Air Fryer Magic: Corn On The Cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn without the hassle of boiling a large pot of water. It gives you juicy corn kernels with a roasted flavour in just minutes. This method yields succulent and golden, roasted corn on the cob and there is no need to hover over a grill. You can also cook frozen corn in the air fryer.

Choosing the best corn on the cob

• Seasonality: Corn is typically in season from June to August. Buying corn during its peak season increases the chances of finding fresh, high-quality ears.
• Husk Colour: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose, dry, or husks with lots of brown spots and holes, as these could indicate the presence of worms or dryness.
• Silk Colour and Texture: The silks, or the long hair-like strands at the top of the corn, should be light brown and slightly sticky or tacky. This indicates moisture and freshness. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as it is likely too old.
• Kernels: When purchasing corn, gently squeeze the cob, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The cob should feel firm, and the kernels should be plump and set close together. Avoid corn with shrivelled or missing kernels or soft spots.
• Weight: A good ear of corn should feel heavy for its size, indicating that the kernels are juicy and ripe.
• Producer: If possible, buy corn from local farmers' markets. This ensures that you get the freshest corn, and you can ask the farmers about their growing practices.
• Storage: Store your corn in the refrigerator, either in the husk or with the husks removed, and cook it within a day or two of purchase for optimal freshness.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the best corn on the cob for your air fryer, ensuring a tasty and successful cooking experience.

How to shuck corn on the cob

Shucking corn is the process of removing the husks and silk. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shuck corn on the cob:

• Grab about 1/3 of the silk, along with the husk on the outside of it. Hold the cob firmly in one hand and rip the silk down to the end with the other hand.
• Repeat this process two more times, or until the majority of the silk and husk is removed.
• Use your hands to pull away any remaining silk, or try a corn brush.
• If you peel the husks and silk away a little at a time, it will be more difficult to remove the silk and take longer to shuck the corn. By grabbing a lot at once, you can shuck the whole ear in under 30 seconds.

Once you have shucked your corn, you can cook it in the air fryer! Here is a simple recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (190-200°C).
• Brush or spray each ear of corn with olive oil.
• Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other desired spices.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through.
• Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender air-fried corn on the cob!

How to air fry frozen corn on the cob

Air frying frozen corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook this summertime favorite all year round. It's also a convenient, affordable, and healthy option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried frozen corn on the cob.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Corn

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (some recipes suggest 380°F).
• Combine your chosen seasonings in a bowl. You can use a simple combination of butter or olive oil with salt and pepper, or try something more adventurous, like ranch seasoning, chili-lime, or Indian masala.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Air Fry the Corn

• Place the frozen corn cobs in the basket in a single layer. You may need to cut the corn in half or trim the ends to ensure they fit.
• Air fry the corn for 10-12 minutes to defrost and cook.
• If desired, brush the corn with your chosen seasoning or sauce and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully transfer the corn cobs to a serving plate.
• If desired, brush with additional sauce or sprinkle with seasonings, such as Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't thaw the corn before air frying, as this can affect the texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
• Flip the corn halfway through cooking for even browning.
• If you're making multiple batches, the second batch may cook faster due to the air fryer already being hot.
• You can reheat leftover corn in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

Now you're ready to enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy, and delicious air-fried frozen corn on the cob!

How to store air-fried corn

Storing air-fried corn is simple and can be done in a few different ways.

Firstly, if you plan on cooking the corn within a few hours of purchasing it, you can keep it at room temperature. However, if you want to save it for another day, there are a couple of options. You can either shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag, or you can leave the husks on and store the corn in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

When it comes to leftovers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked corn cobs by wrapping them and placing them in a resealable bag. It is recommended to cut the kernels off the cob to save space. Frozen corn can be stored for up to three to four months and should be defrosted in the fridge before using or reheating.

To reheat the corn, you can wrap it in a lightly damp paper towel and microwave it in 30-second intervals. You can also heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warm.

Seasoning ideas

A simple way to season your corn on the cob is to brush it with olive oil and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. You can also add butter, either by spreading it on the corn or melting it and dipping the corn in it.

For a spicy kick, season your corn with some homemade Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning. You could also sprinkle on some everything bagel seasoning.

If you're feeling creative, try mixing some compound butter with herbs like basil, dill or chives, or even garlic. You could also try a combination of vegan mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

If you're making a Mexican-inspired meal, season your corn with chilli-lime, or coat it in a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice and chilli powder.

If you're looking for a low-calorie option, a light spread of butter with some ranch seasoning is a great choice.

Frequently asked questions