Air Fryer Grilled Corn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Grilled corn is a summer staple, but if you don't have the space for a barbecue, the air fryer is a great alternative. This cooking method offers a lovely crisp on the outside and a burst of sweetness on the inside. It's quick, easy, and tasty – the three key recipe qualities that are music to our ears. There is no need to boil the corn or preheat the oven. You literally just place them into the air fryer and let the magic happen!

Choosing the right corn

• Check the husks and silks: Fresh corn will have bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The silks, or the long hair-like strands that stick out of the top, should be light brown and slightly sticky, indicating moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dry, dark brown, or black silks as this suggests the corn is old.
• Inspect the kernels: Peel back the silk a little from the top to reveal the kernels. Look for kernels that are set close together and have a white or yellow colour, depending on the corn variety. Avoid corn with brown or chewed kernels, as this may indicate pest damage.
• Feel the corn: The ear of corn should feel firm, and the individual kernels should feel plump when gently squeezed. Avoid corn with voids or soft spots, as this may affect the texture and taste.
• Seasonality: Corn is typically in peak season from June to August. Buying corn during this period ensures you get the freshest and sweetest corn for your air fryer treat.
• Local markets: If you want a wide selection of fresh corn, try visiting local farmers' markets or produce aisles. This way, you can find the best sweet corn that your family loves and supports local farmers.
• Storage: Store your corn in the husk in the refrigerator and use it within a day or two of purchasing. This ensures you get to enjoy the corn at its freshest and sweetest state.

Seasoning the corn

You can then season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. It is advised to start with a small pinch of seasoning at a time to avoid overpowering the corn's natural sweetness. Some suggested seasonings include Vegeta All-purpose seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, homemade Cajun seasoning, and everything bagel seasoning.

For an extra tangy touch, you can dip lime wedges into red chilli powder and brush them against the corn after cooking.

Cooking the corn

Now that you have your corn ready, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: If you're using an air fryer that requires preheating, set it to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). You can also preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure a shorter cooking time.
• Prepare the corn for cooking: Brush or spray each ear of corn with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. This step will help the corn develop a nice golden colour, keep it from drying out, and allow the seasonings to stick better.
• Season the corn: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the corn. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Remember not to overpower the corn's natural sweetness and start with a small pinch of seasoning at a time.
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket: Arrange the corn in a single layer, making sure the cobs are not touching each other. If your corn is too long, you may need to cut it in half or trim the ends to fit it into the air fryer.
• Cook the corn: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the corn. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired doneness and your air fryer's settings. For slightly charred corn, cook for about 8-15 minutes. Flip the corn every 5 minutes to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the corn to avoid overcooking. Perfectly cooked corn will have plump, bright yellow kernels that are fork-tender. If you prefer a darker roast, you can cook the corn for a few extra minutes.
• Remove and serve: Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juiciness of the kernels.

Your grilled corn is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as a side dish or snack. For an extra touch of flavour, you can add some butter, chilli flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Customising the corn

Customising your grilled corn is a great way to make the dish your own. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried corn:

Seasonings and Spices

Customising your grilled corn starts with seasoning. While salt and pepper are the most common seasonings, you can also experiment with other spices. For a spicy kick, try using Cajun seasoning or chilli powder. Oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika are also great options to add flavour and aroma to your corn.

Toppings

Adding toppings to your grilled corn can take it to the next level. For a creamy touch, spread some compound butter, such as garlic butter or herb butter, on the corn after it's cooked. You can also top it with fresh Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing. If you're feeling cheesy, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan, feta, or even crumbled queso fresco. For a tangy twist, squeeze some lime juice over your corn or serve it with lime wedges on the side.

Butters

Butter is a classic addition to grilled corn, but you can make it even more special by creating flavoured butter. Combine butter with ingredients like horseradish, garlic, or fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives. This will give your corn a rich, creamy flavour with a unique twist.

Sauces

If you want to add some spice to your grilled corn, drizzle on some hot sauce or sprinkle on some cayenne pepper. You can also top your corn with vegan mayonnaise for a creamy, tangy kick.

Sides and Mains

While grilled corn is delicious on its own, you can also pair it with sides and mains to make it a complete meal. It goes well with grilled salmon, halloumi kebabs, turkey burgers, or air fryer hamburgers. For a BBQ feast, serve it with slow cooker ribs and a side of air fryer French fries. Don't forget the coleslaw!

Storing the corn

Firstly, it's best to buy corn that is still in the husk, as the husk helps to maintain moisture in the kernels. When choosing corn, look for bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The husks should be dry and free from too many brown spots or holes, as this indicates worms or dryness. The silks (the hair-like strands at the top) should be brown and tacky, which shows the corn still has moisture.

Once you get your corn home, you can store it at room temperature if you plan on cooking it within a few hours. If you're not cooking it straight away, it's best to keep it in the refrigerator. If the corn is still in the husk, store it that way in the fridge until you're ready to cook it. This will help to keep the corn tasting fresh and juicy. If the corn has been shucked, place it in a plastic bag or container and store it in the refrigerator.

If you have cooked corn that you want to store, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap or seal it in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can also freeze cooked corn! Let it cool, then wrap it and place it in a resealable bag. To save space, cut the kernels off the cob before freezing. Frozen corn will keep for 3-4 months, or 8-12 months if you remove the kernels first.

To reheat your grilled corn, pop it back in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions