Air-Frying Corn: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Method

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and hands-off method to cook corn. It is a great way to prep corn for your favourite dishes and can be served as a side dish for a perfect summer meal. It gives a unique flavour to the corn and is a great alternative to boiling corn in a pot of water.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryer corn on the cob

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and hands-off method to cook corn. It is a great way to prep corn for your favourite dishes. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while still maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The olive oil helps the corn crisp up and caramelize.

Ingredients

• Corn
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Steps

• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C).
• Shuck the corn.
• If needed, trim the tips off the corn cobs or cut them in half with a sharp knife so they fit inside the air fryer basket.
• Rub the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
• Air fry for 8 to 15 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through to prevent hot spots.
• Serve with butter, salt, and pepper.

Tips

• Frozen corn on the cob can also be used, but it is recommended to thaw it first and remove any excess water.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer, so it is important to check the corn halfway through to prevent burning.
• Compound butter with seasoning, such as garlic butter or herbs, can be used to bring extra flavour to the corn.

Frozen corn on the cob

Air-frying frozen corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook corn without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. It is also a healthier alternative, as the freezing process seals in maximum nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen corn on the cob in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat and Season

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or 390°F. While the air fryer is heating up, brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil, butter, or vegetable oil spray. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out. You can also add salt and pepper or any other seasonings you like. Remember not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.

Step 2: Place Corn in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. If your corn is too big, you may need to trim the tips or cut them in half to fit inside the basket.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the corn for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time, until it is cooked through. The corn is ready when the kernels turn a bright yellow and get plumper. You can also test the kernels with a fork to ensure they are tender. The corn may get a little golden brown around the edges, but ensure it doesn't get too brown, or it may be overcooked.

Step 4: Serve

Using tongs, transfer the corn to a plate. Spread or sprinkle your desired amount of butter, salt, and pepper, and serve hot. You can also add a squeeze of lemon to take the taste to the next level.

Tips:

• If you want to cook the corn from fresh, you can thaw it first or simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• To get the perfect bake, ensure there is room between the cobs for the air to circulate, and do not stack them.
• Remember to check your corn halfway through cooking, as different air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time.
• If you want to switch up the flavours, you can wrap the corn with seasonings in foil to better coat it in melted butter.

Seasoning and toppings

Once the corn is cooked, spread the butter on the corn and season with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also use compound butter, which is butter with added seasoning, such as garlic butter, or butter with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives.

If you want to get creative, try using Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning. For a cheesy kick, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan. For a tangy twist, add toppings like fresh Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.

If you're serving the corn as a side dish, it pairs well with grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, turkey burgers, or air fryer hamburgers with a side salad. For a classic summer meal, serve the corn with a juicy burger, chicken drumsticks, or crispy pork chops. And don't forget to squeeze half a lemon on top to take the flavour to the next level!

With so many seasoning and topping options, you can easily customise your air-fried corn on the cob to suit your taste preferences and elevate your culinary experience.

Reheating

If you have any leftover corn on the cob, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. To do this, seal the corn in an airtight container or place it in a plastic storage bag. When you're ready to reheat the corn, simply place it back in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes, until it is warm and crisp again.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat your corn by boiling it. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the corn into the pot, ensuring that it is fully submerged. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Serve with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt.

It's worth noting that previously frozen corn will cook faster, so be sure to check on it after 5-6 minutes to prevent overcooking. You can also cut the corn in half to ensure that it fits in your air fryer and cooks evenly.

When reheating corn in the air fryer, it's important to remember that every air fryer is different and may cook at a slightly different rate. Be sure to keep an eye on your corn to prevent burning or overcooking.

Storing

One option is to shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can leave the husks on and keep the corn in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator. This will help to extend the shelf life of the corn.

If you've already cooked your corn and have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the corn in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 30 seconds to one minute, or until hot.

Another option for storing cooked corn is to slice the kernels off the cob and freeze them. Place the kernels in a freezer-safe bag, remove the air, seal, and freeze flat for up to six months. You can then cook the frozen kernels by heating them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or adding them directly to hot soups, skillet dishes, fried rice, or other recipes.

Frequently asked questions