Air-Fried Corn: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Roasted corn on the cob is a summer staple, and using an air fryer to cook it is a game-changer. It's a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare corn, with no need for boiling or preheating the oven. Air-fried corn has a lovely crisp on the outside and is bursting with sweetness. It's also incredibly fast, yielding tender results and bringing out that delicious roasted corn flavour.

Choosing the right corn

• Husks: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with yellowing, faded, or spotted husks, as this may indicate that it is not as fresh.
• Cornsilk: The strands of cornsilk poking out of the tip of the corn should be fresh and range in colour from yellow to brown. Avoid corn with dry, black tassels, as this is a sign that the corn is not very fresh.
• Kernels: The corn should have full, plump kernels that are firmly attached to the cob. Shrivelled kernels or brown spots on the corn are indications that it is not at its best.
• Feel: A good ear of corn will feel firm to the touch, with no soft spots or vacant areas where kernels are missing.
• Moisture: Fresh corn will often have moist silk, which is another indicator of quality.

When selecting corn for roasting in your air fryer, it is best to avoid pre-packaged corn and choose fresh corn instead. You can find fresh corn at your local farmer's market or grocery store. Remember, it is considered bad shopping etiquette to pull back the husks to inspect the corn before buying, so use these tips as your guide to choosing the perfect ear of corn!

Preparing the corn

Firstly, choose fresh corn. Look for corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks. 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, it is time to prep it. Start by removing the husks and rinsing off the silk. You can do this by peeling back the husks and then rinsing the corn in cold water. Then, pat the corn dry with a paper towel.

Next, trim the corn as needed so that it fits into your air fryer. Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to cut the corn in half or cut off the ends.

Now, it is time to season the corn. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you like. You can also add a small amount of butter to the corn before seasoning. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out.

Finally, if your air fryer requires it, preheat the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the corn is not touching, and cook for around 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn every five minutes to prevent hot spots.

Your corn is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as a side dish or snack, and it goes well with a variety of mains, such as chicken, salad, or fish.

Cooking the corn

To start, you'll want to prep your corn. Remove the husks and silks from the corn and rinse off any remaining silk. You can then pat the corn dry with a paper towel. If your corn is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can cut it in half or trim the ends.

Next, brush or spray the corn with olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter. This will help the corn develop a nice golden colour and keep it from drying out. You can then season the corn with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like.

Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cobs are not touching. Close the basket and set the timer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the level of crispness you desire. Be sure to 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. This will help the kernels retain their juiciness.

Seasoning the corn

Choosing the Right Corn:

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality corn on the cob. Look for corn 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.

Brushing with Oil:

Before seasoning, brush the corn with a thin layer of olive oil or another high-heat cooking oil. This step helps the seasonings stick to the corn and also aids in achieving a golden, crispy exterior. It is important not to overuse oil, as it may cause smoke or affect the taste.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings for corn on the cob. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the oiled corn. You can also use other seasonings like vegeta all-purpose seasoning or a roast vegetable and fries spice blend for extra flavour.

Herbs and Spices:

For a more complex flavour profile, consider adding dried or fresh herbs and spices. Some options include paprika, thyme, parsley, basil, dill, or chives. You can also experiment with spice blends like Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning. Just remember to add a pinch at a time to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness of the corn.

Butter:

Butter is a classic addition to corn on the cob. You can spread butter on the corn after it has been air-fried or use melted butter as a base for a sauce. Compound butter, or butter with added seasonings, is also a delicious option. Try mixing in herbs like basil, dill, or chives for an extra punch of flavour.

Creative Toppings:

Get creative with your toppings to take your corn on the cob to the next level. Some unique toppings to try include Parmesan cheese, Mexican-style crema, avocado dressing, green goddess dressing, or everything bagel seasoning. You can even sprinkle on some chilli powder or squeeze lime juice over the corn for a tangy twist.

Storing and reheating the corn

Storing the corn:

Once you've cooked your corn in the air fryer, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the corn in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable zip-top bag. Cut the kernels off the cob to save space. Freeze for up to 3-4 months and defrost in the fridge before reheating or using in recipes.

Reheating the corn:

There are several ways to reheat your corn on the cob. Here are some options:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil with a teaspoon of water, butter, salt, and pepper. Twist the ends of the foil to prevent steam from escaping. Place the corn in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through.
• Microwave: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a damp kitchen towel. Microwave in 20-second intervals, flipping the corn each time, until it's heated through.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil with a teaspoon of water. Twist the ends of the foil to prevent steam from escaping. Place the corn in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
• Grill: Brush each ear of corn with oil or butter and place on a medium-heat grill. Rotate the corn every 30 seconds until all sides are warmed through, about 2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the corn to the pot and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the corn from the water and pat dry before re-seasoning.

Frequently asked questions