Air Fryer Corn On The Cob: Can You?

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. It's a great side dish for summer barbecues and dinners, and the air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The corn cooks up perfectly crispy on the outside and stays moist and juicy on the inside. It's a great alternative to frying, and you can even cook frozen corn in the air fryer!

Choosing the right corn

Firstly, it is important to note that sweet corn is the most common variety you will find at your local grocery store or farmer's market. Sweet corn is known for its juicy, sugary kernels that explode with flavour. When selecting sweet corn, the silk, which are the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top, should be pale, moist, or sticky. This indicates freshness, and the sweeter the corn will be. Avoid corn with silk that is brown, black, dried out, or matted, as this is a sign of older corn.

Next, examine the husk of the corn. The husk should be bright green, well-hydrated, and free from brown spots or little holes, which could indicate insect damage. A bright green husk indicates that the corn is fresh and has been properly stored.

Size also matters when choosing corn on the cob. An ideal corn cob will be about 8 inches in length with a thick girth. Smaller cobs may not have fully developed kernels, while larger cobs can be tougher and less tender.

When selecting corn, give it a gentle squeeze from the bottom to the top. The ear of corn should feel firm, and you should be able to feel plump kernels through the husk. Avoid cobs with spaces between the kernels, as this can be a sign of improper pollination, resulting in less tasty corn.

Lastly, it is essential to buy corn that is in season. Sweet corn is typically in season during the summer months of June through August. Out-of-season corn will not taste as sweet and juicy as corn that is in season.

By following these tips, you can choose the right corn on the cob for your air fryer and ensure a delicious and flavourful result.

How to prep corn for the air fryer

Preparing corn for the air fryer is simple and requires very few ingredients.

First, select good sweet corn. You can find this at your local farmer's market or grocery store. Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The corn inside should be firm with full, plump kernels.

Next, prep the corn by removing the husks and silk. Rinse off any remaining silk and pat the corn dry. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the corn to ensure it fits. You can cut off the ends or cut the corn in half.

Then, rub olive oil or butter on the corn to help it crisp up and caramelize. You can also use a non-aerosol oil spray. Season the corn with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice.

Finally, place the corn in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-380°F for 8-15 minutes, or until tender. If you want a more charred appearance, you can cook it for an additional 4-6 minutes.

And that's it! You now have delicious air-fried corn on the cob that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used in other recipes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for corn on the cob in an air fryer vary depending on the desired texture and the air fryer model.

Some recipes suggest cooking the corn for 8 minutes at 380°F (190°C). If you prefer your corn to be more golden brown or charred, you can cook it for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.

Other recipes recommend cooking the corn for 12 to 15 minutes at 370°F (187°C). One recipe suggests cooking the corn for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (204°C), flipping the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

If you are using frozen corn, it is recommended to thaw it first and then adjust the cooking time accordingly. One recipe suggests cooking frozen corn for about 15 minutes at 400°F (204°C), turning it every five minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your corn while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't burn or become overcooked.

How to customise your corn on the cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn without boiling water. It is also a healthier way to "fry" your food. Here are some tips on how to customise your corn on the cob:

Choosing the Right Corn

Look for fresh ears with green husks and moist silk, which are indicators of quality. The silks should be brown and tacky, which means the corn is still moist. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry or black silks, as this means the corn is too old. The husks should be bright green, free from brown spots and tightly wrapped around the corn.

Preparing the Corn

Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the corn in cold water. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel.

Seasoning

You can season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. Some suggestions include paprika, thyme, and Cajun seasoning. Be careful not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

Oil

Brush or drizzle olive oil on the corn to help it "'air fry' and keep it from sticking. This will also help the corn develop a nice golden colour. You can also use a non-aerosol oil spray, but avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant as this can ruin your air fryer basket.

Cooking

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure there is room between the cobs for air to circulate. Do not stack the corn. Set the air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Turn the corn halfway through cooking to prevent hot spots.

Frozen Corn

This method also works with frozen corn on the cob. You can thaw the corn for 30 minutes or cook it straight from frozen. Simply adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes.

How to store leftover corn

Storing leftover corn is a great way to reduce food waste and incorporate this versatile ingredient into various dishes. Here are some tips on how to store leftover corn to maintain its freshness and flavour:

Storing Fresh Corn

Whole Corn on the Cob:

• Keep the husks on the corn to preserve moisture and prevent drying.
• Place the corn in a plastic bag or wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Husked Corn (without husk):

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Storing Cooked Corn

Grilled or Boiled Corn:

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to retain moisture and flavour.
• Place in the coolest part of your fridge.

Corn Salad or Salsa:

Store in an airtight container and stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Storing Frozen Corn

Freezing Corn Kernels:

• Blanch the corn by boiling for about 4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool.
• Cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
• Place the kernels in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bags with the date and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Freezing Creamed Corn:

• Cook and prepare the creamed corn as usual, then allow it to cool completely.
• Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy fresh and delicious corn for longer, reducing waste and adding variety to your meals.

Frequently asked questions