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

how to make sweet corn in air fryer

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to make sweet corn. It's a great option for cooking small batches of corn, and it gives the corn a delicious roasted flavour without needing to heat up the grill or oven. The air fryer also helps the corn develop a crispy exterior while keeping the kernels soft and juicy.

Characteristics Values
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 12-15 minutes
Total time 17-20 minutes
Corn 3-4 ears
Oil Olive oil, vegetable oil spray, non-aerosol oil spray
Seasoning Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, thyme, chili powder, Vegeta All-purpose seasoning, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Tajin
Toppings Butter, vegan mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, vegan feta, hot sauce, horseradish, fresh parsley, basil, chives, lime, chili flakes, avocado dressing, green goddess dressing, Mexican-style crema, grated parmesan cheese
Air fryer temperature 370400°F
Air fryer preheat time 5 minutes

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Choosing the right corn

Check the Season

It is best to buy corn during its peak season, which is typically from June to August. Corn is at its sweetest and juiciest during this time, so you are more likely to find high-quality, fresh corn cobs. Avoid buying corn out of season, as it will not be as good.

Inspect the Silk

When choosing corn, take a look at the silk, which are the long, hair-like strands that stick out of the top. Look for light brown, slightly sticky silks, as this indicates freshness. The silk should not be dried out, matted, or black, as this is a sign of older corn. The fresher the silk, the fresher the corn.

Examine the Husk

The husk, or the green leaf-like covering that wraps around the corn, should be bright green, tightly closed, and slightly damp. Avoid corn with dry, brown, or limp husks, as this indicates that the corn is not fresh. Also, look for tiny brown holes in the husk, especially towards the top, as these could be wormholes.

Feel the Kernels

Feel the kernels through the husk to ensure they are plump and plentiful. There should be no gaps or holes where kernels are missing. If you can feel spaces between the kernels or soft spots, choose another ear of corn.

Check the Tassels

The tassels are the parts that stick up out of the top of the corn. They should be brown and sticky to the touch. If they are dry or black, it is a sign that the corn is old.

Heft the Cob

A good ear of corn should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is full of juice and the cob is still full of sap. A light-feeling cob has likely started to go stale and starchy.

Remember, it is considered improper corn-buying etiquette to pull back the husk or poke the kernels before purchasing. Use these tips to choose the perfect corn for your air fryer recipe!

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Removing the husk and silk

First, grab about ⅓ of the silk along with the outer husk and hold the corn cob firmly in your other hand. Then, rip off the silk downwards. Repeat this process until most of the silk and husk are removed. You can use your hands to pluck away any remaining silk or try using a corn brush. This method is much quicker than peeling away the husk and silk bit by bit.

When choosing corn, look for fresh ears with bright green husks that are tightly closed. The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be light brown and slightly sticky, indicating moisture and freshness. Avoid corn with dark, dry silks or husks, as these are signs of age.

Before placing the corn in the air fryer, ensure that the husk and silk are completely removed. You may also need to trim the ends of the corn or cut the cobs in half to ensure they fit in the air fryer.

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Seasoning the corn

Additionally, brushing the corn with olive oil before seasoning is a great way to help the seasonings stick and get the kernels nice and crispy. Make sure to coat the corn lightly and evenly with olive oil to ensure the best results.

If you want to get creative, you can also try making compound butter by adding seasoning to butter and spreading it on the corn after it's cooked. This can add a whole new layer of flavor to your dish.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning, it's always better to start with less and add more to taste, as you can always add but can never remove!

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Cooking the corn

First, prep your corn. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. If the corn doesn't fit in the air fryer, cut the ends off or cut the corn in half. Pat the corn dry, then place it in the air fryer basket.

Next, season the corn. Brush or spray the corn with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you like.

Finally, cook the corn. Place the corn in the air fryer and cook at between 370ºF and 400ºF for 8–15 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your corn. For darker roasted corn, cook for a few minutes longer. Remember to flip the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

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Storing and reheating the corn

If you're storing cooked corn, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will last for up to three days. You can also freeze cooked corn on the cob for up to three to four months. If you're storing uncooked corn, keep it in the fridge, wrapped in plastic with the husk on.

Reheating

To reheat corn on the cob in the air fryer, first preheat your appliance to 350°F. Then, wrap your corn in aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket for five to eight minutes, turning it halfway through. You can also reheat corn in the oven, on the stove, in the microwave, or using a broiler.

Frequently asked questions

Remove the husks and silk from the corn. You may need to cut the corn in half or trim the ends to ensure it fits in the air fryer.

Set your air fryer to between 370-400°F.

Cook the corn for 10-15 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through to ensure even cooking.

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