Tillie Doyle
Cooking sweet corn in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this delicious side dish. With a crunchy outside and a tender, juicy inside, air-fried corn on the cob is a great vegan option and an excellent alternative to boiling or grilling. This simple method will soon become your favourite way to cook sweet corn!
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Sweet Corn
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet, snappy, tender, juicy, slightly charred, caramelized |
| Ingredients | Sweet corn, olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, lime juice |
| Nutrition | 102kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 36mg, Potassium: 244mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 256IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.5mg |
| Benefits | Quick, easy, hands-off, healthier, inexpensive, no need to heat up the grill or oven |
| Preparation | Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F (180-200°C), trim/cut the corn to fit, rub with oil, season, place in the basket, cook for 6-15 minutes, flip halfway |
| Serving Suggestions | As a side dish, in salads, pastas, corn chowder, cheesy hot corn dip, or with butter, salt, and pepper |
| Corn Selection | Plump, bright green, tightly closed husks, light brown/sticky silks, close-set white/yellow kernels |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right corn cob
Firstly, select corn cobs with fresh, bright green husks that are free from brown spots or holes. The husks should be tightly closed around the corn, indicating that it is plump and fresh. Avoid corn cobs with dry, brown, or discoloured husks, as these are likely older and less fresh.
Next, examine the silks, which are the long, hair-like strands protruding from the top of the cob. Opt for corn cobs with light brown, slightly sticky silks, as this indicates that the corn is fresh and hasn't dried out. Corn cobs with dark brown, dry, or black silks are likely past their prime and should be avoided.
When choosing corn cobs, also consider the kernels themselves. The kernels should be set close together, and their colour can vary depending on the variety of corn, ranging from white to yellow. Avoid corn cobs with kernels that appear brown or show signs of damage, such as nibble marks.
Additionally, the size of the corn cob may be a factor, especially if you intend to cook multiple cobs in your air fryer at once. Select corn cobs that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket without overcrowding. If necessary, you can cut the corn cobs in half lengthwise or trim the ends to ensure they fit properly.
Finally, personal preference plays a role in choosing the right corn cob. Select a variety that you and your family enjoy eating. Visiting farmers' markets can offer a wide selection of fresh, seasonal corn cobs to choose from.
By considering the appearance, freshness, and size of the corn cobs, as well as your personal taste preferences, you can choose the right corn cobs for air frying and create a delicious and tender-crisp treat.
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Preparing the corn cob
Once you have selected your corn, you can store it at room temperature if you plan to cook it within a few hours. If you are saving it for later, you can either shuck it and store it in a plastic bag or leave the husks on and keep it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to cook, start by preheating your air fryer to 370-400°F (180-200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the corn cobs by removing the husks and silk. If the corn cobs are too big to fit in the air fryer, you can cut off the ends or cut them in half.
The next step is to season the corn. Brush or drizzle olive oil on the corn cobs, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can also add butter for extra flavour. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Be careful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the corn with too much seasoning; start with a small pinch and adjust as needed.
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$18.73
Seasoning the corn cob
Firstly, it is important to choose a good quality sweet corn that you enjoy eating. Look for corn with plump, bright green, tightly closed husks and light brown, slightly sticky silks, which indicate freshness. Remove the husks and silks from the corn before cooking.
Once the corn is prepared, the next step is to rub the corn cobs with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice as it helps to crisp up and caramelize the corn, giving it a golden colour. Drizzle, brush, or spray the oil onto the corn, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This step also helps the seasonings stick to the corn.
When it comes to seasonings, salt and pepper are classic choices. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper onto the oiled corn cobs, or place the corn in a dish and shake to coat it evenly. You can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or all-purpose seasoning blends. Just be mindful not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness by using too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch at a time and adjust to your taste.
After seasoning, the corn cobs are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to your desired level of doneness, whether you prefer them lightly charred or darker roasted.
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Cooking the corn cob
Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook sweet corn. It is a great option if you are cooking for two to three people, although you can cook in batches if you are preparing corn for more people. The air fryer gives the corn a roasted flavour and a caramelized crust without the need to heat up the grill or oven.
To cook corn on the cob in the air fryer, you will first need to prepare your corn. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. If the corn does not fit in the air fryer, you can cut off the ends or cut the corn in half. It is important to note that the corn should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer, so make sure they are not touching each other and that there is room for the air to circulate.
Next, rub olive oil all over the outside of the corn. You can also use butter, but the seasoning will not stick to the corn without oil. Sprinkle the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like, such as smoked paprika and onion powder. Be careful not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness with too much seasoning.
Finally, place the corn in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and timer. The temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the model of your air fryer. For a darker roast, cook for a few extra minutes. Be sure to flip the corn halfway through to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
Once the corn is tender and slightly charred, it is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as a side dish or use it in recipes such as salads, pastas, or other side dishes.
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Serving the corn cob
Once your corn on the cob is cooked in the air fryer, you can serve it as it is, or with some extra toppings. If you want to keep it simple, a slick of melted butter and a shower of salt is a great option. You can also season with smoked paprika and squeeze over some lime juice for a side dish with a kick.
If you want to make a more substantial meal, you can slice the kernels off the cob and add them to salads, pastas, and other side dishes. You could also try a Cheesy Hot Corn Dip or Corn Chowder.
If you want to keep your corn warm while you finish preparing the rest of your meal, it's a good idea to cook the corn last. This way, it will still be steaming when it's time to eat.
Air fryer corn on the cob is a great, quick and easy way to cook sweet corn, and you can keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, brush (or spray) each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. You can also season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry for 8-15 minutes or until tender, shaking the basket or using tongs to rotate the cobs halfway through.
If you are buying corn, choose ears that are plump with bright green, tightly closed husks. Ears with light brown, slightly sticky silks will be the freshest. You can keep the corn at room temperature if you are cooking it within a few hours. If you are saving it for another day, you can either shuck it and store the corn in a plastic bag or leave the husks on and keep them in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the fridge.
Air frying corn on the cob is simple, quick, and easy. It is also a healthier way to "fry" food. Plus, you don't have to wait for a giant pot of water to boil or heat up the grill.
