Air Fryer Corn: How Long To Cook?

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. It's a great option if you're only cooking a few ears of corn, and it can be done in batches. The air fryer makes the corn tender and juicy with a roasted flavour, and it's ready in just a few minutes.

Choosing the right corn

Check the Silks

Examine the silks, which are the long, hair-like strands protruding from the top of the corn. Look for silks that are brown and tacky, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.

Inspect the Husks

The ideal corn should have bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with excessive brown spots or little holes at the tops, as these could indicate the presence of worms. Choose corn with husks that are clinging to the corn securely. If the husks feel slightly damp, it's a sign that the corn is freshly picked.

Feel the Weight and Firmness

A good ear of corn should feel heavy for its size. Pick it up and give it a gentle squeeze from the tassels to the stalk end. The cob should have an even firmness throughout, and the kernels should feel plump. Avoid corn with voids where kernels are missing or soft spots.

Examine the Tassels

The tassels, or the silky end of the corn, will start to change colour as the corn ages. Look for white, yellow, or light brown tassels, which indicate that the corn was recently picked. Avoid corn with sticky, black, or dark brown tassels, as it's a sign that the cob is past its prime.

Peek Under the Husk (If Necessary)

While it is generally considered impolite to pull back the husks before purchasing, if you feel unsure about the quality, you can carefully peel back a small portion of the husk to check the kernels. Look for bright, plump kernels, avoiding any with holes or signs of worms.

Remember, when selecting corn for your air fryer, always choose corn that feels heavy, has intact and tightly wrapped husks, and displays signs of freshness in the silks and tassels. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect corn for a delicious air-fried treat.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking corn in an air fryer will depend on the type of corn you are cooking, the quantity, and the desired level of roasting.

Fresh corn

For fresh corn, the air fryer temperature should be set between 370°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary between 8 and 15 minutes. If you want a darker roast, you can cook the corn for a few minutes longer. It is recommended to flip the corn halfway through cooking to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

Frozen corn

For frozen corn, it is best to thaw the corn for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The air fryer temperature should be set to 400°F, and the cooking time will be around 15 minutes, depending on the quantity of corn. It is important to ensure that the corn is cooked through and tender, so adjust the time accordingly.

Tips

• It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer when cooking corn.
• Corn should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer. If your air fryer is small, cut the corn in half or cut off the ends so that it fits.
• Do not stack the corn in the air fryer, as this will affect the cooking process.
• Do not wrap the corn in aluminium foil, as this will prevent the exterior from caramelising and result in corn that is more similar to boiled corn.
• Do not salt the corn before cooking, as this will make it tough.
• Check your corn halfway through cooking to ensure it is not burning.
• If you are cooking corn with the husk on, look for bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The corn inside should be firm with full, plump kernels.

Oil and seasoning

The first step to preparing corn in an air fryer is to remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt and pat it dry. If the corn doesn't fit in the air fryer, you can cut off the ends or cut the corn in half.

Next, rub or brush the corn with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil spray. Coating the corn in oil will help the kernels stay hydrated and give them a nice golden colour.

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with different spices and herbs. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic salt, and chilli powder. You can also sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese or drizzle with a sauce like barbecue sauce or Mexican-style crema.

It's important to note that you should not salt the corn before cooking, as this will make it tough. Always add salt and other seasonings after cooking for the best texture and flavour.

Finally, if you want to add a bit of extra flavour or moisture to your air-fried corn, you can spread or drizzle on some butter after it's finished cooking.

Frozen corn

Cooking Frozen Corn in the Air Fryer

How to Prepare Frozen Corn for the Air Fryer

Before cooking frozen corn in the air fryer, you should first remove the husk and silk from the ears of corn. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any dirt. You can also cut the ends off if the stalk remains attached, or cut the corn in half if you have a small air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Place the ears of corn into the air fryer basket and cook for 8-15 minutes at 360°F-400°F. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how frozen your corn is. If you're cooking from fresh, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Corn in the Air Fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will keep the corn from steaming and give you crispy edges.
• Flip the corn halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Don't thaw the corn before cooking as this will give you a better texture.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve the corn with butter, salt and pepper, or try something different like parmesan cheese, garlic salt, barbecue sauce, or cinnamon sugar.

Storing and reheating

Storing air-fried corn:

It is best to consume air-fried corn fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating air-fried corn:

You can reheat air-fried corn in the air fryer itself. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Wrap each corn cob in aluminium foil, adding a teaspoon of water and any desired seasonings such as butter, salt and pepper. Twist the ends of the foil to prevent steam from escaping. Place the wrapped corn in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes.

You can also reheat corn in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave, or on the grill.

Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the corn in aluminium foil with a teaspoon of water, butter, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Twist the ends of the foil and place the corn in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

Stovetop:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the corn in the pot and cook for 2-5 minutes. Remove the corn from the water and pat it dry before re-seasoning.

Microwave:

Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and add two tablespoons of water. Cover the corn with another plate or a damp kitchen towel. Microwave on high for 20 seconds, then flip the corn and microwave for another 20 seconds. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts until the corn is heated through.

Grill:

Brush the corn with oil or melted butter and place it on a grill set to medium heat. Rotate the corn every 30 seconds for about 2 minutes, until it is heated through.

Frequently asked questions