Air Fryer Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and versatile way to prepare it. With a unique flavour and texture, air-fried corn is tender, juicy, and slightly charred, with a crisp crunch. It is a game-changer for those who want to avoid boiling water and heating up the kitchen, as it takes less than 20 minutes and can be customised with various toppings and seasonings.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for corn in an air fryer depend on the quantity of corn, the variety of corn, and your desired texture.

Firstly, you should ensure that your corn is at room temperature. If your corn is frozen, it is recommended to defrost it for about 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. You should also ensure that your corn is dry by squeezing out any excess water.

Secondly, you should prepare your corn by drizzling oil over it and seasoning it with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also add butter to your corn, either by spreading it on the corn or by placing it in the air fryer alongside the corn.

If you are cooking two or more ears of corn, it is recommended to cook them at 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. You may need to cut your corn in half to ensure that it fits in the air fryer, and it is important to ensure that there is space between the corn cobs for the air to circulate. You should also turn the corn halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you are cooking a single ear of corn, it is recommended to cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes. As with multiple ears of corn, you can turn the corn halfway through to ensure even cooking.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your desired texture. If you prefer your corn to be more charred, you can leave it in the air fryer for an additional 4-6 minutes. However, you should be mindful that overcooked corn can become tough and chewy.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important component when cooking corn in an air fryer, as it helps the corn to crisp up and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can drizzle oil over the corn cobs and then season, or use a non-aerosol oil spray. Olive oil is a good option, but you could also use melted butter, which can be spread over the corn after cooking.

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the most commonly used, but you can also add paprika, cayenne, fajita seasoning, French fry seasoning, or Italian seasoning. If you want to make Mexican street corn, you can add lime juice, sour cream, cheese, and chilli powder. You can also add a sprinkling of Parmesan or everything bagel seasoning. For a spicy kick, try homemade Cajun seasoning.

Fresh vs frozen corn

Air frying corn is a quick and easy way to cook corn, with a unique flavour and texture. You can cook corn in the air fryer with minimal preparation, and it is a healthier alternative to frying. You can use either fresh or frozen corn, and both will give you a tasty result.

Fresh corn is best when it is in season, so you get a nice, sweet corn. You should look for corn with bright green, tight-fitting husks, with brown and tacky silks, which indicate that the corn is fresh. Fresh corn will need to be shucked and cleaned before cooking. You can then add oil, salt, and pepper, and any other seasonings you like, before placing it in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes.

Frozen corn is a convenient alternative, as it is pre-cooked, cleaned, and has no husks or silks to remove. It is also more affordable and available all year round. You can cook frozen corn from frozen, but it is recommended to leave it to defrost for about 30 minutes first, and then add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Frozen corn will also give you a great texture, with a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside.

Both fresh and frozen corn can be cooked in the air fryer with similar methods, and will give you a tasty, quick, and easy result.

How to serve

There are many ways to serve corn cooked in an air fryer. It can be enjoyed as a side dish with almost anything, including chicken, fish, pizza, or burgers. It can also be served as a classic summer dish, either on its own or with melted butter and a shower of salt.

You can also slice the corn off the cob and add it to salads, pastas, or other side dishes. For an extra kick of flavour, you can season the corn with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, fajita seasoning, or French fry seasoning. You can also add butter and herbs like parsley, coriander, or mint. For a Mexican-style street corn, add some lime juice, a drizzle of sour cream, cheese, and chilli powder.

If you want to get creative, you can make Mexican-style elotes by rolling the corn in lime, mayo, chilli powder, and cotija. You can also try making sweetcorn fritters, grilled corn with herb butter, or sweetcorn salsa.

Additionally, you can sauté the corn or try it with grilled salmon or vegetarian grilled halloumi kebabs.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers have been all the rage in the culinary world since their introduction in 2010, and for good reason. They cook food faster than conventional ovens or fryers, with minimal oil usage, and are versatile enough to cook a wide variety of dishes, from steaks to desserts.

When choosing the right air fryer, the first thing to consider is capacity. Air fryers come in various sizes, from compact 2-quart fryers to larger ones that can fit a 12" pizza or a 12-lb turkey. The right size for you will depend on your household size and cooking needs. If you often cook for a large family, a bigger air fryer might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you're cooking for one or two people, a smaller air fryer will likely suffice and take up less counter space.

The next consideration is the type of air fryer. There are single-basket, double-basket, mini, and oven-style air fryers with smart cooking features. Single-basket air fryers are good for basic frying needs, while double-basket fryers allow you to cook two different things simultaneously. Mini air fryers are perfect for small servings or for those with limited counter space. Oven-style air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi Max Dual, offer multiple cooking functions, such as air-roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating, in addition to air-frying.

Lastly, you'll want to think about the specific features that are important to you. Some air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup a breeze. Others have smart cooking features that allow you to experiment with different cooking styles. Additionally, some models are quieter than others, which might be a consideration if you want to avoid a loud appliance. Checking ratings and reviews for air fryers can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Overall, when choosing the right air fryer, consider the capacity, type, and specific features that align with your cooking needs, counter space, and budget. With the right air fryer, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and healthier meals in no time!

Frequently asked questions