Air Fryer Corn: Can You Fry The Cob?

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, without the hassle of boiling a large pot of water. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The corn is cooked in under 20 minutes and can be customised with your favourite toppings and seasonings.

Choosing the right corn

First, it is important to note that sweet corn is the most common variety you will find at your local grocery store or market. Within the sweet corn category, you will typically find white, yellow, and bi-colour corn, with white corn being generally sweeter than yellow. However, colour does not determine sweetness, and sweet corn comes in all three varieties.

When selecting your corn, avoid peeling back the husk as it can expedite dehydration and cause the kernels to lose their sweetness prematurely. Instead, look for a bright green and well-hydrated husk that is snugly wrapped around the corn. A brown, slimy, or dehydrated husk could indicate ageing or improper storage. Also, check for holes, as they could be a sign of insect damage.

After inspecting the husk, give the corn a gentle squeeze to feel for the kernel development pattern. Avoid cobs with spaces between the kernels, as this could indicate improper pollination and less tasty corn. The kernels should be plump and fully developed to the tip of the corn.

The ideal corn cob will be about 8 inches in length with a thick girth. You can also check the silk or tassel, which is the long strand sticking out of the top of the husk. It should be golden brown and slightly moist, indicating that the cob is still fresh and hasn't dried out.

Remember, corn will not continue to ripen after it's picked, so choose wisely. Look for the freshest corn available, and try to buy locally or regionally, as the faster the cob gets from the field to your home, the better the flavour will be.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer is a great way to cook corn on the cob, giving it a unique flavour and texture. It is also a quick and easy method, with most recipes taking under 20 minutes.

Temperature

Most sources recommend cooking corn on the cob in the air fryer at around 370-400°F. However, one source suggests a lower temperature of 380°F.

Time

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For tender corn, 8-15 minutes should be sufficient. If you prefer your corn with a more golden brown or charred appearance and taste, you can cook it for up to 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the corn will continue to soften slightly after it has been removed from the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to check on the corn halfway through the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, if you are cooking frozen corn on the cob, it will cook faster, so it is advisable to check it after 5-6 minutes.

Olive oil and seasoning

Olive oil is a great way to "air fry" corn and keep it from sticking. It also helps the corn develop a nice golden colour and keeps it from drying out.

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the most common choices, but you can also experiment with other spices and seasonings. For example, you can use Cajun seasoning, chilli powder, paprika, thyme, or parmesan cheese. Just remember not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Shuck the corn and remove any silk. Rinse the corn and pat it dry with a paper towel. If needed, trim the corn or cut the cobs in half so they fit inside your air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat and Season

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F (190-200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, drizzle or brush each ear of corn with olive oil. Make sure to coat the corn evenly. Then, season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices of your choice.

Step 3: Air Fry the Corn

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked or touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For even cooking, flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

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. You can enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob as-is, or add some extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, or other toppings like chilli flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.

Tips:

• When applying olive oil to the corn, you can use a spoon to drizzle it on or use a non-aerosol oil spray. Avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant as it can damage your air fryer basket.
• Do not stack or overcrowd the corn in the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• If your corn is too long to fit in the basket, you may need to cut it in half lengthwise or trim the ends.
• Always choose fresh, sweet corn for the best results. Look for corn with bright green husks and moist silk.
• To store leftovers, wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried corn on the cob!

How to serve air-fried corn

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick and easy side dish that will take your summer barbecues and dinners to the next level. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels.

Choosing and Preparing the Corn:

• Look for fresh ears of corn with green husks and moist silk, which are indicators of quality.
• Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the ears in cold water.
• Pat the corn dry with a paper towel.
• If needed, trim the corn so that it fits into your air fryer. You may need to cut the corn in half or cut off the ends.

Seasoning the Corn:

• Brush or spray the corn with olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden color, keep it from drying out, and allow your seasonings to stick.
• Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. Some suggestions include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, or a vegetable or French fries spice blend.

Cooking the Corn in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F (180-200°C).
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cobs are not touching each other.
• Set the timer for 10-15 minutes. For a more golden brown or charred appearance, you can cook the corn for up to 20 minutes.
• During cooking, be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

Serving the Air-Fried Corn:

• Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving to help the kernels retain their juiciness.
• Enjoy the air-fried corn on the cob hot with a bit of extra olive oil or melted butter.
• Try some different toppings such as chili flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs like basil or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Air-fried corn makes a great side dish with a juicy burger, chicken drumsticks, or crispy pork chops.

Storing and Reheating:

• To maintain the corn's moisture and taste, store cooked corn on the cob in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Seal them in an airtight container or place them in a plastic storage bag.
• To reheat, place the corn in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warm and crisp.

Now you're ready to serve and enjoy your air-fried corn!

Storing and reheating air-fried corn

Firstly, it is important to note that corn on the cob will always taste best when it is fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the corn for up to 3 days.

To reheat the corn, you can use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat corn in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the microwave, wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals. To reheat in the oven, wrap the corn in foil and heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

If you have a lot of leftover corn, you can also freeze it. Make sure the corn is cool, then wrap it and place it in a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months. Defrost the corn in the fridge before reheating and using.

Frequently asked questions