This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Sweet, salty and slightly caramelized, this Air Fryer corn on the cob can bring your backyard family gathering inside! This recipe is seriously the easiest way to cook an entire ear of corn- you’ll need just 5 minutes of prep time and pantry staples.
Best of all, it’s SO versatile and customizable – just like my Air Fryer broccolini and Air Fryer snap peas recipes.
I recently tried making Air Fryer corn ribs, and everyone just devoured them. And that inspired me to try a simpler, easier version of the recipe, which was versatile enough to be served with anything and everything, and that’s when I tried this recipe!
Just like my Air Fryer squash and Air Fryer carrots, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make, and barely needs any prep time!
Quick Look At This Recipe
✨ Flavor: Rich and buttery.
⏱️ Prep time: 5 minutes.
🔥 Cook time: 12 minutes.
⏲️ Total time: 17 minutes.
👥 Servings: 4 servings.
🥄 Tools: Air Fryer.
❄️ Freezer friendly: Yes.
👩🏻🍳 Tip: Leave a little space between the ears when you arrange them in the Air Fryer. This will ensure they cook evenly.
SUMMARIZE AND SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air fried corn is both tender and crispy! It’s perfect side to team up with other 4th of July recipes or Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes.
- No need to boil a pot of water or turn on your BBQ. Air frying is SO much easier and hassle-free.
- Air frying corn on the cob barely takes any time, and is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious side dish for dinner in less than 20 minutes.
Recipe Ingredients
- Corn cobs: Fresh corn cobs, stripped off the husk, washed and cleaned. I like to visit the farmer’s market to pick the freshest ones! If you’re using frozen corn, try my Air Fryer frozen corn on the cob recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Softened unsalted butter, to coat the corn cobs. You can also use salted butter if you want to, and skip the butter for olive oil if you want to keep it vegan.
- Seasonings: I used Kosher salt, which is coarser than table salt has a beautiful texture and flavor. It helps season the corn evenly, bringing out its natural sweetness without overpowering it. And of course, some freshly ground black pepper for that hint of spice that complements the sweetness of the corn.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- Skip the simple salt and pepper and try using other seasonings of your choice. Garlic powder, red pepper flakes, chili powder and my homemade taco seasoning are all great!
- You can also top the air fried corn with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to lend it a nice salty, cheesy kick.
- For a brighter flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest and a dash of lemon juice along with the butter.
- To make Mexican style street corn, top the air fried corn with some Cotija cheese (or feta cheese, like I did for my Air Fryer Mexican street corn recipe), cilantro, Tajin seasoning and lime juice.
Are you new to Air Fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more. Also check out my list of favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Peel, wash and pat dry the corn. Brush each ear of corn with melted butter, then sprinkle the salt and pepper on each piece.
- Place corn in the Air Fryer basket, in a single layer, without stacking or overlapping. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-16 minutes, turning the corn halfway through.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
Serve this Air Fryer corn on the cob as a side with a protein like Air Fryer ribeye, Air Fryer pork chops, or team it up with some Air Fryer hamburger or Air Fryer black bean burger and Air Fryer French fries.
Every time I make my Air Fryer shrimp tacos, Air Fryer taco casserole or air fried BBQ chicken, I almost always whip up this corn on the side.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Not all air fryers are the same. Depending on the kind of Air Fryer you’re using, you may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time to get an ear of crispy corn.
- For that smoky grill taste, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on your corn right after you get it out of the Air Fryer.
- If the corn doesn’t fit in your Air Fryer basket, you can break it in half and air fry it.
- For some extra deliciousness, slather the air fried corn cobs with a compound butter before you serve! I love using my Cowboy butter here sometimes!
Recipe FAQs
Yes. This easy side dish can be made from frozen by air-frying them in the basket for about 3-5 minutes. Then add the butter and seasonings and cook for an additional 12-14 minutes. The total time will be about 15-19 minutes.
You don’t need to use aluminum foil for this recipe. But if you really want to do this extra step, remember to add extra cooking time.
Leftover corn on the cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
To reheat, add the corn back to the air fryer and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked corn on the cob, in a freezer bag, for about four months.
More Air Fryer Sides
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Home Fries
Appetizers
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Appetizers
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Squash
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
MORE AIR FRYER VEGETABLE RECIPES
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Squash
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Broccoli
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Rinse corn and pat dry.
- Brush each ear of corn with melted butter. Then season with salt and pepper, to your taste.
- Place corn in the air fryer basket or on shelf.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes, turning corn halfway through cooking.
Notes
- Experiment with different seasonings to tweak the flavors to your liking.
- Not all Air Fryers are the same. You may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes of cook time depending on the kind of device you’re using.
- Leave a little space for the hot air to circulate throughout the Air Fryer basket. Also turn the corn cobs a couple of times during the cooking time to get them golden brown on all sides.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What a great idea for using the air fryer. I coated corn with ghee before roasting. Thanks.