Roasting Corn In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to barbecues and ovens, and they're perfect for roasting corn. This cooking method is quick, easy, and fuss-free, and it gives you corn that's tender and juicy on the inside and beautifully charred on the outside.

How long does it take to roast corn in an air fryer?

Roasting corn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty side dish. The cooking time will vary depending on how roasted you like your corn and the size of the corn cobs, but generally, it will take between 10 and 15 minutes.

How to roast corn in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Shuck the corn and remove any silk, then wash and pat dry. You may need to cut the corn in half to ensure it fits in your air fryer. Drizzle or rub vegetable oil, ghee or olive oil over the corn, and season with salt and pepper. Place the corn in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Tips for roasting corn in an air fryer:

• For an extra tangy touch, brush the corn with lime wedges dipped in red chilli powder.
• For a healthier option, use no oil.
• For a more boiled texture, wrap the corn in foil before air frying.
• For a cheesier variety, roll the corn in Parmesan cheese.
• For Mexican street corn (elote), top the corn with mayo or sour cream, and sprinkle with chili powder, pepper, feta cheese, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
• For a spicy kick, add extra seasonings like Tajin, taco seasoning, chili powder, or paprika.

What to serve with air fryer corn:

Air fryer corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that goes well with many different mains and other sides. Try it with air fryer panko salmon, air fryer crispy chicken thighs, air fryer mini potatoes, or air fryer peach cobbler for dessert!

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The ideal temperature to set your air fryer to for roasting corn depends on the model of your air fryer and the level of crispness you desire. The temperature range for roasting corn in an air fryer is between 370°F and 400°F.

For example, if you are using a 6-quart air fryer, you can set the temperature to 370°F and cook the corn for 12-15 minutes or until tender. On the other hand, if you are using a smaller air fryer, such as a 2-quart model, you may need to increase the temperature to 400°F and cook the corn for a shorter duration of about 10 minutes.

It is important to note that different models of air fryers may cook at slightly different rates, so it is recommended to check your corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Additionally, if you prefer your corn to have a more golden brown or charred appearance and taste, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes, but be careful not to overcook it, as this will result in tough and chewy kernels.

How to prep corn for the air fryer

Ingredients

To prep corn for the air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley or other fresh herbs (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Method

First, remove the husks and silk from the corn. Wash and pat dry, then cut the corn to fit your air fryer if necessary. Leave space between the cobs for even cooking.

Next, add the corn to the basket in a single layer and drizzle with oil, rubbing it into the corn to ensure it's fully coated. You can also brush the corn with melted butter before adding the oil.

Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, air fry at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the corn is roasted to your liking. Flip the corn halfway through the cooking time.

Tips

• Before air frying, try to remove any corn silk that is remaining on the corn.
• This recipe is easy to adjust for multiple cobs of corn.
• Cooking time may depend on how roasted you want your corn and the size of your corn cobs.
• You can also top the corn with cheese, such as Cotija or grated Parmesan.

What toppings go well with air-fried corn?

There are many different toppings that can be paired with air-fried corn to elevate its flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Butter: Brushing the corn with butter or melted butter will add a rich, creamy texture to the corn.
• Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and pepper is a simple yet classic way to season your corn.
• Tajin: This is a dried chile-lime mixture that can add a tangy kick to the corn.
• Paprika: Paprika will give the corn a subtle smoky flavour.
• Chilli Powder: For those who like their food spicy, a sprinkle of chilli powder will add some heat.
• Lime: Squeezing lime juice over the corn will add a tangy, citrusy flavour. Alternatively, you can dip lime wedges into chilli powder and brush them over the corn.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan will add a savoury, salty flavour to the corn.
• Mayonnaise: For a creamy texture, spread some mayonnaise over the corn.
• Sour Cream: Like mayonnaise, sour cream will add a tangy creaminess to the corn.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro will add a bright, herbal flavour to the corn.
• Breadcrumbs: Coating the corn with garlic and herb breadcrumbs will give it a crunchy texture and a garlicky flavour.

How to reheat air-fried corn

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F or 400°F and preheat it for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If your corn on the cob has been stored in the refrigerator, take it out and let it come to room temperature. You can also cut the corn into halves if it doesn't fit in your air fryer.

Step 3: Place the Corn in the Air Fryer

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is space between the cobs for even cooking.

Step 4: Reheat the Corn

Reheat the corn for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is heated through and reaches your desired temperature.

Step 5: Add Butter, Salt, and Seasonings (Optional)

If desired, you can add butter, salt, and various seasonings to enhance the flavor of your reheated corn. For example, parsley, paprika, chili powder, or pepper can be used. You can also squeeze some lime juice over the corn or sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your air-fried corn is now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can pair it with various main courses and side dishes, such as chicken, salmon, zucchini, or potatoes.

Frequently asked questions