Air-Fryer Corn On The Cob: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook corn. It's a great alternative to boiling corn, which can be a hassle and make your kitchen hot. Air frying corn gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy. This method also enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. You can use fresh or frozen corn, and the cooking time is usually around 10-15 minutes. The air fryer ensures that the corn is cooked evenly and has a beautiful caramelized crust.

Choosing the right corn

• Silks: Examine the silks, which are the long hair-like strands protruding from the top of the corn cob. Look for brown and tacky silks, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dry, dark brown, or black silks, as this suggests the corn is too old.
• Husks: Opt for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with excessive brown spots or little holes at the tops, as this may indicate the presence of worms. Damp husks are a sign of fresh corn.
• Firmness: Gently squeeze the corn cob, starting from the bottom and working your way up. A good ear of corn should feel firm, and the individual kernels should be plump. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots.
• Freshness: Corn is best when it's fresh and in season. Look for local or regionally sourced corn, as it is more likely to be recently harvested.
• Kernels: The kernels should be full, plump, and firm. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots, as this indicates dryness and overripe corn.
• Size: Select corn cobs that are proportional in size, with a good length and girth. Avoid corn that appears overly thin or has missing kernels.
• Colour: Look for corn with bright yellow or golden kernels. Pale or dull-coloured kernels may indicate immaturity or a lack of flavour.
• Smell: Fresh corn should have a sweet and inviting aroma. Avoid corn that has an off-putting or sour odour.

Remember, it's considered bad shopping etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the corn before buying. Use the above indicators to select the perfect corn for your air fryer without compromising its quality and shelf life.

Preparing the corn

Once your corn is prepared, it's time to season. Brush or spray the corn with olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also get creative with seasonings and spices—some popular options include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and chilli powder.

After seasoning, your corn is ready for the air fryer! Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs aren't touching, and cook at around 380-400°F for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a more golden or charred appearance, you can cook the corn for an additional 4-6 minutes.

Cooking the corn

Start by choosing the corn you want to cook. The freshest corn has bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob, with firm kernels that are full and plump. Remove the husks and silk, then rinse the corn in cold water and pat it dry.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F (around 200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and stop it from drying out. Season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like.

Now you're ready to cook the corn! Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs aren't touching. Set the timer for 8-15 minutes, and flip the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

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 the kernels retain their juiciness.

You can enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob as it is, or try adding some extra olive oil or melted butter. You could also experiment with different toppings, such as chilli flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Tips and variations

• If your corn on the cob doesn't fit in the air fryer, try cutting it in half lengthwise or breaking the cob in two.
• You can cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer. Just make sure to thaw it first and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Don't wrap the corn in foil before air frying, as this will make it steam rather than caramelise.
• If you want to add some extra flavour to your corn, try making compound butter (butter with added seasoning) or spreading on toppings like Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing.
• You can reheat leftover corn in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes.

Toppings and seasonings

The toppings and seasonings you choose for your air fryer corn on the cob can make or break your dish. Here are some ideas to elevate your corn on the cob and take it to the next level:

Classic Toppings

The classic treatment for corn on the cob is to slather it with butter and season generously with salt and pepper. This simple combination enhances the sweetness of the corn and never goes out of style.

Mexican Street Corn

For a Mexican street corn-inspired dish, try spreading butter on the corn and then adding lime juice, mayonnaise or sour cream, cotija cheese, and chili powder. This combination of flavours will give your corn a delicious kick. You can also add some fresh cilantro for a touch of herbiness.

Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Salt

If you're a fan of cheesy flavours, try sprinkling your corn on the cob with parmesan cheese and garlic salt. The garlic salt will enhance the overall savouriness of the dish, while the parmesan will add a nice salty, umami flavour.

Barbecue Sauce

For a smoky, savoury twist, brush your corn on the cob with barbecue sauce. This unexpected topping will surprise your taste buds and might just become your new favourite.

Cinnamon Sugar

If you have a sweet tooth, cinnamon sugar can be a delightful topping for corn on the cob. The warmth of the cinnamon and the sweetness of the sugar will create a delicious dessert-like treat.

Compound Butter

Compound butter is simply butter with added seasonings. Try mixing in some garlic, basil, dill, or chives for a flavoured butter that will melt beautifully over your air fryer corn.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro can add a bright, fresh flavour to your corn on the cob. You can also experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

Avocado Dressing

For a creamy, tangy twist, drizzle some avocado dressing over your corn. This will pair beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and create a unique flavour profile.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

As mentioned earlier, Parmesan cheese is a fantastic topping for corn on the cob. It adds a salty, umami flavour that complements the sweetness of the corn kernels.

Chilli Flakes

For those who like it spicy, chilli flakes are a great way to add some heat to your corn on the cob. Just a sprinkle will do the trick!

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavour of your corn on the cob. It adds a tangy, citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the other toppings and seasonings.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Everything bagel seasoning isn't just for bagels! This savoury blend of spices can add a unique twist to your corn on the cob. Sprinkle it on top for a crunchy, flavourful bite.

Crema and Lime

For a Mexican-inspired twist, try topping your corn on the cob with Mexican-style crema and a squeeze of lime juice. It's a match made in heaven!

Remember, when it comes to toppings and seasonings, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different combinations. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match to find your perfect flavour profile!

Reheating and storing

Air fryer corn on the cob is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain its moisture and taste, seal the corn in an airtight container or place it in a plastic storage bag. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover corn, simply reheat it in the air fryer for two to five minutes until it's warm and crispy again.

If you have any frozen corn on the cob, it's best to let it thaw for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help ensure that the corn cooks evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer. You can also cook frozen corn directly from frozen, but you'll need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you're looking to save some space in your freezer, you can cut the cooked kernels off the cob before storing them. Simply place the kernels in a resealable zip-top bag and freeze for up to three to four months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen corn, defrost it in the fridge before reheating or using it in your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions