Air Fryer Corn On The Cob: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook corn, without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. The air fryer gives the corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. This method of cooking corn is perfect for summer barbecues and dinners, and can be served with a range of toppings and seasonings.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Choosing the best corn

• Appearance: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose, dry, or brown husks.
• Silk: The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be brown and tacky, indicating moisture in the cob. Stay away from corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks.
• Kernels: The corn inside the husks should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.
• Texture: Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It should feel firm, and you should be able to feel the plumpness of the individual kernels. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.
• Freshness: Corn on the cob is best when it's fresh. Look for damp husks, which indicate that the corn is freshly picked.
• Size: Choose corn cobs that fit into your air fryer without cutting. If necessary, adjust the size by cutting the corn in half or trimming the ends.
• Taste: Select a variety of sweet corn that your family enjoys. You can often find a good selection at farmers' markets.

Remember, it's considered bad shopping etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the corn before buying. So, use these other indicators to choose the perfect corn for your air fryer treat!

Seasoning the corn

Before seasoning, it is important to prep the corn by shucking the husks and removing the silk. Rinse the corn to get rid of any remaining silk and pat it dry with a paper towel or cloth. You may also need to trim the corn to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

Once your corn is prepped, it's time to season! Brush or drizzle each ear of corn with olive oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil. This step will help the corn develop a golden colour and keep it from drying out during cooking. It also helps the seasonings stick to the corn.

When it comes to seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Here are some seasoning suggestions:

• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Vegeta All-purpose seasoning.
• Roast Vegetables and Fries spice blend.
• Smoked paprika.
• Onion powder.
• Italian seasoning.
• Cajun seasoning.
• Everything bagel seasoning.

Remember, corn has a natural sweetness that you don't want to overpower with too much seasoning. Start with a small pinch of each seasoning at a time and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's difficult to undo an over-seasoned cob!

After seasoning, your corn is ready to be placed in the air fryer! Cook according to your air fryer's instructions and enjoy your perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy corn on the cob.

Cooking the corn

First, prep your corn. Shuck the husks from the corn and rinse off the silk. Pat the ears dry, then trim the corn as needed so that it fits in the air fryer.

Next, season the corn. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also add some butter to the corn at this stage.

Now it's time to cook the corn. Place the corn on the cob inside the air fryer and cook at between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 15 minutes. If you want a more golden brown or charred appearance and taste, you can leave the corn in the air fryer for another 4 to 6 minutes. Be sure to flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

Once the corn is tender and slightly charred around the edges, it's ready to serve. You can enjoy it as it is, or add some extra olive oil or melted butter, and a shower of salt. You could also try some different toppings like chilli flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

If you're cooking frozen corn on the cob, you can either thaw it for 30 minutes or cook it straight from frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, brush each ear of frozen corn with a small amount of olive oil, and season as desired. Place the corn in the basket and let it cook for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, or until charred and cooked through.

Customising the corn

Customising your corn on the cob is a great way to elevate your dish and make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Compound butter: Try adding some compound butter to your corn on the cob. Simply mix some butter with garlic, basil, dill, or chives, and spread it on the corn after it has been cooked.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to add a kick to your corn. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning are all great options.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding fresh Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, green goddess dressing, or some grated Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy kick: If you like your food with a bit of spice, add some chilli flakes or squeeze some lime juice over your corn on the cob.
• Herbs: Garnish your corn with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Not only will this add flavour, but it will also make your dish look more appealing.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled cheese or grated Parmesan cheese on top of your corn for an extra indulgent touch.
• Butter: For a classic rich flavour, spread some butter over your corn on the cob. You could even try using compound butter with added seasonings for an extra punch of flavour.
• Salads: If you have any leftover corn on the cob, cut the kernels off the cob and add them to a salad. This is a great way to add some sweetness and crunch to your salad.
• Soups: Leftover corn on the cob can also be used in soups. Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to your favourite soup recipe.
• Pasta: Why not try adding some corn to your pasta dishes? Cut the kernels off the cob and toss them into a pasta salad or a hot pasta dish.

Reheating and storing the corn

• To reheat your air-fried corn on the cob, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the corn in the air fryer basket and heat until warmed throughout, for 2 to 3 minutes.
• 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 to 5 days.
• You can also freeze cooked corn on the cob! Make sure it is cool, then wrap it and place it into a resealable zip-top bag. 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.
• Next-day corn is perfect to trim from the cob and use in soups, salads, and more healthy meals.
• You can also use leftover corn in other recipes, such as Mexican street corn-inspired pasta salad, black bean corn salsa, or chicken corn chowder.

Frequently asked questions