Air Fryer Grilled Corn: How Long Does It Take?

Corn on the cob cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to cook sweet and juicy corn. It is also a safe alternative to grilling, which can be dangerous if not done properly. Air-fried corn is ready in under 20 minutes and has a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The air fryer seals in the flavours and gives the corn a buttery taste without the hassle of boiling a giant pot of water.

Choosing the right corn

Start by looking for corn with tight, bright green husks. The husks should be fresh and free from too many brown spots or little holes, as these indicate the presence of worms. The husks should also be damp, which is a sign of freshness.

Next, examine the silks, which are the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the corn. Look for silks that are brown and tacky, indicating that the corn cob is still moist and hasn't dried out. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this is a sign that the corn is too old.

When selecting corn, give it a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The ear of corn should feel firm, and the individual kernels should be plump and full. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.

If you're buying corn from a farmer's market, you can ask the farmer when the corn was picked, as the freshest corn is typically the sweetest. You can also look for corn with golden brown, slightly sticky tassels, which are the hairy bits at the top.

When storing corn, keep it at room temperature if you plan to cook it within a few hours. Otherwise, you can shuck it and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the perfect corn for your air fryer, ensuring that your grilled corn on the cob turns out delicious and tender.

How to season the corn

Now that you know how long to grill corn in an air fryer, let's get into the details of seasoning the corn to elevate its taste and make it even more irresistible!

Before grilling the corn in the air fryer, it is important to season it well. Here are the steps you can follow to ensure your corn is seasoned to perfection:

• Brush with Oil: The first step is to brush the corn with a thin layer of oil. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. This step helps the seasonings stick to the corn and also promotes even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Salt and Pepper: After brushing with oil, sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the corn. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. This step adds a classic savory flavor to the corn.
• Optional Seasonings: At this point, you can also add other optional seasonings to elevate the flavor of the corn. Some popular options include paprika, thyme, garlic powder, or even Tajin for a tangy twist. You can experiment with different combinations of spices to find your favorite blend.
• Butter: While this step is optional, many people enjoy spreading butter over the grilled corn. Butter adds a rich, creamy dimension to the flavor profile and can be applied before or after grilling, depending on your preference.
• Herbs and Cheese: For a more sophisticated flavor, you can sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or parsley over the grilled corn. Additionally, crumbled cheese such as Parmesan or queso fresco can be a delicious topping.

By following these steps and experimenting with different combinations of seasonings, you can create delicious and flavorful air-fried corn that your family and friends will love!

How long to grill the corn

Grilling corn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect corn on the cob. It is a fuss-free method that yields consistent results without the need for boiling water or firing up the grill. The air fryer's hot air circulation creates a crisp and crunchy exterior while keeping the interior tender, juicy, and full of flavour.

Now, onto the question of how long to grill the corn. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the specifics of your air fryer. As a general guideline, grilling corn in an air fryer typically takes anywhere from 8 to 15 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on the corn and adjust the timing as needed.

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Aim for a temperature between 370°F to 400°F.
• Prepare the corn: Start by shucking the corn and removing the silk. Rinse the corn and pat it dry. If needed, cut the ends of the corn or cut the cobs in half to fit into your air fryer.
• Season the corn: Brush or drizzle the corn with olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter. This step not only adds flavour but also helps the corn develop a nice golden colour and prevents it from drying out. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or a vegetable spice blend.
• Place the corn in the air fryer: Arrange the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer.
• Cooking time: For slightly charred and tender corn, aim for a cooking time of around 8 to 12 minutes. If you prefer your corn more well-done and golden brown, you can cook it for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Keep in mind that air fryers can vary, so it is important to keep an eye on the corn to avoid overcooking.
• Flip the corn: To ensure even cooking, it is a good idea to flip the corn halfway through the cooking process. This will help prevent hot spots and ensure that all sides of the corn are grilled evenly.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the corn during the final minutes of cooking. Cooked corn should have plump, bright yellow kernels that are fork-tender. Overcooked corn will have tough, chewy kernels, so it is best to avoid cooking it for too long.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is grilled to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the kernels to retain their juiciness. You can enjoy the corn as is, or add some extra butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

By following these steps and adjusting the timing based on your preferences and air fryer specifications, you will be able to grill corn to perfection in your air fryer.

How to serve the corn

Now that you've grilled your corn in the air fryer, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and ideas to make your grilled corn on the cob a delicious and enjoyable experience:

Choose Your Corn:

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality corn. Look for corn with green husks and moist silk, which are indicators of freshness. Peel back the husks and remove the silk before rinsing the corn in cold water. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next steps.

Seasoning and Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to around 370-400°F (188-200°C). Brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the corn develop a golden colour, prevent it from drying out, and give it a crispy texture. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or your desired spices. Be careful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the corn with too much seasoning.

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other, and set the timer for 10-15 minutes. Flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

Serving Ideas:

Once your corn is grilled to perfection, there are endless ways to serve and enjoy it:

• Classic Butter and Salt: This is a timeless combination that enhances the sweetness of the corn. Spread butter on the corn after cooking and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Herbs and Spices: Add some freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, chives, or cilantro for a burst of flavour. You can also sprinkle on some Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or homemade spice blends.
• Cheesy Delight: Grate some Parmesan cheese or sprinkle on some crumbled cheese of your choice for a savoury touch.
• Chilli Flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some chilli flakes on top of your buttered corn.
• Squeeze of Lemon: Lemon juice can take your grilled corn to the next level. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the corn just before serving.
• Salads and Sides: Cut the corn off the cob and use it in salads, pastas, or side dishes. It goes well with grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, turkey burgers, or air fryer hamburgers.
• Creative Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try bacon bits, queso fresco, lime, parsley, or chilli. You can also serve it with a side of Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.

Remember to serve the grilled corn while it's still hot and steaming. Enjoy your delicious air-fried corn on the cob!

How to store the corn

How to Store Corn

Storing corn correctly is essential to preserving its flavour and freshness. Corn is best eaten on the same day it is purchased, but if that's not possible, there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh for longer.

Firstly, it's important to keep the corn in its husk for as long as possible. The husk keeps the corn from drying out, so only shuck the corn right before you plan on using it. If the corn is too big to fit in your refrigerator, you can remove some of the outer leaves, but keep at least a couple of layers of husk intact.

Secondly, store the corn in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The bag acts as another layer of protection to keep the corn moist. Make sure the bag is not sealed too tightly, as this can trap too much moisture and cause mould to grow. A loose bag will allow for some air circulation while still reducing dryness.

If you don't plan on eating your corn within two days of purchase, you can freeze it. There are a few different methods for freezing corn, depending on whether you want to eat it on the cob or use it in recipes.

The easiest way to freeze corn is to shuck and silk the corn, then package the whole ears in appropriately-sized freezer bags. Remove the air, label with the date, and freeze.

If you want to use the corn in recipes, you can cut the kernels off the cob before freezing. Stand the corn upright on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut straight down across the base of the kernels. Then, go back over the cob with the back of the knife to extract the sweet corn "milk". Measure the kernels as you package them and note the amount and date on the freezer bag. Place the bags in the freezer in a single layer, and once frozen, you can stack them to save space.

By following these steps, you can ensure your corn stays fresh and juicy until you're ready to cook and enjoy it.

Frequently asked questions