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

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

The air fryer helps the corn develop a golden, sweet, and crunchy texture on the outside, while the inside remains moist and tender. The olive oil and natural sugars in the corn caramelize, providing a beautifully charred exterior.

This method is also fuss-free and convenient, eliminating the need for boiling a giant pot of water or firing up the grill. You can simply place the corn in the air fryer basket, season it, and let the air fryer do the work.

Additionally, air fryer corn on the cob is versatile. You can use fresh or frozen corn, and customise it with various seasonings and toppings like butter, salt, pepper, chilli flakes, or parmesan cheese.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook corn, give the air fryer a try. It might just become your new favourite method!

Choosing the right corn

• Check the silks or tassels: The silks are the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the corn. Look for tassels that are brown and sticky, indicating moisture and freshness. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black tassels, as this suggests the corn is old.
• Inspect the husks: The husks are the green leaf-like coverings that wrap around the corn. Choose corn with bright green husks that are free from brown spots and tightly wrapped around the cob. Damp husks are another sign of fresh corn. Avoid corn with excessive brown spots, little holes (which may indicate worms), or loose and dry husks.
• Feel the weight: A good ear of corn should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that the corn is juicy and full of moisture. Dry or wilted corn will feel lighter.
• Give it a squeeze: Gently squeeze the corn, starting from the tassels and working your way down. The cob should feel firm and have an even consistency throughout. Plump and full kernels are ideal. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.
• Avoid pre-peeking: While it may be tempting to peel back the husks to inspect the kernels, this is considered improper corn-buying etiquette and can shorten the shelf life of the corn. Trust the other indicators to choose the perfect corn without peeking!

By following these tips, you'll be able to select the best corn for your air fryer, ensuring a tasty and successful dish.

Preparing the corn

Firstly, choose fresh corn with green husks and moist silk, as these are indicators of quality. Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then give the ears of corn a rinse in cold water to remove any dirt. If the stalk remains attached, you can cut the ends off. At this stage, you can also cut the corn in half, especially if you have a small air fryer.

Next, dry the corn with a paper towel or cloth. Then, brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out during cooking. It will also help any seasonings you add stick to the corn.

Now it's time to season the corn. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and seasonings. Remember, corn has a natural sweetness, so be careful not to overpower it with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch at a time and add more to taste.

Once your corn is prepared, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches to ensure even cooking. Make sure there is space between the cobs for the air to circulate and do not stack them.

Air fryer settings

Preheating:

It is not necessary to preheat your air fryer before cooking corn on the cob. Air fryers typically reach the desired temperature very quickly due to the circulating hot air in a small, enclosed space. However, if you want to ensure even cooking, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This initial heat-up period will help you achieve a shorter cooking time for your corn.

Temperature Settings:

The ideal temperature for cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer is around 370-400°F. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 380-400°F, which ensures that the corn cooks through while achieving a desirable golden colour and a slight char.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for corn on the cob in an air fryer can vary depending on the freshness and size of the corn, as well as your desired level of doneness. On average, it takes about 8-15 minutes to cook corn on the cob in an air fryer.

For fresh corn, the cooking time is usually around 8-12 minutes. Check your corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure it doesn't burn. You can also flip the corn every 5 minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

For frozen corn, it is recommended to thaw it first for about 30 minutes to give it a head start. Then, cook the corn for about 12-15 minutes, or until it is charred and cooked through. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the size of the corn.

Basket Arrangement:

When placing the corn in the air fryer basket, ensure that the cobs are not touching each other. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If your corn is too long to fit in the basket, you can cut the ends off or cut the cobs in half.

Oil and Seasonings:

Before cooking, brush or drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the corn to help it develop a golden colour and keep it from drying out. You can also use a non-aerosol oil spray for even distribution. Avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant as it can damage your air fryer basket.

Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Remember, corn has a natural sweetness, so it's best not to overpower it with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch and adjust to your taste.

Serving and Storage:

Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it 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.

You can serve the corn with a bit of extra olive oil or melted butter, or try various toppings such as chili flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

To store leftover corn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze cooked corn by placing it in a resealable zip-top bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

Cooking time

The cooking time for corn in the air fryer will vary depending on the type of corn you are using, the quantity, and the size of your air fryer.

For example, if you are using frozen corn, you will need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. The same goes for very fresh corn—you may need to reduce the cooking time.

If you are cooking four ears of corn in your air fryer, you can expect to cook them for around 12-15 minutes at 370-380°F. If you are cooking two ears of corn, the cooking time will be around 8-10 minutes at 380°F.

If you are cooking corn at 400°F, the cooking time will be shorter—around 10-12 minutes. You can also cook corn at a lower temperature of 380°F for 8 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 400°F for an additional 4-6 minutes for a more golden brown or charred appearance and taste.

It is important to note that every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so be sure to check your corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure it is not burning. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on your air fryer model and the size of your corn cobs.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and healthy treat:

Side Dish Suggestions:

• Grilled dishes: Corn on the cob is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables. Try it with grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, turkey burgers, or chicken.
• BBQ favourites: This corn pairs well with BBQ classics like slow-cooked ribs, coleslaw, and French fries.
• Air-fried meals: If you're already using your air fryer for the corn, why not make it a theme? Serve it with air-fried hamburgers, hot dogs, smoky chicken, or pork belly.
• Salads: Corn on the cob adds a sweet and crunchy element to green salads. Try it with a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and proteins.
• Soups and stews: For a heartier meal, pair the corn with a bowl of soup or stew, like chicken corn chowder or cowboy-fried corn.

Main Course Suggestions:

• Air fryer creations: Make it a full air-fried feast! Serve the corn with other air-fried treats like breaded pork chops, tofu, or jalapeno poppers.
• Beyond burgers: For a vegetarian option, pair the corn with Beyond Burgers for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
• Meat dishes: For meat lovers, corn on the cob can be a tasty side to dishes like juicy air fryer burgers or crispy pork chops.

Remember, one of the great things about air-fried corn on the cob is its simplicity. It can be enjoyed on its own with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, or dressed up with various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations!

Frequently asked questions