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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is cooked to perfection using the air fryer. Using the air fryer to cook this summer staple is a game changer. It results in lightly charred ends with plump, tender corn kernels with little prep. It is quick, easy, and delicious.

Corn on the cob on a plate topped with pats of butter, salt and chopped herbs.

You will love this quick and easy cooking method if you love fresh corn and have an air fryer.  Air frying the whole ears of corn results in delicious corn with juicy kernels, perfect for eating right off the cob.

Add some butter and salt for a tasty side dish, or cut the kernels from the cob and use them to make a delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad.  

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We live where fresh corn on the cob is only available for a few months a year. But when it’s available, it’s everywhere, and we eat as much as possible during that time.

My favorite way to enjoy corn on the cob is when it has been cooked on the grill. I like that a few kernels get a bit toasty, but mostly I like that the corn doesn’t get overly soft or water-logged. If I had my way I’d eat all of my vegetables raw, but on the occasion I need to cook them, like corn, I want them to retain texture and crunch.

But since it isn’t always convenient to fire up the grill, that is where the air fryer comes in. 

Like the grill, the corn gets charred on the end, and a few kernels get toasty. But I love it mainly because the corn doesn’t get soft or water-logged like it does when boiling. Instead, it has crunchy, plump, and juicy corn kernels. And it only takes about 15 minutes.

Cooked ears of corn topped with butter and chopped parsley.

Ingredients

For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

You only need corn and a bit of olive oil to make this easy corn recipe.

Toppings like butter, sea salt, pepper, spices, or chopped fresh herbs are optional but recommended.

You can also easily turn these cooked corn cobs into Mexican Street Corn, or elote, by slathering them in sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese.

Instructions

Begin by pre-heating the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F.

While the air fryer is pre-heating, shuck and clean the corn, then trim the ends so the cobs will fit in your air fryer basket.

Brush or spray the cobs with a little oil and place the prepared corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

You should be able to fit 2-4 ears of corn in the basket, depending on the size of your air fryer.  

Raw corn on the cob in an air fryer basket.

Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook the corn for 12-15 minutes, use tongs to turn them halfway through.

The corn is done when the ends are slightly golden, and the corn kernels feel tender when pierced with a fork. 

The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the variety and size of the corn you choose and your preferred doneness.

Four cooked corn on the cobs in an air fryer basket.

How to Choose Corn on the Cob

You want to use sweet corn on the cob, but the variety you use will depend on your preference and what is available in your area.

There are many varieties of sweet summer corn, ranging from mildly sweet to super sweet. Some are bright yellow, some are white, and some, like peaches and cream, are a combination of yellow and white kernels. There are even varieties of sweet corn that are red or purple. 

My area’s most common corn types are peaches and cream or jubilee. Both have nice, plump, sweet kernels and can be cooked in various ways.

In the summer, you should be able to find several varieties in the supermarket or local farmers market. When choosing the perfect corn, look for bright green husks that are not dried out, and if you can see the cob, you want to make sure the kernels are plump and bright and not dried or shriveled. 

You may even want to try growing your own if you have the space. Gardener’s Path has a great article on the best varieties of corn to grow at home and a bit about the differences between each variety.

Serving Suggestions

When serving corn, you will always want to serve it with lots of butter. 

After it is slathered in butter, you can season it however you wish. Salt and black pepper are the most common, but I love sprinkling it with Tajin, a salty seasoning flavored with lime and a bit of spice. Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley and chives are nice as well. Or you can add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

In my family, corn can become a meal, but more commonly, it is served as a delicious side dish.

Corn on the cob goes great with almost anything: grilled chicken breast or steak, BBQ ribs, air-fried pork chops, or air fryer hamburgers.

4 corn on the cobs with butter pats, salt and fresh chopped herbs.

FAQS

Can I air-fry frozen corn on the cob?

You can cook corn on the cob from frozen in the air fryer. You will need to add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. I advise cooking for a few minutes to thaw before brushing with the olive oil and then continuing to cook until it is done to your preference.

Can I air fry the corn on the cob in the husk?

No, I do not recommend leaving the husk on when cooking corn in the air fryer. It will only extend the cooking time, and the husk will smoke and burn.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Dishes

Printable Recipe

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is cooked to perfection using the air fryer. With lightly charred ends, plump, juicy corn kernels, & very little prep. It is quick, easy, and delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Recipe Rate
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 86kcal
Author: Deanna

Ingredients

  • 4 ears of sweet corn
  • olive oil spray

Optional Toppings

  • Butter
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Fresh chopped herbs

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the air fryer at 480°F for 5 minutes.
  • Shuck and clean the corn and trim the ends or cut them in half so that the cobs will fit in the air fryer basket.
  • Lightly brush the cobs with olive oil or spray with olive oil spray.
  • Place the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and place the basket in the air fryer.
  • Set the air fryer to 380°F. Cook the corn for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The corn is done when the ends are slighly browned, the corn is bright, and the the kernels are tender when poked with a fork.

Notes

Time to cook will vary slightly depending on the size of the corn, the variety you choose, and your preferred doneness.

Nutrition

Estimated Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Serving Size
 
1 Cob
Amount per Serving
Calories
86
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




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