Air Fryer Sweet Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet corn, whether it's on or off the cob. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels. It's a quick and easy way to cook corn, without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. You can also cook frozen corn in the air fryer, as long as it's completely thawed beforehand.

Choosing the right corn

• Look for fresh corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose and dry husks or corn with many brown spots or little holes, as these indicate the presence of worms.
• Check the silks, which are the long hair-like strands sticking out of the top. They should be brown and tacky, indicating moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as it is likely too old.
• When selecting corn, feel the ear of corn to ensure it is firm, and the kernels are plump and full. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.
• If you are buying corn from a farmer's market, ask for a sample to taste before purchasing. This way, you can ensure the corn is sweet and tender to your liking.
• If you plan to cook the corn the same day, you can keep it at room temperature. Otherwise, store it in the refrigerator by shucking it and placing it in a plastic bag or leaving the husks on and storing it in a sealed bag in the crisper.

By following these tips, you can choose the right corn for your air fryer and enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked corn on the cob.

Air fryer temperature

Selecting the Right Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking sweet corn in an air fryer is around 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This temperature range allows the corn to cook evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, tender kernels.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before placing the corn in the air fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance to the desired temperature. This step ensures that the corn starts cooking immediately and promotes even cooking. Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 5 minutes or until it reaches the set temperature.

Cooking Time and Temperature Adjustments

The cooking time for sweet corn in an air fryer is generally between 10 to 15 minutes at the recommended temperature. However, it's important to keep in mind that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking efficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to check on the corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure it doesn't burn.

Additionally, if you are cooking frozen corn, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. You can cook frozen corn directly from frozen or thaw it for about 30 minutes before air frying.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Ensure there is adequate space between the corn cobs for proper air circulation.
• Flip or shake the corn cobs periodically during cooking to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
• Be cautious when applying oil to the corn. Use a brush or spoon to drizzle the oil, or opt for a non-aerosol oil spray. Avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant, as it can damage the air fryer basket.
• If your corn cobs are too long to fit in the air fryer, you can cut them in half lengthwise or trim the ends to make them fit.

By following these instructions and tips, you can achieve the best results for cooking sweet corn in your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and crispy treat every time.

Oil vs butter

Oil

When cooking sweet corn in an air fryer, oil is used to help the corn "air fry" and keep it from sticking to the air fryer basket. The oil also helps the corn to develop a nice golden colour and prevents it from drying out. The type of oil used can vary, with options such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or even a non-aerosol oil spray. It is important to note that using cooking spray with an accelerant can ruin the air fryer basket.

Butter

Butter is often added to sweet corn as a tasty topping, along with salt and pepper. It is not recommended to put butter on the corn before air frying, as it is more flavorful when added after cooking. Butter can be melted and drizzled over the corn, or simply spread on top.

Both oil and butter play important roles in preparing and enjoying sweet corn in an air fryer. Oil is essential for the cooking process, helping to crisp up and caramelize the corn, while butter adds a delicious creamy texture and extra flavor.

Seasoning

• Keep it Simple: Start with a basic seasoning of salt and pepper to taste. You don't want to overpower the natural sweetness of the corn, so go easy on the salt and add more if needed.
• Olive Oil: Coating the corn with olive oil before seasoning is a great way to enhance the flavour and get a nice golden colour. It also helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels juicy.
• Spices: If you want to add more flavour, you can experiment with different spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Just remember to add a little at a time to avoid over-seasoning.
• Compound Butter: Try spreading some compound butter on the corn after cooking. Simply mix softened butter with your choice of herbs, such as basil, dill, or chives. This adds a delicious burst of flavour to each bite.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of your air-fried corn for a savoury twist. You can also try other cheeses like feta or queso fresco.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavour of the corn. You can also add lemon zest for a more intense citrusy note.
• Chilli: For a spicier kick, add some chilli powder or fresh chopped chilli to your seasoning mix. This goes especially well with the other Mexican-style ingredients.
• Creative Combinations: Feel free to get creative and combine different seasonings. For example, you could try a Mexican-style elote-inspired corn by mixing mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of lime. Or go for an Italian-inspired twist with oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Don't Overdo It: Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn without overwhelming it. Start with a small amount of seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's difficult to fix overseasoned corn.

Storing and reheating

Storing

To store cooked sweet corn, seal the corn cobs in an airtight container or place them in a plastic storage bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Reheating

To reheat the sweet corn in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the corn cobs in the air fryer and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat sweet corn in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave, or on the grill.

Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the corn cobs to a baking dish and add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 5 minutes.

Stovetop

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the corn cobs to the pot and boil until they are thoroughly heated, which should take less than 5 minutes.

Microwave

Place the corn cobs in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp towel. Microwave for 30 seconds, then flip the corn and microwave for another 30 seconds. Check for doneness and add another 30 seconds if needed.

Grill

Brush the corn cobs with oil or butter and place them on a medium-heat grill. Rotate the corn every 30 seconds for at least 2 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions