Air Fryer Magic: Corn On The Cob In Minutes

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 gives corn a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The cooking time varies depending on the temperature and the desired crispiness, but on average, it takes around 12-15 minutes to cook corn in an air fryer.

Choosing the right corn

• Silks: The silks are the long, hair-like strands that protrude from the top of the corn. Look for brown and tacky silks, indicating the presence of moisture and freshness. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.
• Husks: The green, leaf-like husks that envelop the corn should be bright green and free from excessive brown spots or tiny holes, which could indicate the presence of worms. Choose corn with husks that cling tightly to the cob. Damp husks are another sign of freshness.
• Weight: A good ear of corn should feel heavy for its size. Juicy corn will feel heavier than it looks, while dry or wilted corn will feel lighter.
• Firmness: Gently squeeze the cob, working your way from the tassels to the stalk end. The ideal ear of corn should have an even firmness throughout, with no soft spots.
• Tassels: The corn's silky end, known as the tassel, ages after it is picked. White, yellow, or light brown tassels indicate that the corn is freshly picked. Avoid corn with sticky black or dark brown tassels, as it is past its prime.
• Kernels: If you must peek underneath the husks, look for full, plump kernels that are firm to the touch. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.

Remember, it is considered poor shopping etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the corn before buying it, as this can shorten its shelf life and cause it to dry out faster. By following these tips, you can select the perfect corn for your air fryer without compromising its quality and freshness.

How to prep corn for the air fryer

Choosing Your Corn

Look for fresh corn with green husks and moist silk, which are indicators of quality. The silks (the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top) should be brown and tacky, which means the corn cob still has moisture. If the silk is dark brown, dry or black, the corn is too old.

Prepping the Corn

First, shuck the husks from the corn and rinse off the silk. You can then pat the corn dry with a paper towel. If your corn is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can cut the corn in half lengthwise or cut off the ends of the cob.

Seasoning the Corn

Brush or spray the corn with oil, including olive oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also roll the corn in a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chilli powder.

Cooking the Corn

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs are not touching each other. Set the air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the corn for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your corn. Be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

Serving the Corn

Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving to help the kernels retain their juiciness. You can serve the corn with extra olive oil or melted butter, or try some different toppings like chilli flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer depend on the model of the air fryer and how well-done you like your corn. In general, air fryers can cook corn on the cob at temperatures between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 20 minutes.

Some air fryer models may require you to cut the ends off the corn or cut the cobs in half to fit in the basket. It is important to ensure that the corn does not touch in the basket to allow for even cooking.

For an air fryer set to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius), the corn will need to cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. If you are using an air fryer set to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), 8 minutes should be enough to cook the corn. For a crispier corn on the cob, you can leave it in the air fryer for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.

If you like your corn on the cob with a little bite, you can cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 9 minutes. For frozen corn on the cob, it is best to cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes, turning the corn every 5 minutes.

How to serve air fryer corn on the cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a delicious, quick, and easy side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and ideas on how to serve it:

Choosing the Right Corn:

Start by selecting fresh, good-quality corn. Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The corn inside should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots, or corn with loose and dry husks.

Preparing the Corn:

Before cooking, shuck the husks from the corn and remove the silk. Rinse the corn to get rid of any remaining silk and then pat it dry. If needed, trim the corn so that it fits in your air fryer. You can cut the corn in half lengthwise or cut off the ends to make it fit.

Seasoning and Cooking:

Brush the corn with olive oil or vegetable oil, which will help the corn develop a golden colour, crisp up, and caramelize. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. Some suggested seasonings include smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or chilli flakes. Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs are not touching, and cook at a temperature between 370-400°F for 8-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired doneness. Be sure to check your air fryer halfway through cooking to ensure the corn isn't burning, and flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

Serving Ideas:

Air fryer corn on the cob can be served as a side dish with a variety of meals. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve it with grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, grilled turkey burgers, or air fryer hamburgers and a green salad.
• It pairs great with BBQ dishes like slow-cooked ribs and air fryer French fries.
• Serve it with a juicy air fryer burger, air fryer chicken drumsticks, or crispy pork chops.
• For a perfect summer meal, serve it with chicken and salad, and Neiman Marcus Bars for dessert.

You can also get creative with your toppings and seasonings:

• Try compound butter (butter with added seasonings) such as garlic butter or butter with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese, Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.
• Squeeze some lime juice over the corn for added flavour.
• For a spicy kick, season with Cajun seasoning or chilli powder.
• If you like your corn buttery, smother it in butter and add salt and pepper to taste.

Other ways to cook corn on the cob

There are several ways to cook corn on the cob, each yielding different results. Here are some alternative methods to air frying:

• Grilling with the husks on - This method involves trimming the silks off the corn and throwing the corn onto a grill set to high heat with their husks still attached. The corn is then rotated often and grilled for about 15 minutes. This technique balances flavour and texture, as the husk protects the corn from drying out and burning while lending a deep smoky flavour.
• Boiling in salted water - A simple and fuss-free method that involves placing whole, shucked corn cobs in boiling, salted water and boiling them for about 5 minutes. This results in perfectly cooked and seasoned corn with plump, juicy kernels.
• Instant Pot - This technique is ideal for those who are short on time and own an Instant Pot. It involves shucking and halving the corn, then lining them up vertically on top of the trivet insert inside the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release the pressure. The corn will be tender, juicy, and bright yellow.
• Roasting in the oven - This method involves roasting corn in the oven at 450° F for 20 to 25 minutes. The corn is first soaked in water, then butter and seasonings are added, and it is wrapped in foil. This technique results in corn that is moist, tender, and juicy, with a deep smoky flavour.
• Microwaving - This is a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob. Simply wrap whole, shucked cobs of corn in damp paper towels, place them on a plate, and microwave for about 5 minutes. However, this method can dry out the corn, causing it to shrink and turn into popcorn-like kernels.
• Grilled without the husks - This involves preheating the grill, throwing shucked corn directly on the grates, and grilling for 10 minutes while rotating it often. However, this method can result in shrivelled, burnt kernels that are too dry and hard to eat.
• Wrapped in foil and grilled - Shuck the corn cobs, then wrap each one in foil with a little butter inside. Cook them directly on the grill for 15 minutes. This method produces corn that is tender, bright yellow, and moist, but it may lack the deep smoky flavour of grilled corn.
• Cooking in a butter bath - Bring a large pot of milk or water to a boil, add a generous amount of butter, and simmer shucked corn cobs until tender. This technique results in plump, buttery, and tender corn without being mushy.

Frequently asked questions