directly to hot soups, skillet dishes, fried rice, or any other dish you're preparing.

It's worth noting that while sweetcorn is always best enjoyed fresh, you can get creative with your leftovers by adding them to salads, tacos, or other dishes. This way, you can still benefit from the rich Vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron content of sweetcorn while enjoying its delicious flavour and texture.

When it comes to reheating, it's important to note that the timing may vary depending on the amount of sweetcorn you're reheating and the power of your microwave. Always keep an eye on your food to ensure it doesn't overcook or dry out. Additionally, if you're reheating a larger portion, you may need to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions