Air-Fryer Crispy Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy corn, which is a delicious snack or appetiser. The corn can be made in the air fryer and then tossed in spices, sauces, or even ranch dressing. The key to making good crispy corn is to ensure the corn kernels are coated evenly with cornflour and/or all-purpose flour. The corn should then be air-fried for around 12-15 minutes at around 180C or 360F. It is important to keep an eye on the corn towards the end of the cooking time, as it can quickly become overly crispy or even burnt.

Choosing the right corn

• Husks: Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. Avoid corn with dry, loose husks or those with many brown spots and little holes, as these could indicate the presence of worms.
• Silks: 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 that the corn is too old.
• Kernels: Plump and full kernels are a sign of fresh corn. Avoid corn with shrivelled or missing kernels or those with brown spots.
• Texture: The perfect corn should feel firm to the touch, with individual kernels that are juicy and plump. Avoid corn with soft spots or voids where kernels are missing.
• Moisture: Fresh corn will often have damp husks, indicating its freshness.

When selecting corn, it is also important to note that pulling back the husks to inspect the corn before buying is considered bad shopping etiquette, as it shortens the shelf life of the corn and can lead to it drying out faster.

Preparing the corn

You can use either fresh or frozen corn for this recipe. If you are using frozen corn, you can either air fry it or soak it in water for a few minutes until it is reasonably thawed so that you can apply the seasoning. If you are using fresh corn, choose corn with green husks and moist silk, as these are indicators of quality.

Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the corn in cold water. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel. If you are using corn on the cob, you may need to cut it in half to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

If you are using frozen corn, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the corn for 5 minutes. Drain the water and set the corn aside.

Next, assemble your spices, salt, and cornstarch, along with lemon juice and oil. You can use garlic powder, cayenne or paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix the spices and salt with the corn first, then add the cornstarch and mix well to coat. Finally, add the lemon juice and oil and mix well.

Air frying instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for 5 minutes. Lay the coated corn in one layer and air fry for about 12-14 minutes at 180°C or 360°F until crunchy. Shake the basket 2-3 times during cooking to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the corn after 10 minutes, as it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.

Air fryer settings

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for 5 minutes.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching each other.
• Air fry for about 10-15 minutes at 180°C or 360°F until crunchy, shaking the basket 2-3 times during cooking.
• Keep a close eye on the corn after 10 minutes, as it can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
• If using frozen corn, increase the cooking time by a few minutes, or thaw the corn before air frying.
• For extra crispy corn, increase the temperature to 400°F or 200°C and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the corn every 5 minutes.
• If your corn is too big to fit in the air fryer, cut it in half lengthwise or break it into two pieces.

Cooking the corn

The first step to making crispy corn in an air fryer is to prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, look for corn with green husks and moist silk, as these are indicators of quality. Peel back the husks and remove the silk, then rinse the corn in cold water. If you are using frozen corn, you can either thaw it by immersing it in hot water for about 5 minutes or cook it straight from frozen.

Once your corn is prepared, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 360-400°F (180-200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, it's time to season your corn. Brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help the corn develop a nice golden color, keep it from drying out, and mimic actual deep frying. You can also add some salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. Cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice are all popular choices. If you want a crunchier coating, you can also add cornstarch to the corn before adding the oil and spices.

Now it's time to cook the corn! Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs are not touching each other. Close the basket and set the timer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Be sure to shake the basket 2-3 times during cooking and flip the corn every 5 minutes to prevent hot spots.

Once 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 allow the kernels to retain their juiciness.

And that's it! Your crispy corn is now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it as a snack or appetizer, or as a side dish with your favorite proteins and salads.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer crispy corn is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a snack: Air fryer crispy corn makes a delicious and healthy snack on its own. You can serve it as is, or with a dipping sauce such as ranch, mayonnaise, chilli sauce, or Sriracha sauce.
• Appetiser: Crispy corn can be served as an appetiser or starter before a meal. It is a great way to whet your guests' appetites and get them excited for the main course.
• Side dish: This dish also works well as a side dish to accompany a main course. Try serving it with chicken, salad, or burgers for a well-rounded meal.
• In a wrap or salad: You can also add air fryer crispy corn to wraps or salads for a burst of flavour and texture. This is a great way to incorporate it into your lunch or dinner.
• With other air-fried dishes: If you are a fan of air-fried foods, you can make crispy corn part of a larger spread. Serve it alongside air fryer favourites such as French fries, onion rings, asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
• With a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of lemon can take your crispy corn to the next level. The tartness of the lemon juice balances out the sweetness of the corn and adds a refreshing touch.
• Indian-style: For an Indian twist, garnish your crispy corn with chaat masala, salt, chopped onion, cilantro, and finely chopped chilli. You can also serve it with Indian mains like chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, or paneer butter masala.

Frequently asked questions