Air Fryer Corn On The Cob: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, taking somewhere between 8 and 15 minutes. It is a great alternative to boiling corn, which can be a hassle and make your kitchen hot. Air-fried corn has a delicious roasted flavour and a tender-crisp texture, with some lightly charred edges.

Choosing the best corn

Husks:

Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose and dry husks or those with many brown spots or little holes at the tops, as these indicate the presence of worms.

Silks:

Examine the silks, which are the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the corn. They should be brown and tacky, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dry, dark brown, or black silks, as this indicates that the corn is too old.

Kernels:

When choosing corn, look for firm ears with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots. Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The kernels should feel plump and tender.

Freshness:

The fresher the corn, the better it will taste. Look for corn that is in season and locally sourced if possible. Check the moisture content of the corn by gently squeezing the cob; it should feel firm, indicating freshness.

Storage:

If you're not cooking the corn immediately, store it at room temperature if you plan to cook it within a few hours. Otherwise, you can shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag or keep it in its husks in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

By following these tips, you'll be able to select the best corn for your air fryer corn on the cob, ensuring a delicious and tender result.

How to air fry corn on the cob

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook corn. It is a fantastic alternative to boiling corn, as it is faster, less messy, and produces a more interesting texture. Air-fried corn has a unique flavour and is super fast and tender, with a toasted corn taste.

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Shuck the corn and remove the silk. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt. You can also cut the ends off the stalk if they remain attached, or cut the corn in half if you have a small air fryer.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket. You may need to cut the corn in half or trim the ends to ensure it fits.
• Brush or spray the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Cook at between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes. The corn should be tender and slightly charred. Flip the corn halfway through to prevent hot spots.
• Remove the corn from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can add extra olive oil or butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• Do not overfill the air fryer. Make sure there is room for air to circulate around the corn.
• Do not over-season the corn. Start with a small pinch of salt and pepper and add more if needed.
• You can cook frozen corn in the air fryer, but it will need to be thawed first. It may also need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
• To reheat corn on the cob, place it in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes until warm and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

Air-fried corn on the cob is a great side dish for BBQ food, such as ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. It also goes well with salmon, halloumi kebabs, and green salad.

Enjoy!

How long does it take to cook

The cooking time for corn on the cob in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and the freshness of the corn. Fresh corn cooks faster than frozen corn, and the cooking time can be adjusted depending on whether you want your corn to be tender or charred.

Cooking Fresh Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer

Sources suggest cooking fresh corn on the cob in an air fryer at a temperature of between 370-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-15 minutes.

For tender corn, cook for 8-12 minutes.

For golden brown or charred corn, cook for 12-15 minutes.

Cooking Frozen Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer

Frozen corn on the cob will take longer to cook than fresh corn. It is recommended to thaw frozen corn for 30 minutes before cooking, and then cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, or until charred and cooked through.

Tips for Cooking Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer

• Do not stack or overcrowd the air fryer: Ensure there is space between the cobs for air to circulate.
• Cut the corn to fit your air fryer if needed.
• Check the corn halfway through cooking to ensure it is not burning.
• Flip the corn every 5 minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcook the corn: Overcooked corn will have tough, chewy kernels.
• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the corn to ensure even cooking and a short cooking time.
• Season the corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Happy cooking!

Storing and reheating

You can reheat the corn in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes or until it's warm and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat ears of corn in the microwave.

Other ways to cook corn on the cob

There are many ways to cook corn on the cob, and some of the most popular methods are outlined below.

Grilling with the Husks On

Place the corn on a grill set to high heat, rotating it often, for about 15 minutes. The husks help steam the corn, keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out. They also char, giving the corn a bold, smoky flavour without drying it out or burning it.

Boiling in Salted Water

This is one of the simplest methods. Place whole, shucked cobs of corn in boiling, salted water and boil them for 5 minutes. The salt enhances the corn's flavour without tasting salty, and the kernels will be plump, juicy, and bright yellow.

Roasting in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place whole corn cobs with husks still attached directly on the oven grates and roast for 35 minutes. The husks will char and burn, giving the corn a deep smoky flavour, while keeping it moist and protecting it from the heat.

Instant Pot

For those with an Instant Pot, this is a great option. Shuck and halve your corn, then line them up vertically on top of the trivet insert inside the pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release the pressure and remove the corn. The corn will be tender, juicy, and bright yellow.

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 (about 8 minutes). The corn will be plump, coated in butter, and tender without being mushy.

Air Frying

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook at 370° F for 12-15 minutes or until tender. This method yields juicy, tender corn with a unique flavour.

Frequently asked questions