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

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook corn on the cob, with many people claiming it's their favourite method. It's quick, easy, and hands-off, with the corn coming out tender, juicy, and slightly caramelised. You can also cook frozen corn in an air fryer, as long as it's completely thawed first.

Choosing the right corn

• Timing is everything: Corn is a seasonal treat, with the sweetest corn available during its peak season, typically from June through August. Avoid buying corn out of season, as it won't be as sweet and flavourful.
• Husk inspection: The husk, or the green leafy outer covering of the corn, should be bright green, well-hydrated, and free from brown spots or holes. A bright green and moist husk indicates freshness, while brown, slimy, or dehydrated husks may suggest aging or improper storage.
• Silk inspection: The silks of the corn, which are the long, hair-like strands sticking out of the top, should be brown and tacky. This indicates the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this suggests that the corn is too old.
• Heft and weight: A good corn cob should feel heavy for its size. Heft the corn in your hand, and choose one that feels dense and juicy. A light-feeling cob may have started to go starchy.
• Kernel development: Give the corn a gentle squeeze to feel for the kernel development through the husk. Avoid cobs with noticeable spaces between the kernels, as this can indicate improper pollination. The kernels should be plump and evenly spaced all the way to the tip of the corn.
• Avoid pre-shucked corn: While it may be convenient, avoid buying packages of pre-shucked corn. Corn starts to go starchy soon after being removed from the stalk. It's best to buy corn still attached to its husk and shuck it just a couple of hours before cooking.
• Storage matters: Once you've selected your perfect corn, store it properly. Place the unshucked cobs in the refrigerator until it's time to cook them. Corn can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Seasoning options

The simplest option is to season your corn with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the corn and give it a crispier texture.

If you're looking for something more adventurous, you can try using compound butter, which is butter with seasoning added to it. Try adding garlic, basil, dill, or chives to your butter. You can also season your corn with Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning.

For a Mexican-inspired dish, you can season your corn with chili-lime, or coat it in a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. You can also add toppings like Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.

Other seasoning options include paprika, thyme, onion powder, and parsley. You can even try ranch seasoning, which pairs well with the sweetness of the corn.

So, whether you're looking for something simple or something more adventurous, there are plenty of seasoning options to choose from when making corn in your air fryer!

Air fryer settings

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer is between 370-400°F (188-204°C). Most recipes recommend a temperature of around 380-390°F. However, it's important to note that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature slightly based on your specific model.

Cook Time

The cooking time for corn on the cob in an air fryer generally ranges from 8 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and freshness of the corn, as well as your desired level of doneness. For example, if you prefer your corn with a more charred appearance and taste, you can cook it for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your corn during cooking and adjust the time as needed.

Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is not necessary when cooking corn on the cob. Air fryers heat up quickly, and the corn will cook through evenly without preheating. However, if you want to ensure an even shorter cooking time, you can preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the corn.

Oil and Seasonings

While not mandatory, adding a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, can enhance the flavour and texture of your corn. Oil helps the corn develop a golden colour, keeps it from drying out, and allows seasonings to stick better. As for seasonings, salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also experiment with other spices, herbs, or toppings like butter, cheese, or chilli flakes.

Frozen Corn

If you're using frozen corn, it's best to thaw it first, although it can be cooked straight from frozen. Adjust your cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the corn is cooked through. Remember to check your corn regularly to avoid overcooking.

Basket Arrangement

When placing the corn in the air fryer basket, ensure that the cobs are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and prevents hot spots. If your corn is too big to fit in the basket, you can cut it in half lengthwise or trim the ends to make it fit.

Cooking time

The cooking time for air fryer corn on the cob depends on the temperature you set your air fryer to and how well-done you like your corn.

If you are cooking at 370 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook the corn for 12-15 minutes. If you are cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, 8 minutes should be enough. If you are cooking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, the corn will be ready in 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time will be 10-14 minutes.

Some recipes suggest that you cook the corn for 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius, while others suggest that you cook it for 13 minutes at an unspecified temperature.

It is important to note that air fryer models differ, so be sure to check your corn halfway through to ensure it is not burning. You can also leave the corn in the air fryer for an additional 4-6 minutes if you want to char the kernels.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, either as a whole cob or with the kernels sliced off. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried corn on the cob makes a great side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs well with barbecue foods, such as grilled salmon or halloumi kebabs, burgers, or ribs. It can also be served with chicken, salad, or French fries.

With Toppings and Seasonings

You can enhance the flavour of air-fried corn by adding toppings and seasonings. Some popular options include:

• Butter: Spread butter on the corn after it's cooked, or use melted butter as a coating before air-frying.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the corn to taste.
• Compound Butter: Try garlic butter or butter with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives.
• Spices: Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, or chili-lime seasoning can add a kick.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled cotija cheese on top.
• Crema or Dressing: Drizzle with Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.

As an Ingredient

Air-fried corn on the cob can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes. Slice the kernels off the cob and add them to soups, salads, pasta dishes, or salsas. You can also use them in recipes like Mexican street corn-inspired pasta salad, black bean corn salsa, or chicken corn chowder.

Frequently asked questions