Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Making this easy air fryer corn on the cob can bring your backyard family gathering inside! This corn turns out sweet and crispy and is ready to eat in minutes.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

Delicious sweet fresh corn on the cob is a family favorite side dish. When you air fry corn on the cob, it is so tender, but crispy! This dish is also one of our favorite 4th of July recipes or Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes to make.

Air frying also makes the corn so much faster without having to boil a pot of water or starting the BBQ. They are done in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious side dish for dinner in less than 20 minutes. 

Looking for something to serve this cooked corn with? Try air fryer ribeye, air fryer pork chops, or serve with air fryer hamburger and air fryer French fries. 

Ingredients

• Corn Cobs: Fresh corn cobs are the primary ingredient. Corn is naturally sweet and provides a delicious, juicy base for the dish. When air fried, the kernels become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened unsalted butter is used to coat the corn cobs. Butter adds richness and a creamy texture, helping to enhance the flavor of the corn. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Kosher salt: Kosher salt is coarser than table salt and is preferred by many chefs for its texture and flavor. It helps to season the corn evenly, bringing out its natural sweetness without overpowering it.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and a depth of flavor to the corn. It complements the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the butter, providing a balanced seasoning for the dish.

These simple ingredients combine to create a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that highlights the natural taste of the corn while adding a touch of richness and seasoning.

How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer

STEP 1
To begin with, remove the husks and silks, rinse, and pat them dry. Peel off any remaining small pieces until you have clean corn.

STEP 2
Once you have rinsed and dried them, brush each ear of corn with melted butter, then sprinkle the salt and pepper on each piece.

STEP 3
Place corn in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, without stacking or overlapping. 

STEP 4
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-16 minutes, turning the corn halfway through. (Depending on your air fryer and the size of the corn, you may need to add an additional 3-4 minutes to the cook time.)

STEP 5
Once they are done, you can add more butter and seasonings to your preference. 

Expert Tips

Not all air fryers are the same. For best results, you may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time to get an ear of crispy corn.

For the smoky grill taste, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on your corn.

If the corn doesn’t fit in your air fryer basket, you can break it in half and air fry it.

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. 

Looking for the best accessories for your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories. 

Variations

For this corn recipe, I used salt and pepper; for extra flavor, try adding these seasonings:

• garlic powder
• chili powder
• parmesan cheese
• lemon juice
• lime juice
• chili sauce
• chili pepper flakes

You can use the air-fried corn kernels to make other delicious corn recipes, like creamy corn salad, or corn salsa.

Make air fryer Mexican street corn with cotija cheese, cilantro, and some lime wedges. 

Storing and Reheating

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.

Freeze leftover cooked corn on the cob, in a freezer bag, for about four months. 

FAQs

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Making air fryer corn on the cob is so easy, and you will love that it’s ready to eat in just minutes.