Air Fryer Corn On The Cob: Quick, Easy Fix!

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to cook corn, without the need to boil a large pot of water or heat up the grill. It's a great way to cook corn with minimal effort and mess, resulting in tender, juicy, and slightly charred corn that's full of flavour.

Choosing the best corn

• Check the husks and silks: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The silks, or the 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 suggests the corn is too old.
• Inspect the kernels: The corn inside the husks should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.
• Feel for firmness: Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. A good ear of corn should feel firm, and the individual kernels should feel plump. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots.
• Storage matters: If you're not cooking the corn right away, store it at room temperature if you plan to cook it within a few hours. Otherwise, you can shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag, or leave the husks on and keep it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• Shop local: For the freshest corn, try shopping at your local farmer's market. This way, you can ask the farmers about the corn's origin and harvest date, ensuring you get the best possible product.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the best corn for air frying, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavourful corn on the cob that your family and friends will love!

Seasoning the corn

Firstly, you can brush or drizzle olive oil on the corn. This not only helps the corn develop a nice golden colour and prevents it from drying out, but it also ensures that your seasonings stick to the corn.

Next, you can season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. It is important not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch of salt and pepper, and then add more to taste. Some other seasonings you can use include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a spice blend specifically for vegetables.

Additionally, you can spread butter on the corn after it has been cooked. For an extra kick of flavour, you can use compound butter, which is butter with added seasonings such as garlic, basil, dill, or chives.

Finally, you can add toppings such as fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro, grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, or chili powder.

So, to summarise, here are the steps to seasoning your air fryer corn on the cob:

• Brush or drizzle olive oil on the corn.
• Season with salt and pepper, or other spices like Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
• Spread butter on the corn after cooking, or use compound butter for extra flavour.
• Top with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, or other tasty toppings.

Enjoy your delicious and flavourful air fryer corn on the cob!

Cooking the corn

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy dish to make. It's a game-changer, giving you perfectly cooked corn with a crispy exterior and soft, juicy kernels.

First, you'll want to choose and prep your corn. Look for fresh ears with green husks and moist silk. Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the ears in cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°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, keep it from drying out, and help the seasonings stick. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like.

Now you're ready to cook the corn! Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs are not touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the kernels to retain their juiciness.

Enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob! You can serve it hot with a bit of extra olive oil or melted butter, or try some different toppings like chilli flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

You can also get creative and make compound butter by adding seasoning to butter. Try garlic butter or finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives. Spread this on the corn after it's cooked for an extra flavour boost.

Tips for the best air fryer corn on the cob:

• Don't wrap the corn in aluminium foil before air-frying, as this will steam the corn and produce a result more similar to boiled corn.
• Be mindful of the size of your corn and your air fryer. You may need to cut the corn in half or trim the ends to ensure it fits properly in the basket.
• Don't stack or overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is room between the cobs for the air to circulate properly.
• Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so be sure to check your corn halfway through to ensure it doesn't burn.
• When choosing corn, look for fresh ears with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The corn inside should be firm with full, plump kernels.
• You can cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer, but be sure to thaw it first or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• To reheat leftover corn on the cob, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and heat the corn for 2-4 minutes until warmed through.

Customising the corn

Customising your corn on the cob in an air fryer is easy and allows you to get creative with your favourite toppings and seasonings.

First, brush the corn with olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out. It will also help the seasonings stick.

Next, season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. It is recommended to not overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

• Italian seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Tajin
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Chilli flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

You can also try compound butter, which is butter that has seasoning added to it. Try garlic butter or butter with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that you like best!

Reheating and storing the corn

Reheating and storing corn on the cob is simple and can be done in several ways.

Storing Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Wrap the corn in plastic wrap or store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the crisper.

Reheating Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer

To reheat corn on the cob in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F. Place each corn on the cob on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle a teaspoon of water over it. Wrap the corn tightly in the foil, twisting or crimping the ends to prevent steam from escaping. Place the corn in the air fryer and cook for three to four minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Corn on the Cob in the Oven

The oven is another great way to reheat corn on the cob. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 400°F. Place the corn on a baking dish or wrap it in aluminum foil, adding a teaspoon of water and a pat of butter, salt, and pepper, if desired. If using a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat the corn for five to seven minutes in the oven, or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Reheating Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

The microwave is a quick and convenient option for reheating corn on the cob, but it can be tricky to get even heating. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate or dish and add two tablespoons of water. Cover the corn with another plate or a damp kitchen towel. Microwave in 20-second bursts, flipping the corn each time, until it is heated through.

Reheating Corn on the Cob on the Grill

If you're already grilling other foods, reheating corn on the cob on the grill is a quick and easy option that adds a bit of char and extra flavor. Brush the corn with oil or butter and place it on a medium-heat grill, rotating it every 30 seconds until all sides are warmed, which should take about two minutes.

Reheating Corn on the Cob on the Stovetop

Reheating corn on the cob on the stovetop is best for plain corn, as the boiling water will remove any seasonings. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the corn to the pot. Boil for two to five minutes, or until the corn is heated through. Remove the corn from the water and pat it dry before re-seasoning, if desired.

Frequently asked questions