Air Fryer Corn On The Cob: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and hands-free way to cook corn. It is also a great way to prep corn for your favourite dishes. The air fryer helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while still maintaining soft and juicy kernels. The cooking time varies depending on the temperature setting, ranging from 8 to 20 minutes. The corn is done when the kernels are plump, bright yellow, and fork-tender. You can cook frozen corn in the air fryer as well, but it needs to be completely thawed first.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for corn on the cob in an air fryer depend on the desired texture and the type of corn used. Fresh corn on the cob can be cooked in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 370 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. For a tender texture with a slight bite, some sources suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. If you prefer your corn on the cob to have a more roasted flavor, you can cook it at a lower temperature for a longer duration, such as 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frozen corn on the cob can also be cooked in an air fryer. It is recommended to thaw the corn first or add a few extra minutes if cooking it straight from frozen. For previously frozen corn, it is advisable to check on it after 5 to 6 minutes of cooking.

Additionally, the size of the corn cobs and the specific air fryer model may influence the cooking time and temperature. Some recipes suggest flipping or rotating the corn cobs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.

Overcooked corn will result in tough and chewy kernels, so it is important to keep an eye on the corn and adjust the timing accordingly. The corn is done when the kernels are plump, bright yellow, and fork-tender.

Choosing the right corn

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. It's super fast, tender, and full of toasted corn flavor.

When choosing corn on the cob, it is important to select the right type of corn and to inspect the corn for freshness.

Type of Corn

The main category of corn you will probably see at the grocery store is sweet corn. This is the type of corn that is best for eating directly off the cob. Other types of corn include field corn, which is used to feed livestock and mass-produce items like cornmeal, and flint corn, which is colorful and used more for decoration.

Freshness

When selecting corn on the cob, it is important to look for corn with bright green and well-hydrated husks. Avoid corn with husks that are brown, slimy, or dehydrated, as this may indicate aging or improper storage. Additionally, look for corn with moist silks, which are the long, hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the cob. The silks should be brown and tacky, indicating that the corn is still moist and hasn't dried out. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this indicates that the corn is too old.

To further inspect the corn, give it a gentle squeeze through the husk to feel for the kernel development pattern. Avoid cobs with spaces between the kernels, as this can indicate improper pollination and less tasty corn. The kernels should be plump and developed all the way to the tip of the corn.

Finally, the ideal corn cob will be about 8 inches in length with a thick girth.

By following these tips, you can select the perfect corn on the cob to cook in your air fryer.

Seasoning and toppings

A simple and classic option is to season the corn with salt and pepper. This combination is timeless and adds a savoury touch to the sweetness of the corn. For those who enjoy a buttery flavour, spreading some compound butter on the corn after it's cooked is a great way to incorporate seasoning. Compound butter is simply butter with added seasoning. Try garlic butter for a punch of flavour, or opt for fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives for a more subtle aroma.

If you're feeling adventurous, get creative with your seasonings. Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning can take your corn on the cob to the next level. For a spicy kick, Cajun seasoning is a perfect choice. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can also add a unique twist to your dish.

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavours and add a tangy twist. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savoury, umami note to the corn. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chilli flakes are a perfect choice. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be chopped and sprinkled on top, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and toppings. You can even try serving your air-fried corn on the cob with a side of sour cream mixed with mayonnaise and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Get creative and find your favourite flavour profiles!

Cooking from frozen

Cooking corn on the cob from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It can be done in a few simple steps and is a great way to enjoy corn on the cob all year round.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the frozen corn. You can choose to thaw the corn for 30 minutes or cook it straight from frozen. If you are thawing the corn, pat it dry with paper towels before placing it in the air fryer.

Next, place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the corn cobs are not touching each other. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Drizzle or brush the corn with a small amount of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, or other desired seasonings.

Now, you can air fry the corn for 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The corn is ready when the kernels are tender and have turned a bright yellow colour.

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts and place it on a plate. Add your desired amount of butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other toppings of your choice. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking corn on the cob from frozen in an air fryer is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy this classic summertime dish, with minimal prep and cleanup required.

Boiling vs air frying

Preparation

When it comes to boiling corn on the cob, the preparation is simple. All you need to do is fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. On the other hand, air frying requires a few more steps. You'll need to remove the husks and silk from the corn, rinse the cobs, and pat them dry before placing them in the air fryer. However, one advantage of air frying is that you can cut the corn into halves or thirds if you have a smaller air fryer or prefer bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Time

Boiling corn on the cob typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Air frying, on the other hand, is a much faster method. Most recipes recommend air frying corn on the cob for around 10-15 minutes as well, but some sources suggest that it can be done in as little as 8-9 minutes. So, if you're short on time, air frying may be the better option.

Taste and Texture

Both boiling and air frying can produce delicious corn on the cob, but the taste and texture can vary between the two methods. Boiled corn on the cob is often described as tender and sweet, especially when served with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt. Air-fried corn on the cob, on the other hand, is known for its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. The hot air of the air fryer can give the corn a beautiful golden color and a caramelized crust without making it soggy.

Ease and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of air frying corn on the cob is the convenience it offers. With boiling, you need to wait for a large pot of water to come to a boil, which can be time-consuming and heat up your kitchen. Air frying, on the other hand, is a quicker and less messy option. You simply place the corn in the air fryer basket, set the timer, and let it cook. Additionally, air frying doesn't require constant monitoring, allowing you to multitask while your corn cooks to perfection.

Versatility

While both boiling and air frying are great options, air frying may offer more versatility in terms of seasoning and flavor combinations. With air frying, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique flavors. You can also easily transform your air-fried corn into a variety of dishes, such as Mexican-style corn or a savory option with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, both boiled and air-fried corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, air-fried corn may have an edge when it comes to reheating. You can simply pop the leftover corn back into the air fryer for a few minutes to enjoy it warm and crisp again.

Frequently asked questions