Air Fryer Corn on the Cob (Easy Recipe)

Name: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cobs of corn; 1 teaspoon neutral flavored oil; Kosher salt; Black pepper

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Every summer, there’s nothing like biting into a perfectly cooked ear of sweet corn on the cob. Traditionally, corn on the cob has been prepared by boiling or grilling, but today, we’re here to introduce you to a game-changer in the kitchen: air fryer corn on the cob. Harnessing the power of hot air circulation, this innovative cooking method promises to elevate your corn on the cob experience without elevating the temperature inside your house! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of air fryer corn on the cob, uncovering tips, tricks, and mouthwatering recipes that will make this summer staple the star of your next meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

We lived in rural Minnesota for over 18 years and the highlight of our summer was the fresh sweet corn sold by a local farmer on state route 23 between Marshall and Cottonwood. It was $5 a dozen and we couldn’t eat it fast enough. It was picked fresh every morning, which meant it was super tender and just popped off the cob when you bit into it.

Now that we are here in Arizona, the sweet corn is a bit different but the big downfall is heating up the house when steaming it on the stove. It’s already 115+ outside. Let’s not add to the warmth inside. So, this summer I decided to master air fryer corn on the cob. You know how obsessed I’ve become making air fryer recipes! I can put the air fryer on my patio and my house doesn’t get any warmer 🙂 It took me a few recipe trials to master how to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer but I have done it! And now, you get to enjoy it as well.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Ingredients & Tools

Fresh ears of corn on the cob, shucked
Canola, olive, or other neutral flavored oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Butter, optional
Air fryer
Pastry brush

How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer

If you have just a few minutes of time, you can make air fryer corn on the cob that is perfectly cooked.

Time needed: 12 minutes

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Use the freshest corn on the cob you can find
Ideally, sweet corn should be eaten the same day it is picked. The longer fresh corn sits, the tougher it gets in texture and it also begins to lose its sweetness. This happens as kernels dry out and the sugar begins to change to starch inside the corn.
Prepare the fresh corn
Wait to husk the corn until you are ready to cook it. This keeps the kernels from being exposed to the air and drying out faster. Remove the husk, silt, and cut off the end of the stem so it will fit inside the air fryer. Season with the oil, salt and pepper
Cook the corn on the cob inside a preheated air fryer
Be sure the air fryer is hot before adding the corn. This allows the corn on the cob to cook quickly and retain the proper texture and flavor.
Do not overcook the corn
If sweet corn gets overcooked, it begins to lose flavor, texture, and moisture. Each kernel should get a dark yellow color and plump up in size. If the kernels look shriveled, you cooked them too long.

Recipe FAQs

Can you cook corn in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook corn in an air fryer. In fact, it is a great method of cooking fresh corn without heating up your house in the summer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the corn, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check on the corn periodically to prevent overcooking.

How to cook fresh shucked corn on the cob

To cook fresh shucked corn on the cob, you have a few options besides the air fryer. For the boiling method, fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the corn. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water. Carefully place the shucked corn into the boiling water. Allow the corn to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Remove the corn from the boiling water using tongs and let it drain briefly.

For the steaming method, fill a large pot with about an inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Arrange the shucked corn in the steamer basket, ensuring they’re not stacked on top of each other. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the corn for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Carefully remove the corn from the steamer basket.

Can I cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer. It will never be the same as fresh sweet corn, but not a bad substitute in the winter time. Follow the same recipe as listed below but watch for doneness a few minutes earlier.

My corn on the cob burnt. What did I do wrong?

Because air fryers come in different sizes and power levels, they aren’t as reliable from one brand to another as other kitchen appliances. Whenever you are making a new recipe, start checking your food for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s listed time. For this air fryer corn on the cob, you simply cooked it too long for your model of air fryer. Try again and start checking it 3-5 minutes earlier.

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