Air-Fried Sweet Corn: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet corn, whether it's on the cob or off the cob. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air around food means that corn cooked in an air fryer will have a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and juicy interior. This method of cooking corn is also a lot faster and less messy than boiling a pot of water on the stove.

Choosing the right corn

• Husk Colour: Opt for corn with bright green husks. The husks should be fresh-looking, tightly wrapped around the cob, and free from too many brown spots or little holes at the tops. Those holes could indicate the presence of worms.
• Silk: The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be brown and tacky, indicating that the corn still has moisture and hasn't dried out. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks as it is likely too old.
• Feel: Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It should feel firm, and the kernels should be plump and full. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots.
• Moisture: If the husk is slightly damp, it's a sign that the corn is fresh.
• Seasonality: Summertime is corn season, so take advantage of the abundance of fresh corn during this period.
• Shopping Location: For the best selection of fresh corn, try visiting farmers' markets.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the perfect corn for your air fryer recipe, ensuring a delicious and tender result every time.

How to season your corn

There are several ways to season your corn when cooking it in an air fryer.

Firstly, you can use olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the corn in the air fryer basket, rub the olive oil evenly over the corn, and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add butter to the corn after cooking it in the air fryer.

Alternatively, you can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix the spices and salt with the corn, then add cornstarch and mix again to coat the corn. Finally, add lemon juice and olive oil and mix well.

You can also try a spice blend such as the Gourmet Roast Vegetables and Fries seasoning. Just be sure not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

Some other seasoning suggestions include chili flakes, grated parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, paprika, thyme, and Cajun seasoning.

Happy cooking!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for making sweet corn in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the desired texture and level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

Temperature Settings:

• Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature between 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C).
• A higher temperature, such as 400°F, will give you a crispier exterior while keeping the kernels moist and juicy.
• For a more golden brown or charred appearance, you can increase the temperature or extend the cooking time.

Timing Guidelines:

• The cooking time for air fryer sweet corn typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes.
• For thawed frozen corn, 8 minutes at 380°F should be sufficient.
• Fresh corn may take a bit longer, around 12 to 15 minutes at 370°F to 400°F.
• It's important to remember that air fryers can vary, so it's a good idea to check your corn halfway through to prevent overcooking.
• If you prefer your corn kernels to have a more charred appearance and taste, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
• On the other hand, if you're using previously frozen corn, it will cook faster, so check it after 5 to 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• When cooking frozen corn, it's recommended to thaw it first for about 30 minutes or cook it straight from frozen for a longer time.

Additional Tips:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer before adding the corn. Air fryers heat up quickly.
• To ensure even cooking, make sure there is space between the cobs for air to circulate, and don't stack them.
• If your corn is too long to fit in the air fryer, you can cut it in half lengthwise or trim the ends.
• To enhance the flavour, brush or drizzle olive oil on the corn before cooking, and season with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice.

How to store your corn

Storing your corn correctly is essential to preserving its flavour and texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your corn:

Choosing the Best Corn:

Before storing your corn, it's important to select the freshest corn available. Look for corn with husks that are a healthy green colour, still tight on the ear, and not dried out. The tips of the silks poking out should feel moist, and the husks should be free from insect or wormholes. Give the ear a gentle squeeze from the bottom to the top – it should feel solid, with plump, firm kernels from top to bottom.

Storing Corn in the Fridge:

Ideally, you should store your corn in the fridge, as this helps to preserve its sweetness. If you plan to eat the corn within a few hours, storing it at room temperature is fine, but for optimal flavour, it's best to keep it cold. Corn is best eaten on the same day it's purchased, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Keeping the Husks On:

It's important to keep the husks on the corn until you're ready to eat it. The husks help to keep the corn from drying out. Only shuck the corn right before you plan to use it. If the corn is too big for your refrigerator, you can remove some of the outer leaves, but keep at least a couple of layers of husk intact to maintain moisture.

Storing in a Plastic Bag:

Wrap the corn securely in a plastic bag before placing it in the refrigerator. The bag helps to protect the corn from drying out, while still allowing it to breathe. Make sure the bag is not sealed too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause mould to grow.

Storing Cooked Corn:

If you have cooked your corn and want to store it for later, place it in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked corn can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warm and crisp.

Freezing Corn:

If you don't plan on eating your corn within two days of purchase, you can freeze it. There are several methods for freezing corn, depending on whether you want to freeze the whole ears or just the kernels. Blanching the corn before freezing is optional but can help preserve its texture and flavour.

Storing Shucked Corn:

If your corn has already been shucked, store it in a plastic bag in the fridge to preserve humidity.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your corn stays fresh, sweet, and juicy until you're ready to cook and enjoy it.

Other ways to cook corn

There are several ways to cook corn, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Boiling: This classic technique involves adding butter, milk, and salt to a large pot of boiling water, creating a flavourful bath for the corn. The corn is then added and cooked until the kernels are tender and golden.

Roasting: For roasted corn, shuck the corn and wrap it in foil. You can also dab it with butter before placing it in an oven preheated to 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

Grilling: Grilling corn can be done with or without the husks. Grilling without husks involves placing the shucked corn directly on the grill grates and turning it frequently until charred. Grilling with the husks creates a steam effect inside, resulting in softer, juicier corn. Soak the corn in its husks for 30 minutes before placing it on the grill to prevent the husks from burning.

Microwaving: Microwaving corn is a quick and easy option, especially for one or two ears of corn. Leave the corn in its husk and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes per ear.

Instant Pot: Using an Instant Pot is a fast and reliable way to cook corn. Simply place the corn in the pot with some water and pressure cook on high for 3-4 minutes.

These methods allow you to enjoy sweet and juicy corn in a variety of ways, each with its own unique twist.

Frequently asked questions