This air fryer corn on the cob recipe is so quick and easy! It gives you juicy corn kernels with that roasted flavor in just minutes.
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Want that roasted corn flavor without needing to heat up the grill or oven? The air fryer comes to the rescue once again!
This air fried corn recipe is a great option if you’re only cooking 2-3 ears of corn, although it can definitely be done in batches to cook more. It’s especially great if you’re making the corn to use in a recipe, such as my Southwest Salad!
I’ve been cooking fresh Wisconsin sweet corn my whole life, but only recently did I go outside my comfort zone and try it in the air fryer. I will definitely tell you, it’s a game changer!
The air fryer makes it incredibly quick and easy. This is also a great vegan option because it’s made with oil instead of butter!
Ingredients
- Corn on the cob
- Olive oil
- Salt for serving
How to make air fryer corn on the cob
- Remove husks and silk from the corn. Cut off the ends or cut ears in half as needed to fit in the air fryer.
- Rub olive oil all over the outside of the corn.
- Arrange corn in a single layer in the air fryer and cook 12-15 minutes at 370ºF, flipping once.
- For darker roasted corn, cook a few minutes longer.
Top tips and questions
Can I stack corn in the air fryer?
Air fryers work best when food is cooked in a single layer. Cook corn in batches if necessary instead of stacking ears in the appliance.
Can I cook frozen corn in the air fryer?
If you have frozen ears of corn on hand, you can cook them the same way, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they aren’t thawed.
How to pick the best corn on the cob
I always try to buy corn on the cob in peak season (June – August). From there, choose ears that are plump with bright green, tightly closed husks.
Ears with light brown, slightly sticky silks will be freshest. You’ll want to avoid any ears with dark, dry silks or husks.
I always peel back the silk a little bit from the top to make sure the corn inside looks good. You’re looking for kernels that are set close together with a white or yellow color depending on the variety of corn.
If it looks brown or like something has nibbled on it, choose a different ear. Some people will say never to peek, but I prefer to only buy the corn we’ll need rather than worrying about throwing an ear or two away that’s been half eaten by some sort of animal.
I would probably not peel back the silk to check when buying directly from a farmer and would instead buy a couple extra ears just to help support them.
How to store air fried corn
Store your corn on the cob in the husk in the refrigerator until ready to cook it. I recommend enjoying it within a day or two of purchasing.
After cooking, place your ears in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can allow it to cool enough to handle, cut it off the cob, and store in the same way.
Corn on the cob can be frozen cooked, uncooked, or cut off the cob. Check out my post on how to freeze corn on the cob for more in depth information.
How to shuck corn on the cob
Shucking corn is the process of removing the husks and silk. I’ve been doing it my whole life, and now enlist my kids to help, which is really just to say if an 8 year old can do it, so can you!
My favorite way to shuck corn is to reach into the top and grab about ⅓ of the silk, along with the husk on the outside of it. Hold the cob firmly in one hand, and rip the silk down to the end with the other.
Repeat this process two more times, or until the majority of the silk and husk is removed. Use your hands to pull away any remaining silk, or try a corn brush (affiliate link).
If you peel the husks and silk away a little at a time, it will take ages to shuck the corn, and be more difficult to remove the silk. By grabbing a lot of it at once, the whole ear can be shucked in under 30 seconds.
What kind of air fryer should I buy?
I love my Ninja Foodi because it also grills and bakes. However, any air fryer will work for this recipe, including basket or oven style air fryers.
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?
Technically you do not need to use any oil to cook corn in the air fryer. However, it will help the corn turn a nice golden brown color and give it a great flavor.
Whether or not you top your corn on the cob with butter, oil, or anything else is up to you, but I like this one best with olive oil and butter.
Should I salt corn before cooking?
Never salt corn before cooking. It will make the corn tough. Always salt your corn after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for customizing air fried corn on the cob
- Top with vegan mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of lime
- Top with vegan feta and chili powder
- Season with oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Drizzle with hot sauce
- Combine vegan butter and horseradish and spread on corn
Ways to use air fried corn on the cob
- Oven Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa
- Corn and Sweet Pepper Quesadillas
- Loaded Air Fryer Waffle Fries
- Southwest Salad
- Slow Cooker Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
- Rainbow Feta Flatbread
More air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Curly Fries
- Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
- Loaded Air Fryer Waffle Fries
- Air Fryer Home Fries
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn, shucked
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370ºF, or close to that if yours works in different increments.
- Rub a light layer of olive oil all over the corn.
- Arrange corn in a single layer in the air fryer, cutting off the ends to make it fit if needed.
- Cook 12-15 minutes, flipping once. For more of a roasted corn flavor, allow to cook for 15-17 minutes.
Notes
Tips for customizing air fried corn on the cob
- Top with vegan mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of lime
- Top with vegan feta and chili powder
- Season with oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Drizzle with hot sauce
- Combine vegan butter and horseradish and spread on corn
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