Crisp and tender air fryer corn on the cob is one of my favorite air fryer recipes! Fresh corn is roasted quickly and easily in the air fryer, perfect to serve as a side with your favorite summertime meals.
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Air frying is the best way to cook corn on the cob that’s so quick and easy, you’ll want to make it every night!
How long it takes: 13 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: air fryer
Servings: 4 servings (1 ear of corn each), or more as needed
Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
It’s no secret that I love my air fryer. I rave about it to anyone who asks. Can you blame me? The air fryer makes it possible to roast my favorite vegetables in a fraction of the time. It’s one of the quickest ways to cook everything from air fryer broccoli to asparagus.
Now, I’m sharing my latest summer obsession: air fryer corn on the cob! This method yields the most succulent and golden, roasted corn on the cob in minutes. Plus, there’s no need to mind a pot of boiling water on the stovetop or hover over a grill.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Corn Recipe
- Super quick. Air fryer corn on the cob is ready in under 15 minutes. This method is fast and hands-free, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Perfectly cooked. The air fryer is the best shortcut for perfectly “roasted” corn on the cob. The corn comes out extra juicy, with golden, crisp, and tender kernels.
- Customizable. Crispy air fryer corn on the cob is delicious on its own, and it’s also easy to customize with your favorite toppings and seasonings. I include some of our favorite variations later on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for the freshest summer corn that you can find, and the rest is really up to you. Below is a short overview of what I use to air fry corn on the cob. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details, amounts, and nutritional info.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh is always best! See my tips below for choosing the best ears of corn from your local market or produce aisle. This recipe makes 4 servings, but you can make more. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Seasonings: I love brushing the shucked corn with olive oil before air frying. It helps the seasonings stick and also gets the kernels all golden and crispy. After that, it’s just a matter of seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Choose the Best Corn
The freshest corn on the cob has a few “tells”. The first is the husks: Fresh corn will have bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Next is the corn inside, which should be firm with full, plump kernels. If the corn has shriveled kernels or brown spots, or if the husks are loose and dry, give it a pass.
How to Air Fry Corn on the Cob
Here’s how easy it is to roast corn on the cob in your air fryer:
- Prep the corn. Before you start, shuck the husks from the corn and rinse off the silk. Pat the ears dry, then trim the corn as needed so that it fits in the air fryer.
- Season. Next, brush the corn with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper.
- Cook. Arrange the corn on the cob inside the air fryer and cook at 380ºF for 8 minutes. Open up the fryer to perfectly cooked corn! See below for easy ways to serve corn on the cob, and make this recipe your own.
Can I air-fry frozen corn on the cob?
Yes! You can cook frozen corn in the air fryer as long as it’s completely thawed beforehand. I recommend squeezing the defrosted corn to remove any excess water. Previously frozen corn will cook faster, so it’s a good idea to check it after 5 to 6 minutes.
Air Fryers
If you’re in the market for an air fryer, run, don’t walk to get one! I can’t tell you how handy this countertop appliance is. I’ll use my air fryer for everything from corn on the cob to boiled eggs!
Tips for Success
Air-fried corn on the cob is such a foolproof method, I have no doubt that your corn will turn out delicious. Here are my final tips for the best air fryer corn on the cob:
- Trim the corn to fit. Sometimes this involves cutting off the ends of the corn or cutting the cobs in half. It depends on the size and model of the air fryer you’re using.
- The corn should be cooked through and tender after the recommended cooking time. If you’d prefer to char the kernels a bit more, you can leave the corn in the air fryer for another 4 to 6 minutes. Just be mindful that it doesn’t overcook and become tough.
No, you don’t need to preheat the air fryer when cooking corn on the cob. It comes to temperature quickly enough without it.
You can often tell when corn is done just by looking at it. Cooked corn on the cob will have plump, bright yellow kernels that are fork-tender.
Yes, overcooked corn will have tough, chewy kernels. It’s still fine to eat but do your best to avoid cooking corn for too long.
Make This Corn Recipe Your Own
Looking for ways to dress up your fresh air fryer corn on the cob? Try these variation ideas:
- Compound butter is a great way to bring flavor to corn on the cob. Compound butter is simply butter that has seasoning added to it. Try garlic butter or finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives. Spread the butter on the corn after it’s cooked.
- Season corn with Italian seasoning, or use homemade Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Sprinkle the buttered corn with everything bagel seasoning.
- Add toppings like fresh Mexican-style crema, a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing, or green goddess dressing. You can also give corn a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer your corn off the cob, sautéed fresh corn is a must-try! If you don’t have an air fryer, try Instant Pot corn on the cob. It’s super easy and fast, too.
What to Serve with Corn on the Cob
Fresh air fryer corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer sides! Serve crisp corn cobs with grilled salmon or these vegetarian grilled halloumi kebabs. It also makes the perfect kid-friendly side to grilled turkey burgers or air fryer hamburgers served with a side of green salad.
Corn on the cob pairs great with BBQ favorites like slow cooker ribs and a side of air fryer French fries. Of course, we can’t forget the coleslaw!
- Refrigerate: Corn on the cob will always taste the best when it’s fresh! However, you can wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Leftover corn is great to use in other recipes (see my tip below), or you can reheat ears of corn in the microwave.
- Freeze: Yes, you can freeze cooked corn on the cob! Make sure that your air fryer corn is cool, then wrap them and place them into a resealable ziptop bag. Cut cooked kernels off of the cob to save space. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months, and defrost in the fridge before using or reheating.
Next-day corn is perfect to trim from the cob to use in soups, salads, and more healthy meals. We love this Mexican street corn-inspired pasta salad and black bean corn salsa, or you can toss leftover kernels into chicken corn chowder!
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (more if needed)
- kosher salt to taste
- coarse ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Husk corn and remove silk. Rinse and dry. Cut corn in half or cut off ends if needed to fit into air fryer.
- Brush or spray corn with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Air fry at 380ºF for 8 minutes. This amount of time should yield tender, cooked corn.
- If a more golden brown or charred appearance and taste is desired, continue to cook for 4 to 6 more minutes.
Notes
- Storage: Corn on the cob will always taste the best when it’s fresh! However, you can wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can reheat ears of corn in the microwave.
- Freezing: Make sure that your corn is cool, then wrap them and place them into a resealable ziptop bag. Cut cooked kernels off of the cob to save space. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months, and defrost in the fridge before using or reheating.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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