Air-Fryer Corn: The Perfect Timing For Delicious Kernels

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, with most recipes taking under 20 minutes. The air fryer gives corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. The corn is seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cooked in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Some recipes call for brushing the corn with butter after cooking for added flavour.

Choosing the best corn

Check the Husks and Silks:

Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose, dry, or brown husks. The silks, or the long hair-like strands, should be light brown and slightly sticky, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Dark brown, dry, or black silks suggest that the corn is too old.

Inspect the Kernels:

When purchasing corn, it is best not to pull back the husks to check the kernels, as this can shorten the shelf life of the corn. However, if you are buying directly from a farmer, it is recommended to buy a couple of extra ears to support them. If you are checking the kernels, look for kernels that are set close together and have a white or yellow color, depending on the variety. Avoid corn with brown or chewed kernels.

Feel the Corn:

A good ear of corn should feel firm when gently squeezed from the bottom to the top. The individual kernels should feel plump. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots, as this indicates missing or damaged kernels.

Season:

Fresh corn is typically available in peak season from June to August. Corn purchased during this period is more likely to be juicy and sweet.

Storage:

If you are not cooking the corn immediately, it can be stored at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator if you are saving it for another day. Shuck the corn and store it in a plastic bag, or leave the husks on and keep it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the crisper.

Preparation:

Before air frying, remove the husks and silk from the corn. Cut off the ends or cut the ears in half if needed to fit in your air fryer. Rub or brush the corn with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember not to salt the corn before cooking, as this can make it tough.

How to prepare corn for the air fryer

Preparing corn for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choosing the Corn

Start by selecting fresh, good-quality corn. Look for corn with bright green, tightly closed husks and moist, light brown silks. The corn inside should have full, plump kernels that are set close together. Avoid corn with dry, loose husks or shrivelled kernels.

Step 2: Prepping the Corn

Once you have chosen your corn, it's time to prep it for the air fryer. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn to remove any remaining silk and pat it dry with a paper towel. If needed, cut the ends off the corn or cut the ears in half to ensure they fit into your air fryer.

Step 3: Seasoning the Corn

Drizzle or brush olive oil over the corn. The olive oil will help the corn develop a golden colour and keep it from drying out during cooking. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add spices like paprika, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavour.

Step 4: Arranging the Corn in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. Leave some space between the cobs for air to circulate properly. If needed, cook the corn in batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cooking the Corn

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F (200°C). The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, corn on the cob will take around 8-15 minutes to cook. Be sure to flip the corn halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent hot spots.

Step 6: Serving the Corn

Once the corn is cooked 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 retain its juiciness. You can enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob as it is, or add some extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, or other toppings like chilli flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs such as basil or parsley.

How long to cook corn in the air fryer

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook sweet, juicy, and tender corn. It's a fantastic option for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, and it's ready in under 20 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook corn in your air fryer.

Ingredients and Preparation:

First, you'll need fresh corn on the cob, preferably with bright green husks and moist silk, indicating freshness. You'll also need olive oil, salt, and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Some people also like to add butter, either melted over the corn after cooking or spread on as compound butter.

To prepare the corn, remove the husks and silk. Rinse the corn and pat it dry. You may need to trim the corn or cut it in half to ensure it fits in your air fryer. Rub or brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasonings.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F. The higher the temperature, the quicker the cooking time. Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cobs aren't touching.

Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the level of doneness you prefer. As a guide, cook the corn for 8-15 minutes, flipping the cobs once during cooking. For a darker roast, cook for a few minutes longer. The corn is ready when it is charred and tender.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Corn:

• Always ensure your corn fits in the air fryer without overlapping. If it doesn't fit, cut the corn in half lengthwise or break the cob in half.
• Don't stack the corn cobs in the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
• Check your corn halfway through cooking to ensure it isn't burning.
• Only salt the corn after cooking, as salting beforehand can make it tough.
• For extra flavour, squeeze half a lemon over the corn before serving.
• Leftover corn can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months.

Creative Toppings:

While butter, salt, and pepper are classic toppings, you can get creative with your corn on the cob. Try adding vegan mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, or a squeeze of lime. You could also season with oregano, thyme, rosemary, or hot sauce.

Now you know how long to cook corn in the air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked corn on the cob any time!

How to store air-fried corn

Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick and easy method for cooking corn. It gives you juicy corn kernels with a roasted flavor in just minutes. But what do you do if you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store your air-fried corn to keep it tasting delicious.

Refrigerate

Corn on the cob will always taste best when it's fresh. However, you can wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also place your ears of corn in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze

You can also freeze cooked corn on the cob! Make sure the corn is cooled, then wrap it and place it into a resealable zip-top bag. You can also cut the cooked kernels off the cob to save space. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months and defrost in the fridge before using or reheating.

Reheat

To reheat your corn on the cob, simply place it back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until it's warm and crispy again. You can also reheat ears of corn in the microwave.

Storing Uncooked Corn

If you haven't cooked your corn yet, you can store it in the husk in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. It's best to use it within a day or two of purchasing.

Customising air-fried corn

Air-fried corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be customised in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried corn:

Seasonings and Spices

• Season with salt and pepper to taste. It is recommended to add salt and pepper after cooking the corn to avoid toughening the corn.
• Try using Tajin, a popular Mexican seasoning, in place of salt and pepper for a unique flavour profile.
• Experiment with spices like paprika, thyme, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and chilli powder to add extra depth to your corn.

Toppings

• Slather butter on your air-fried corn for a classic, rich flavour.
• For a Mexican-inspired twist, try making Mexican Street Corn by adding butter, lime juice, mayonnaise or sour cream, cheese, and chilli powder.
• Top your corn with parmesan cheese, garlic salt, barbecue sauce, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
• Get creative with toppings like bacon, queso fresco, Parmesan, lime, parsley, cilantro, or chilli to take your corn to the next level.

Dips and Sauces

• Drizzle your corn with hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Combine vegan butter with horseradish and spread it on your corn for a creamy, tangy flavour.
• Avocado dressing, green goddess dressing, or Mexican-style crema can also be drizzled over your corn for a delicious finish.

Compound Butter

Create compound butter by adding seasoning to butter. Try garlic butter or fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives for an enhanced flavour profile. Spread this on your air-fried corn for a mouthwatering experience.

Sides and Main Courses

• Air-fried corn on the cob makes a great side dish for grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, turkey burgers, or air fryer hamburgers.
• It also pairs well with BBQ dishes like slow cooker ribs, air fryer chicken, or pork belly.
• For a vegetarian option, serve your corn with corn and sweet pepper quesadillas or oven-roasted corn and black bean salsa.

Frequently asked questions