Air-Fried Sweet Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook sweet corn, with many recipes available online. The process is simple and hands-off, resulting in tender, sweet, and slightly caramelized kernels with a unique roasted flavour and a crispy exterior. It is a great option for those who do not want to heat up their grill or oven, and it can cook corn to perfection in just a few minutes. This method is also versatile, as it can be used for frozen corn and fresh corn cobs.

Air fryer corn on the cob

To cook corn on the cob in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the corn by removing the husks and silk. You can trim the tips off the corn cobs or cut them in half if they don't fit inside the air fryer basket. Rub olive oil all over the outside of the corn, or use a non-aerosol oil spray, and season with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. Be careful not to use too much seasoning, so you don't overpower the corn's natural sweetness.

Once the corn is prepared and seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the corn cobs are not touching each other. Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how darkly roasted you like your corn, and flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts, and enjoy!

You can also cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer. You can thaw it first or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and cook it from frozen.

Frozen corn on the cob

Air-frying frozen corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook this classic summer dish. It is also a healthy option, as the freezing process seals in maximum nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen corn on the cob in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, or the closest temperature setting to this on your model. If your corn on the cob is too big to fit in the air fryer lengthwise, you can cut the corn in half lengthwise, or break the cob into two halves. Alternatively, you can cut off the ends of the cob to make it small enough to fit lengthwise in the basket.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

Place the frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the corn is not touching. You can add butter or oil and season with salt and pepper before cooking, or you can add these ingredients afterward.

Step 3: Air Fry the Corn

Air fry the corn for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. You can also brush on some butter sauce and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The corn is ready when the kernels are bright yellow and plumper. You can test this with a fork to ensure they are tender.

Step 4: Serve the Corn

Using tongs, carefully transfer the corn to a serving plate. Add your desired amount of butter, salt, and pepper, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Do not stack or overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the air from circulating and affect the cooking.
• Be sure to check your corn halfway through cooking to ensure it is not burning.
• Frozen corn on the cob will have a better texture than thawed corn, as it will be crispier on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
• To maintain the corn's moisture and taste, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Olive oil and seasoning

Olive oil is an essential ingredient when cooking sweet corn in an air fryer, as it helps the corn to crisp up and caramelize. It also helps to keep the corn from drying out and sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a brush to apply the olive oil, or you can drizzle it over the corn. If you want to be healthier, you can opt for an olive oil spray.

When seasoning the corn, it's important not to overpower its natural sweetness with too much seasoning. You can start with a pinch of salt, and then add black pepper and any other spices you like. Some suggestions include Vegeta All-Purpose seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, and cilantro. You can also add butter to the corn before or after cooking for a classic rich flavor.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for sweet corn in an air fryer depend on the desired texture and level of doneness. For tender corn with lightly charred edges, cook the corn at 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) for 6 to 15 minutes.

For a simple tender corn on the cob, preheat the air fryer to 390°F or the closest temperature setting. If your corn doesn't fit, trim the tips or cut them in half. Drizzle oil and season with salt and pepper, then place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, shaking the basket or rotating the cobs halfway through.

For a darker roasted corn, cook for a few minutes longer. If you prefer your corn with a crispy texture, air fry for about 12 to 15 minutes at 360°F (180°C) until crunchy, shaking the basket 2 to 3 times during cooking. Keep a close eye on the corn after 10 minutes, as it can quickly go from crispy to burnt.

It's important to note that every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so be sure to check your corn halfway through to ensure it doesn't burn. Additionally, when placing the corn in the air fryer basket, ensure they are not stacked or overlapping to allow for even cooking.

Tender-crisp kernels

Air-frying corn is a quick and easy way to cook sweet corn without the hassle of boiling a giant pot of water. It is also a great vegan option because it is made with oil instead of butter. The air fryer gives you corn with a roasted flavour and a crispy exterior while still maintaining soft and juicy kernels.

To get tender-crisp kernels, you can preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for 5 minutes. You can also preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, brush (or spray) each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out. You can also use butter or olive oil, or even a zero-oil version by doing away with oil and just using a bit of water. Make sure that the cornstarch coats the corn.

Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also season with garlic powder, cayenne or paprika, lemon juice and salt. Do not overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch at a time.

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots. Keep an eye after 10 minutes as the corn can go very crispy and close to burnt very quickly.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. You can also transfer the air-fried corn cobs to a platter or plate and then serve, or slice the kernels off the cob and serve.

Frequently asked questions