Roasting Corn In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods, from fries to hamburgers and seafood. They are also perfect for roasting corn, giving it a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This guide will show you how to make delicious roasted corn in your air fryer, including the ingredients and cooking process, so you can enjoy a tasty snack or side dish in no time!

How to roast corn in an air fryer

Roasting corn in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook corn. It is also a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here is a simple recipe to achieve roasted corn in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Lime juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs like parsley to garnish

Optional:

• Red chilli powder
• Garlic
• Lime zest

Method:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Remove the husks and silk threads from the corn. Then, brush or spray oil onto the corn evenly. You can also add butter to the corn after cooking for extra flavour.

Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between the cobs for even cooking. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the corn and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until you achieve the desired texture and colour.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, parmesan cheese, paprika, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Once the corn is roasted, brush this mixture over the corn evenly. Finally, sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley.

Tips:

• Choose fresh corn with thick and long kernels.
• Avoid using frozen corn, as it will not achieve a good roasted texture.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer. Cook the corn in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• For extra flavour, brush the corn with lime wedges dipped in red chilli powder.
• You can also add extra seasonings like Tajin, taco seasoning, chilli powder, or paprika.

Serving suggestions:

Roasted corn in an air fryer can be served as a snack or appetiser, or used in different recipes. The kernels can be added to salads, soups, or chowders.

Tips for choosing the perfect corn

When it comes to choosing the perfect corn for roasting, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the best corn for your air fryer or oven-roasted corn on the cob:

• Freshness: Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. The husks should be moist and not dried out. Give the corn a gentle squeeze to check for freshness; it should feel plump and juicy.
• Kernels: Peek inside the husk to check the kernels. Look for corn with kernels that are small to medium in size, evenly spaced, and arranged in tight rows. The kernels should be shiny and milky; avoid corn with dull or wrinkled kernels.
• Seasonality: Corn is typically in season during the summer months. If possible, buy corn from local farmers during this time to ensure the freshest and tastiest cobs.
• Colour: Choose corn with golden or yellowish kernels. The colour should be consistent across the cob, indicating that the corn is ripe and sweet. Avoid corn with discoloured or pale kernels.
• Texture: When buying corn, feel the cob to ensure it is smooth and free of any dents or blemishes. The corn should feel firm to the touch, indicating that it is fresh and not past its prime.
• Storage: If you're not using the corn immediately, look for corn with the husks still attached. The husks help keep the corn moist and fresh for longer. Store the corn in the refrigerator, and try to use it within a few days of purchase.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the perfect corn for your roasted corn on the cob dish. Whether you're using an air fryer or oven, selecting high-quality, fresh corn will ensure a delicious and flavourful result.

How to store corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is a delicious summer staple, but how do you store it to keep it fresh and tasty? Here are some tips to ensure your corn stays in top condition:

Firstly, it's important to act fast. Once corn is harvested, its sugars begin to convert to starches, so the quicker you can get it into the fridge, the better. Ideally, buy your corn from a local farmer to reduce the time between harvest and your dinner table. If you're buying from a supermarket, look for corn that's been shipped the same day it was harvested and kept under refrigeration.

When you get your corn home, pop it straight into the refrigerator. If you're going to eat it within a few hours, storing it at room temperature probably won't do any harm. But for the best flavour, keep it cold. This will help to preserve the natural sugar in the corn and slow the process of it turning into starch.

Keep the husks on until you're ready to cook the corn. The husks help to keep the corn from drying out. If the corn is too big for your fridge, you can remove some of the outer leaves, but keep at least a couple of layers of husk to maintain moisture.

When you put the corn in the fridge, wrap it in a bag, preferably a plastic grocery produce bag. This will provide an extra layer of protection to keep the corn moist, but make sure the bag isn't sealed too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause mould to grow.

If you have leftover cooked corn, allow it to cool fully, then package it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for three to five days. You can also freeze leftover corn, either on the cob or with the kernels cut off, for up to a year.

How to use leftover roasted corn

Roasted corn on the cob is a delicious treat, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here are some ideas to transform your leftover roasted corn into something special.

Freeze It

If you have a lot of leftover corn, consider freezing it. You can freeze it on its own or combine it with other vegetables to make a delicious soup or chowder later. This is a great way to preserve your leftover corn and ensure it doesn't go to waste.

Add It to Breakfast

Leftover roasted corn can be a tasty addition to your morning meal. Chop it up and add it to a breakfast bowl with a Southwestern twist. Combine it with fresh corn, chopped tomatoes, avocados, grains, and/or beans. Top it off with a creamy lime vinaigrette and a poached or fried egg.

Make a Summer Vegetable Quiche

Sautee your leftover corn with other vegetables, such as broccoli, and add it to a quiche. You can also substitute the corn for broccoli in a Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche for a delicious twist.

Mexican Street Corn Breakfast Tostadas

Take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico with this idea. Check out A Teaspoon of Spice for a mouth-watering recipe for Mexican Street Corn Breakfast Tostadas that will make your leftover corn the star of the dish.

Make a Hearty Soup or Chowder

Leftover roasted corn is an excellent addition to soups and chowders. Try making a potato corn chowder, chicken corn soup, or even a corn and potato soup. You can also add corn to your favourite tortilla soup for a touch of sweetness.

Get Creative with Casseroles, Salsa, and Dips

Leftover roasted corn can be a fantastic ingredient in casseroles, salsa, and dips. Try making a roasted corn and black bean salsa, or add corn to your nachos for an extra burst of flavour. You can also make cheesy corn bites or corn fritters with your leftover corn.

There you have it! These are just a few ideas to get you started on using your leftover roasted corn. With a bit of creativity, you can transform your leftovers into delicious new dishes.

How to pick the perfect corn

Yes, you can cook corn in an air fryer! Here's a guide on how to pick the perfect corn to roast in your air fryer:

The best corn on the cob is fresh and sweet with a bit of crunch. To get the freshest, sweetest corn possible, you should pick it yourself and cook it immediately. However, if you're buying corn from the grocery store, here are some things to look out for:

• Fresh Husks: Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped from top to bottom. Yellow or dry husks indicate that the corn is old.
• Tassels: The strings sticking out of the tops should be golden brown and slightly sticky. Avoid cobs with black or dry tassels.
• Kernels: Feel the kernels through the husk. They should feel plump and firm. Avoid cobs that feel hollow or shrivelled.

Chilling the corn after picking helps slow down the sugar-to-starch conversion, so only buy corn that is on ice or in a cooler. Once you get the corn home, leave the husks on and store it in the refrigerator to seal in the moisture and keep it fresh for longer.

Air Frying Your Corn

Now that you've picked the perfect corn, it's time to cook it in your air fryer! Here's a simple recipe for air-fried corn on the cob:

Ingredients:

• Corn on the Cob
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Paprika
• Lime
• Chilli Powder (optional)
• Butter/Ghee (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 400°F.
• If your corn has husks, remove them along with any threads.
• Season the corn with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Coat the corn evenly.
• Brush the corn with melted butter/ghee on all sides (if using).
• Place the corn into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
• Roll the corn to the other side, brush with more butter/ghee, and cook for another 5-8 minutes until slightly charred.
• In a small bowl, mix red chilli powder with lime wedges.
• When the corn is ready, lightly brush the chilli-dipped lime wedges against the corn.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions