Air-Frying Corn: A Quick, Crispy, And Tasty Treat

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 for when you're craving grilled corn but don't want to heat up your oven or fire up the grill. The air fryer gives corn a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy.

You can use fresh or frozen corn, and the cooking time is around 10-15 minutes. Simply brush or spray the corn with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like, and cook in the air fryer at around 370-400°F. You can also add toppings like butter, chili flakes, or parmesan cheese.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy way to cook corn, give the air fryer a try!

How to Make Corn in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right corn

Check the Husks and Silks:

Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with loose, dry, or brown husks. The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be brown and tacky, indicating moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this is a sign of age.

Inspect the Kernels:

The corn inside the husks should be firm with full, plump kernels. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots. Give the ear of corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The kernels should feel plump and firm, with no soft spots or voids.

Moisture Content:

Choose corn with moist silks and husks, as this indicates freshness. If the husks are damp, it is a good sign that the corn is fresh and has not dried out.

Size and Appearance:

Select corn with a good size that fits your air fryer. You may need to cut the corn in half or trim the ends to ensure it fits properly in the air fryer basket. Look for corn with a uniform size and shape, free from any visible damage or imperfections.

Source and Seasonality:

Try to source your corn from local farmers' markets, especially during corn season in the summertime. This will ensure you get the freshest corn with the best flavour.

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

Preparing the corn

Firstly, you will need to select the corn. Choose fresh, sweet corn, preferably 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, or corn with loose and dry husks.

Once you have selected your corn, you will need to prepare it for the air fryer. Start by shucking the husks from the corn and removing the silk. Then, rinse the corn to ensure that all the silk is gone, and pat it dry with a towel. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the corn so that it fits inside. You can do this by cutting off the ends of the corn or cutting the cobs in half.

Now, it is time to season the corn. Brush the corn with olive oil, melted butter, or vegetable oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the corn and will also help to keep the kernels hydrated during cooking. You can also add salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, such as chilli powder or Italian seasoning.

Finally, place the corn in the basket of your air fryer. Make sure that the corn is not stacked or overlapping, as this will affect the cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple cobs at once.

Cooking the corn

Preparing corn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook corn, and it's a great alternative to boiling or grilling. It's also a fuss-free method that will give you consistently crisp, buttery, and tender corn every time.

To start, you'll need to prep the corn by removing the husks and silks. You can then cut the ends of the corn or cut the cobs in half to ensure they fit into your air fryer. It's important to note that some air fryers are smaller than others, so you may need to adjust the size of the corn accordingly.

Once the corn is prepared, you can coat it with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. This will help the kernels stay hydrated during the cooking process and also allow the corn to crisp up and caramelize. You can then season the corn with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice.

Place the corn in the basket of your preheated air fryer and cook until charred and tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the power and size of your air fryer, but it usually takes around 8-15 minutes. Be sure to check your corn halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.

Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can season it again and serve it hot. Some suggested toppings include butter, chives, pepper, crumbled cheese, or other toppings of your choice.

Tips for Air Frying Corn:

• Do not stack or overlap the corn cobs in the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.
• Avoid using cooking spray with an accelerant as it can damage the air fryer basket.
• You can cook frozen corn in the air fryer, but it's important to completely thaw it first and remove any excess water.
• If you want to add butter, it's best to add it after cooking as it may burn if added during the cooking process.

Storing the corn

Once you've cooked your corn in the air fryer, you might have some leftovers. Here are some tips for storing your air fryer corn:

• Corn on the cob will always taste best when it's fresh. However, you can wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply pop the corn in the microwave until heated through.
• You can also freeze cooked corn on the cob. Allow the corn to cool, then wrap it tightly and place it in a resealable zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for 3-4 months.
• To save space in your freezer, cut the cooked kernels off the cob before freezing.
• Defrost frozen corn in the refrigerator before using or reheating.
• Leftover corn is perfect for adding to soups, salads, and other healthy meals. Try using it in a Mexican street corn-inspired pasta salad, black bean corn salsa, or chicken corn chowder!

Reheating the corn

If you have any leftover corn on the cob, you can easily reheat it in the air fryer. This will ensure the corn stays crisp and tender, without becoming tough or chewy.

To reheat, set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. Place the corn in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

You can also reheat corn in the microwave. Wrap the corn in plastic wrap and heat for 1 minute, or until warmed to your liking.

If you have frozen your leftover corn, allow it to defrost in the fridge before reheating. You can also defrost in the microwave, but this may affect the texture of the corn.

Leftover corn is great for use in other recipes, such as soups, salads, salsa, or chowder.

Frequently asked questions