Air Fryer Roasted Corn: How Long Does It Take?

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. It's a great alternative to boiling corn, which can make it watery and flavourless. You can cook fresh or frozen corn in an air fryer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking corn in the air fryer at around 380°F/190°C for 8-15 minutes, depending on how crispy and tender you like your corn.

Choosing the right corn

• Husks: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose and dry husks or those with many brown spots and little holes, as these indicate the presence of worms.
• Silks: The silks, or the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top of the corn, should be brown and tacky, indicating moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.
• Kernels: The corn inside the husks should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.
• Texture: When choosing corn, gently squeeze the cob from the bottom and work your way up. It should feel firm, and the individual kernels should feel plump and juicy. Avoid corn with soft spots or voids where kernels are missing.
• Tassel: The tassel, or the top of the corn, should be light brown with a hint of yellow. This indicates the corn is fresh and ready to be eaten.

By following these guidelines, you can select the freshest and most suitable corn for air frying. Remember to store your corn properly and enjoy it within a few hours of purchase for the best results.

Preparing the corn

Firstly, choose the right corn. Opt for fresh, sweet corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The corn inside should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots, and loose, dry husks.

Once you have selected your corn, it is time to prep it. Start by shucking the husks and removing the silk. Give the corn a quick rinse to get rid of any remaining silk, then pat the ears dry with a kitchen towel. If needed, trim the corn so that it fits into your air fryer. You may need to cut the corn in half or cut off the ends.

Now it's time to season your corn. Brush or spray the corn with olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado 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 any other spices you like. You can also use compound butter, which is butter with added seasonings such as garlic, basil, dill, or chives.

If you want to get creative, you can try various seasonings and toppings. For example, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or chilli flakes. You could also top your corn with fresh Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, green goddess dressing, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Remember, when seasoning your corn, it is important not to overpower its natural sweetness. Start with a small pinch of seasoning at a time, and adjust as needed.

Cooking the corn

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, and it's a game-changer! It gives you perfectly cooked corn with a crispy exterior and soft, juicy kernels. Plus, there's no need to boil a giant pot of water or hover over a grill.

Here's what you need to do:

• Choose fresh corn with green husks and moist silk. Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the ears in cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
• 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. This will help the corn develop a nice golden color, keep it from drying out, and help the seasonings stick.
• Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also use a seasoning blend like Vegeta All-purpose seasoning or a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Just be careful not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
• Cook the corn for 8-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the freshness of your corn. Freshly picked corn will take less time, while frozen corn may need a couple of extra minutes. If you're cooking frozen corn, let it thaw for at least 30 minutes first.
• Flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
• When the timer goes off, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving to help retain its juiciness.
• Enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob hot with a bit of extra olive oil or melted butter. You can also try different toppings like chili flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs like basil or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

That's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy corn on the cob made right in your air fryer. It's a great side dish for your favourite summertime meals or BBQs.

Seasoning the corn

The great thing about air-fried corn is that it's so versatile. You can season it with almost anything and it'll still taste delicious. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Olive oil

A coating of olive oil will help the corn kernels stay hydrated while cooking, and it will also help the seasonings stick to the corn. Just be sure not to overuse it, as you don't want your corn to be swimming in oil. Spraying the corn with olive oil is a great way to ensure an even coating without overdoing it.

Salt and pepper

A little salt and pepper can go a long way when it comes to seasoning corn. Start with a small pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and adjust to your taste preferences.

Butter

Butter is a classic when it comes to corn on the cob. Slather it on for a rich, buttery flavor that will take your corn to the next level. You can also try mixing in some herbs, like basil, dill, or chives, to make a compound butter that will really impress your taste buds.

Chives

Chives add a nice grassy freshness to corn. If you're not a fan of chives, you can try using other herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a great option for adding a salty, savory flavor to your corn. You can also try crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco for a different twist.

Spicy kick

If you like your food with a little kick, try adding some chili flakes or Cajun seasoning to your corn. You can also make a skinny version of Mexican street corn by adding lime juice, mayo or sour cream, cheese, and chili powder.

Other toppings

Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Other tasty options include barbecue sauce, cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can even roll your corn in a special seasoning blend, like chili lime or chipotle parm, for an extra punch of flavor.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning corn, less is more. Start with a small amount of seasoning and add more to taste. You don't want to overpower the natural sweetness of the corn.

Storing and reheating the corn

Storing and reheating corn on the cob is a simple process.

Storing Corn on the Cob

Firstly, it's important to note that fresh corn on the cob is best eaten within a day or two of buying or harvesting it. After this, it may start to lose its sweetness and texture. If you're planning on eating it on the same day, you can keep it at room temperature.

If you're storing it for another day, you can either shuck it and store the corn in a plastic bag or leave the husks on and keep it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. If the corn is pre-shucked, it should be stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.

Reheating Corn on the Cob

There are several ways to reheat corn on the cob, including using an oven, stovetop, microwave, grill, or air fryer.

Oven

Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil with a pat of butter, salt, pepper, and other seasonings if desired, and a teaspoon of water or milk. Place the corn in the oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until warm enough.

Stovetop

Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add each ear of corn with tongs. Boil for less than 5 minutes, or until the corn is thoroughly heated. Remove from the water, add butter, salt, pepper, and other seasonings, if desired, and serve.

Microwave

Place the corn on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp towel. Set the timer for intermittent 20-second bursts of power to warm the corn kernels gradually. Keep reheating until the corn is warm, then remove it from the microwave.

Grill

Brush each ear of corn with oil or melted butter and place on a medium-heat grill, rotating the corn every 30 seconds for at least 2 minutes until heated through.

Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F. Transfer the corn cobs to the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Frozen Corn on the Cob

If you're reheating frozen corn on the cob, you can use the stovetop method by placing the corn in a pot of boiling water on high heat. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Alternatively, you can defrost the frozen corn in the fridge before reheating it using any of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions