Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is an easy way to cook sweet corn. This juicy corn on the cob is perfect for serving with butter, salt and pepper or your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the best easy side dishes for summer! It’s sweet and juicy and pairs well with all of our favorite summer meals, from turkey burgers and grilled chicken to pulled pork. I’ve already shared my methods for how to boil corn on the cob and how to cook corn on the cob in an Instant Pot. Today we have another easy way to cook corn on the cob: in the air fryer!
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food in the basket. It’s an excellent way to cook corn on the cob that’s sweet, juicy and tender inside with a crisp bite when you first bite into it. If you love air fryer recipes, you should definitely give this one a try!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer
Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn.
Preheat the air fryer to 380° F for 5 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Place the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380° F for 12-15 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Flip the corn cobs over half way through the cook time.
That’s it! Serve the corn with butter, salt and pepper, or as desired.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe Tips
- Make sure that the corn cobs are in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space in between each one. You want the hot air to be able to circulate all around each ear of corn.
- If the corn is too long for your air fryer basket, you can cut the corn cobs in half to make them fit.
- Flip the corn over halfway through the cook time to help it cook evenly.
- Some recipes call for brushing the corn with olive oil before cooking to help it crisp up. I tested this recipe with and without oil and didn’t find the oil to make a difference so I skip the oil. I’m all for keeping things as easy as possible!
- Different air fryer models may cook differently, so adjust the cook time as needed.
Topping Ideas
Corn on the cob is delicious as is, or serve it with one or more of these toppings.
- Butter, salt and black pepper.
- Garlic Butter
- Honey Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Feta cheese or goat cheese
- Fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, tarragon, parsley or chives
- Fresh garlic or garlic powder
- Chimichurri sauce
- Pesto Sauce
- Cajun Seasoning
- Chipotle chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, mayo and/or sour cream and cotija cheese for Mexican street corn
How to Choose the Best Sweet Corn
There’s nothing better than fresh sweet corn with plump, juicy kernels. If you have access to a farmers’ market, that’s where you’ll often find the freshest corn on the cob. Wherever you’re shopping, use these steps to pick the best ears of corn:
- Look for bright green husks. The husks should be wrapped tightly around the cob. Avoid buying corn with husks that are dry or yellowish.
- Check the tassel. The tassel, or silks that are sticking out of the top of the corn, should be brown or golden in color. It should be silky, slightly sticky and moist. Avoid buying corn if the tassel is black or dry.
- Look for a fresh stalk. If the bottom of the corn where it was broken off of the stalk is brown, the corn is likely not very fresh.
- Check for insect holes. Avoid corn with tiny brown holes in the husk, as this is a sign that there might be worms or bugs in the corn.
- Feel for plump kernels. You should be able to feel firm, plump corn kernels through the husk. Don’t pick corn that has soft spots or empty spots where kernels are missing.
Don’t peek! It’s tempting to peel back the husks at the top of corn to check the tip of the corn cob. However, doing this shortens the shelf life of your corn.
How to Store Corn on the Cob
- Before Cooking: Corn on the cob can be stored at room temperature if you plan to cook it the day you buy it. Otherwise, keep the husks on, wrap the corn tightly in a plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator. Corn on the cob is best cooked within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.
- After Cooking: Cooked corn on the cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked corn by cutting the kernels off of the cob and freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Try one of these air fryer recipes next.
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob*
- butter, salt and pepper, as desired, for serving
Instructions
- Remove the husks and silks from the corn.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° F for 5 minutes.
- Add the corn to the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a little space in between each cob of corn. (If the corn cobs are too long to fit in the air fryer basket, you can cut them in half.)
- Cook at 380° F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the corn over halfway through the cook time, until corn is tender.
- Serve with butter, salt and pepper, or as desired.
Notes
- You can cook fewer or more than 4 ears of corn, depending on the size of your air fryer. The corn should fit in a single layer in the basket.
