Air-Fryer Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook corn. It is a convenient method that does not require boiling water or heating up a grill. The air fryer yields corn that is tender, juicy, and slightly charred, with a unique flavour. The corn can be cooked with or without butter or oil, and can be seasoned with salt and pepper. It can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes such as salads, pastas, or soups.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Corn in an Air Fryer

Air fryer corn on the cob

Ingredients:

• Corn on the cob (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)

Method:

Start by shucking the corn and removing the husks and silk. Rinse the corn and pat it dry. If your corn is too big to fit in the air fryer, cut the cobs in half or trim the ends. You may need to work in batches if you're cooking a large amount. Preheat your air fryer to 370-390°F, or as close to this temperature as your model allows. Rub the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the cobs don't overlap.

Cook the corn for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For tender corn, cook for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer your corn more roasted or charred, cook for 12-15 minutes. Flip the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the corn to a platter or plate and serve. You can also slice the kernels off the cob and add them to your dish.

Tips:

• You can cook frozen corn in the air fryer, but it may need a few extra minutes. Ensure frozen corn is completely thawed before cooking.
• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer to allow for even cooking.
• Top your corn with butter, vegan mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
• Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

Seasoning and toppings

Before Cooking

Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. It is not recommended to salt the corn before cooking as it may make the corn tough.

After Cooking

You can top the cooked corn with butter, oil, or anything else you prefer. Some specific suggestions include:

• Butter with salt and pepper
• Vegan mayonnaise and parmesan cheese with cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lime
• Mexican crema (or mayonnaise), cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and smoked paprika or chili powder
• Garlic butter, ranch butter, chipotle lime butter, or chili butter

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for corn in an air fryer vary depending on the desired level of roasting and charring, as well as the size of the corn cobs. It is important to note that every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so adjustments may be necessary.

For lightly roasted corn, a temperature of 370-390°F (190°C) is recommended. At this temperature, the corn should be cooked for 12-15 minutes, or until tender, flipping the cobs halfway through. If a darker roast is desired, the cooking time can be extended by a few minutes.

For more heavily roasted corn, the air fryer should be set to 370-400°F, and the corn should be cooked for 15-17 minutes.

If using frozen corn, the cooking time should be increased by a few minutes to compensate for the lower initial temperature of the corn. It is recommended to thaw frozen corn before cooking, and to remove any excess water by squeezing the defrosted corn.

The size of the corn cobs may also require adjustments to the cooking time and temperature. If the cobs are too large to fit in a single layer in the air fryer, they should be cut in half, which will reduce the cooking time.

Frozen corn on the cob

Next, air fry the corn for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the corn to prevent overcooking, and look for bright yellow, plump kernels as an indicator that the corn is done. You can also test the kernels with a fork to ensure they are tender.

Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully transfer the cobs to a plate using tongs. Finally, add your desired amount of butter, salt, and pepper, and enjoy! The heat from the corn will help the seasonings stick, so it's best to add them while the corn is still hot.

Cooking frozen corn on the cob in an air fryer is a convenient, quick, and easy way to prepare a delicious side dish with minimal cleanup.

Storing and reheating

Storing Air-Fried Corn:

• It is best to consume air-fried corn while it is fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To store, wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the corn fresh and moist.
• If you wish to store it for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Place the cooked and cooled corn in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three to four months.

Reheating Air-Fried Corn:

• There are several methods to reheat air-fried corn, and the choice depends on your preference and convenience:
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil, adding a teaspoon of water, butter, and seasonings, if desired. Place the wrapped corn directly on the rack and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Reheating corn in an air fryer is an excellent option, as it requires little to no added oil. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the corn in the basket. Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed to your liking.
• Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option. Wrap the corn in a lightly damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be cautious, as microwaves can easily overcook the corn, making it chewy.
• Grill: If you're firing up your grill for other dishes, reheating corn on the grill is a great way to enhance its flavor. Brush each ear of corn with oil or butter, place them on a medium-heat grill, and rotate every 30 seconds until heated through, which should take about 2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Another option is to use a stovetop, especially if you're reheating frozen corn. Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the corn using tongs. Let it boil for a few minutes until the corn is thoroughly heated. Remove it from the hot water and season as desired.

Frequently asked questions