Healthy Corn On The Cob: Air Fryer Style

Corn on the cob cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and fuss-free method that gives you perfectly cooked corn with a crispy exterior and soft, juicy kernels. It is a great alternative to boiling corn, which can make it watery and flavourless, and it is faster than firing up the barbecue or oven. The air fryer also saves you from having to heat up your kitchen and creates a unique flavour that is similar to grilled corn.

Choosing the best corn

• Appearance: Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. Avoid corn with excessive brown spots or holes in the husks, as this may indicate the presence of worms.
• Silk: The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be brown and tacky, indicating moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dry, dark brown, or black silks, as this is a sign of age.
• Plumpness: 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 tightly packed. Avoid corn with missing kernels or soft spots.
• Freshness: Choose corn with damp husks, as this is a sign of freshness. You can also ask the farmer or vendor about the harvest date to ensure you're getting the freshest corn possible.
• Taste: If possible, take a small bite or taste test of the corn to ensure it is sweet and juicy. The perfect corn will have a balance of sweetness and crispness.

When shopping for corn, it is considered bad etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the kernels. Instead, use the tips above to choose the best corn without damaging the cob. Remember to store your corn properly to maintain its freshness and quality until you're ready to cook it.

How to air fry corn on the cob

Air-frying corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook sweet, juicy, and tender corn. It's a great alternative to boiling corn, which can make it watery and flavourless, and it's faster than firing up the grill. Plus, you don't need to preheat your air fryer!

Ingredients:

• Corn on the cob (fresh is best, but frozen works too)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Other seasonings (e.g. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, or Tajin)

Method:

• Shuck the corn (remove the husks and silk).
• Rinse the corn and pat it dry with a paper towel.
• If needed, trim the corn so that it fits in your air fryer. You may need to cut the corn in half lengthwise or cut off the ends.
• Brush or rub the corn with olive oil.
• Season the corn with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs are not touching.
• Set the air fryer to 370-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn every 5 minutes to prevent hot spots.
• Remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• For an extra touch of flavour, spread butter on the corn or sprinkle with herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.

Tips:

• When applying oil to the corn, you can drizzle it on or use a non-aerosol oil spray. Do not use cooking spray with an accelerant, as this can damage your air fryer basket.
• Do not stack or overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is room between the cobs for the air to circulate.
• Check your corn halfway through cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. Remember that every air fryer cooks a little differently.
• If you're using frozen corn, thaw it first or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Seasoning and toppings

For a more creative take, you can try adding toppings like Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing. You can also add toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs like basil, dill, chives, or parsley, and even crumbled feta cheese.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making compound butter by adding seasoning to butter. Some suggested seasonings include garlic, basil, dill, or chives. You can also season your corn with Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning.

For a truly unique experience, top your air-fried corn with mayo, sour cream, chili powder, pepper, feta cheese, lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a Mexican street corn, or elote.

No matter which seasonings and toppings you choose, air-fried corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences.

Reheating air-fried corn on the cob

Using an Air Fryer:

If you're looking to reheat corn on the cob using an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Wrap each corn on the cob in a piece of aluminum foil.
• Drizzle a small amount of water (about a teaspoon) over the corn. You can also add a pat of butter and sprinkle salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste.
• Tightly wrap the aluminum foil around the corn, ensuring the ends are twisted or crimped to prevent steam from escaping.
• Place the wrapped corn directly into the air fryer basket.
• Reheat for 3 to 7 minutes, or until the corn is heated through.

Using an Oven:

Alternatively, you can use your oven to reheat corn on the cob:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Wrap each corn on the cob in aluminum foil and drizzle with a teaspoon of water. Add butter, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings as desired.
• Securely wrap the aluminum foil around the corn to prevent steam from escaping.
• Place the wrapped corn directly on the oven rack and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through.

Using a Microwave:

If you prefer to use a microwave, follow these steps:

• Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and add about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the corn with another plate or a damp kitchen towel.
• Microwave on high for 20-second intervals, flipping the corn each time, until it is heated through.
• Be careful when uncovering the corn, as the steam inside can be very hot.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Corn on the cob is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• For freezing, wrap the corn tightly and place it in a resealable bag. Cut the kernels off the cob to save space if needed. Frozen corn can be stored for up to 3-4 months.
• When reheating frozen corn, defrost it in the fridge first, then use one of the above methods to reheat.

Other ways to cook corn on the cob

There are several ways to cook corn on the cob without using an air fryer. Here are some alternative methods:

Boiling

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the shucked corn into the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the kernels are tender and sweet. Serve with butter and a sprinkle of salt.

Grilling

Soak the corn in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent the husks from burning. Place the corn directly on the grill over high heat and rotate every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. After about 20 minutes, your corn should be cooked with those distinctive char marks. Top with butter, salt, and pepper.

Oven-roasting

Preheat your oven to 350-450°F. Remove the husks and silks from the corn, then wrap the corn in foil. Place the corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20-35 minutes. Alternatively, you can roast the corn with the husks on. Cut off any excess silk and loose husks, then place the corn directly on the oven grates, spaced evenly apart. Bake for 35 minutes, then season as desired.

Instant Pot

This method involves shucking and halving the corn, then lining them up vertically on a trivet insert inside the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release the pressure. Remove the corn and serve with butter if desired.

Butter bath

Bring a large pot of milk or water to a boil, then add a generous amount of butter. Simmer shucked corn cobs in the mixture until tender. This method produces corn that is perfectly plump, coated in butter, and tender without being mushy.

Microwave

Wrap whole, shucked cobs of corn in damp paper towels, place them on a plate, and microwave for 5 minutes. However, this method can result in dry and shrivelled corn.

Frequently asked questions