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 under 20 minutes and offering a delicious roasted flavour. The air fryer is a great alternative to boiling corn, which can make it watery and flavourless, or BBQing it, which can dry it out. It's also a convenient option as you don't need to heat up your kitchen by boiling water or firing up the grill.

Choosing the right corn

• Timing is everything: Corn is typically a summer crop, so buying corn in season is crucial for getting the sweetest and freshest cobs. Avoid buying corn out of season, as it will never be as good as in-season sweet corn.
• Leave the husks on: While it may be tempting to buy pre-shucked corn to save time and effort, this is not advisable. Corn starts to go starchy as soon as you take it off the stalk, so it's best to keep it attached to its husk for as long as possible. Plan to shuck the corn just a couple of hours before cooking.
• Inspect the silk: The silk is the long, hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the corn. Look for corn with pale, moist, or even sticky silk, as this indicates freshness. Avoid corn with brown or black, dried-out, or matted silk, as this is a sign of older corn.
• Check the husks: The husks, or green leaf-like coverings, should be bright green and free from drying or browning. Avoid corn with husks that are limp, damaged, or have many brown spots or little holes, as this may indicate the presence of worms. The husks should cling to the corn, wrapping it fairly tightly. Damp husks are a sign of fresh corn.
• Feel the weight: A good ear of corn should feel very heavy for its size. This indicates that it is full of juice and that the cob itself is still full of sap. A light-feeling cob has likely started to go starchy, and the kernels may not be as juicy and sweet.
• Give it a squeeze: Starting at the bottom, gently squeeze your way up the cob. It should feel firm, and the individual kernels should feel plump. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.
• Avoid pre-peeking: It is considered bad shopping etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the corn before buying it. This can shorten the shelf life of the corn, making it dry out faster, and may leave a flawed piece of produce for another customer or the store to discard.

By following these tips, you can select the perfect corn for your air fryer and ensure a delicious and juicy result every time.

How to prep 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 prep corn for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Corn

Select fresh ears of corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks. Remove the husks and silk, then rinse the corn in cold water. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Step 2: Trim the Corn (Optional)

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the corn to ensure it fits. You can cut the corn in half lengthwise or trim the ends of the cob. This step is not necessary if your corn already fits in your air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat and Season the Corn

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). Brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. This will help the corn develop a golden colour, keep it from drying out, and ensure the seasonings stick. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or your desired spices. Go easy on the seasoning to avoid overpowering the corn's natural sweetness.

Step 4: Place Corn in the Air Fryer

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cobs are not touching. Close the basket and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but on average, it should take around 8-15 minutes. Remember to flip the corn every few minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it as is, or enhance the flavour with a drizzle of melted butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or your favourite toppings.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer is a great way to cook corn on the cob, giving it a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. The air fryer also saves you from boiling a giant pot of water and risking a steam burn.

The temperature and time for cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and how crispy you like your corn. As a general rule, you should cook corn on the cob in an air fryer at around 370-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-15 minutes.

If you like your corn on the cob to have a more golden brown or charred appearance, you can cook it for a further 4-6 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your corn while it is cooking, as you do not want it to overcook and become tough.

Some air fryer models may not require preheating, but for those that do, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for 5 minutes before adding the corn.

If you are cooking frozen corn on the cob, it is best to let it thaw for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. You may also need to add an extra 2-4 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

How to serve air fryer corn on the cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into other recipes. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious treat:

As a Side

Air fryer corn on the cob makes a great side dish for a variety of meals. Its sweet and juicy kernels pair perfectly with grilled dishes like salmon or halloumi kebabs. It also goes well with BBQ favourites such as ribs, chicken, or pork belly. For a classic summer meal, serve it alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, and a side of coleslaw. You can even enjoy it with air fryer dishes like chicken, burgers, or French fries.

With Toppings

The classic way to enjoy corn on the cob is by adding a generous amount of butter and a sprinkle of salt. You can also get creative with toppings like chilli flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs such as basil or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice. For a Mexican twist, try Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn by adding butter, lime juice, mayo or sour cream, cheese, and chili powder. Other tasty toppings include cinnamon sugar, barbecue sauce, garlic salt, or a combination of butter and Italian seasoning.

In Other Recipes

If you have leftover corn on the cob, you can cut the kernels off the cob and use them in various recipes. Add them to salads, pastas, soups, or salsas for a burst of sweetness and texture. You can also shave the kernels off the cob and use them in dishes like Creamy Corn and Chives Fettuccine, Curried Corn and Coconut Rice, or Herbed Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad.

Storing and reheating air fryer corn

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy dish to make, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here are some tips for storing and reheating your air-fried corn.

Storing:

• Corn on the cob is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For uncooked corn, it is best to store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, wrapped in plastic with the husk on.
• You can also freeze cooked corn on the cob! First, make sure the corn is cooled, then wrap it and place it into a resealable zip-top bag. Cut the cooked kernels off the cob to save space. Freeze for up to 3-4 months and defrost in the fridge before using or reheating.

Reheating:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the corn on the cob in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
• Cook the corn for 5-7 minutes, turning them halfway through for even reheating.
• If your corn is already dry, it is best to avoid reheating it in the air fryer as it may further dehydrate the corn. Instead, opt for alternative methods such as using a microwave or boiling the corn briefly to reintroduce moisture.
• You can also reheat corn on the cob in the microwave. Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

There you have it! Now you know how to store and reheat your air fryer corn on the cob to enjoy those tasty leftovers.

Frequently asked questions