Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Summer’s favorite vegetable just got an upgrade! Air Fryer Corn on the Cob delivers all the sweet, juicy flavors you love with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Air fryer corn on the cob might just become your new favorite way to prepare this summertime classic! The air fryer creates the perfect environment for cooking corn – it traps moisture while also creating a light char that adds flavor while keeping it sweet and juicy!
What I love about using the air fryer to cook corn is just how quickly it works compared to boiling or grilling. In just about 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked corn that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, the cleanup is minimal since everything happens in your air fryer basket!
Ingredients Needed
Here are the three simple ingredients you’ll need to make corn on the cob in the air fryer:
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn is best for this recipe! If you can, try to purchase corn the same day you plan to cook it as freshness matters for the best flavor. If using frozen corn, thaw completely before cooking.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. The butter melts into the corn during cooking, creating a rich, flavorful coating!
- Salt: To taste!
Variations & Substitutions
This easy air fryer corn on the cob recipe can be made exactly how you want it, with a variety of variations and substitutions:
- You can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter, just adjust the amount of salt you add to the corn according to your taste!
- Mix chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro into softened butter before applying to the corn to add a bright herbal flavor.
- After cooking, brush corn with mayonnaise and roll in crumbled cotija cheese, sprinkle with chili powder and lime juice for elote-style corn on the cob.
- Substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives as a dairy-free option!
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place on Foil: Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.
- Add Butter & Salt: Place 1 tablespoon of butter on each ear of corn. Sprinkle each ear of corn with salt, dividing it evenly among them.
- Wrap: Wrap each ear of corn tightly in the aluminum foil.
- Air Fry: Place the wrapped corn in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Cook in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Unwrap: After 10 minutes, carefully unwrap the corn and return them to the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry Again: Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to allow the corn to develop a slight char and enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the sweetcorn from the air fryer and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer corn on the cob makes the perfect side dish for almost any meal. Here are some fantastic pairings to try:
- Serve alongside grilled cowboy burgers or beer brats for a classic summer meal.
- Pair with smoked chicken legs and Instant Pot mashed potatoes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Cut the sweet corn kernels off the cob and add to other dishes like Mexican street corn esquites, crispy corn cakes, chicken corn chowder, or a Mexican corn casserole!
For dessert, I recommend this comforting Million Dollar Banana Pudding or Strawberry Dump Cake.
Storage Suggestions
To Store: Air fried corn on the cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can either store the corn on the cob whole or cut the kernels off for easier storage and future use.
To Reheat: To reheat the corn cobs in the air fryer, simply wrap it in foil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
To Freeze: If you have leftover cooked corn, cut the kernels off the cob and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. These kernels are perfect for adding to soups, stews, and casseroles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs or spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or freshly ground black pepper.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook more ears of corn at once. Just make sure they fit comfortably in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
Yes, you can cook the corn directly in the air fryer basket, but using foil helps to keep the corn moist and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
I hope that you enjoy this easy air fried corn on the cob! If you end up making it, I’d love to know how it went in the comments below.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.
- Place 1 tablespoon of butter on each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle each ear of corn with salt, dividing it evenly among them.
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in the aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped corn in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
- Cook in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully unwrap the corn and return them to the air fryer basket.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to allow the corn to develop a slight char and enhance the flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the sweetcorn from the air fryer and serve hot.
