Air Frying Corn: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, without the need for boiling water. The air fryer gives corn a crispy exterior while maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The cooking time varies depending on the type of corn and the air fryer being used, but on average, it takes around 8-15 minutes to cook corn in an air fryer.

How to prepare corn for the air fryer

Preparing corn for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and tools. For this method, you will need corn on the cob, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You will also need an air fryer, a knife, and a brush or spoon for applying the oil.

Before you begin preparing the corn, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (190-200°C).

Now, it's time to prepare the corn. Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any remaining silk and dirt. You can also cut the ends of the corn stalks if they are still attached. If your corn is too long to fit in your air fryer, cut it in half or into smaller pieces.

Next, apply the olive oil to the corn. You can do this by brushing or drizzling the oil onto the corn, or by using a non-aerosol oil spray. Make sure the corn is coated evenly.

After the corn is coated in oil, season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic salt, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Once your corn is prepared and seasoned, place it into the air fryer basket. Make sure the corn is in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking time and evenness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches.

Now, it's time to cook the corn. Air fry the corn at 370-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-15 minutes. For smaller air fryers, check the corn after 5-6 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. For more well-done corn, you can cook it for an additional 4-6 minutes.

Finally, remove the corn from the air fryer and enjoy! You can add some extra butter, salt, and pepper, or try other toppings like parmesan cheese, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, delicious air-fried corn on the cob.

How to cook corn in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Remove the husk and silk from the corn.
• Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt.
• Cut off the ends of the corn or cut the corn in half if it is too large to fit in your air fryer.
• Place the corn into the air fryer basket.
• Drizzle or brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook in the air fryer at between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and how well-done you like your corn.
• If you like your corn with a more roasted appearance and taste, leave it in the air fryer for a few minutes longer.
• Carefully remove the corn from the air fryer and add butter, if desired.

Tips

• If you are cooking frozen corn, let it thaw for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
• You can cook corn in the air fryer without oil, but it will help the corn turn a nice golden brown and give it a great flavour.
• Do not salt the corn before cooking, as this will make it tough.
• If your corn is too big to fit in the air fryer lengthwise, try cutting it in half lengthwise, cutting off the ends, or breaking the cob in half.

How to store air-fried corn

Air-fried corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days if sealed in an airtight container. To store it, let the corn cool down, then cut it off the cob and place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Alternatively, you can freeze cooked corn on the cob by letting it cool, then wrapping it and placing it in a resealable zip-top bag. Make sure to cut the cooked kernels off the cob to save space. Frozen corn can be stored for up to three to four months and should be defrosted in the fridge before using or reheating.

How to choose the best corn for air frying

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, giving it a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. To ensure you get the best results, it's important to choose the right corn for air frying. Here are some tips to help you select the best corn for air frying:

Check the Husks and Silks

The husks and silks of fresh corn will have certain characteristics that indicate their quality and freshness. Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose, dry, or brown husks, as this may indicate that the corn is older. The silks, or the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top, should be brown and tacky, indicating that the cob still has moisture and hasn't dried out. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks.

Inspect the Kernels

When choosing corn for air frying, it's important to check the kernels for signs of freshness. The corn inside the husks should be firm, with full and plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots, as this indicates that it is past its prime. Give the cob a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The kernels should feel plump and firm, with no soft spots or voids where kernels are missing.

Source Your Corn Well

To find the best corn for air frying, it's recommended to go to farmers' markets or local farm stands during the summer months when fresh corn is in season. This will increase the likelihood of finding corn that is truly fresh and hasn't been sitting on a grocery store shelf for an extended period.

Storage and Freshness

Once you've purchased your corn, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness until you're ready to cook it. If you plan on cooking the corn within a few hours, you can keep it at room temperature. Otherwise, you can shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, or leave the husks on and keep it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the crisper for up to a few days.

How to customise air-fried corn

Air-fried corn is a quick and easy dish to make, and there are plenty of ways to customise it to your taste. Here are some tips and tricks to make your air-fried corn even more delicious:

Choosing the Right Corn

Start by selecting the freshest corn you can find. 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 placing the corn in the air fryer, remove the husks and silk. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry. You may also need to trim the corn or cut it in half to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

Seasonings and Toppings

Brush the corn with olive oil before air frying to help the seasonings stick and to get the kernels golden and crispy. You can then season the corn to taste with salt and pepper.

For a more indulgent option, slather the cooked corn with butter and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also try adding some freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lime.

If you're feeling adventurous, try one of these topping combinations:

• Compound butter with garlic, basil, dill, or chives
• Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning
• Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Barbecue sauce
• Cinnamon sugar

Cooking Tips

When cooking the corn in the air fryer, arrange the corn in a single layer, ensuring the cobs are not overcrowded. This will help achieve uniform cooking. It's also a good idea to flip the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to prevent any sides from becoming too charred.

Storing and Reheating

Air-fried corn is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop the corn back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.

Final Thoughts

With these tips and customisation options, you can elevate your air-fried corn to the next level. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions