Sweet and juicy, with golden and slightly charred bits, air fryer corn on the cob is a total crowd pleaser! This is the best mash up between grilled and boiled corn.
The air fryer is a great appliance for cooking crispy breaded chicken breast, and ultra crispy bacon, but it's so great for roasting up vegetables quickly as well!
I was very dubious about cooking corn in the air fryer, and feared it would get a tough, chewy texture the way it does on the grill. I was blown away by the results: the slightly charred edges and concentrated flavor you get from the grill, but juicy just like boiled corn! This is a total winner.
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Why You'll Love This Air Fried Corn on the Cob
- it's ready in under 20 minutes
- it has the perfect blend of grilled and boiled corn: slightly charred and golden, yet so juicy
- no boiling water or grill prep required!
Recipe video
Watch the video below to see how I make air fryer corn on the cob! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Corn on the Cob
- corn- look for fresh ears of corn and remove the husk and silk completely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the edges off so that the corn fits into the air fryer basket.
- olive oil- to help get a bit of caramelization on the surface of the corn, we brush the corn with olive oil; you can also use spray oil.
- seasoning- we kept it simple with salt and pepper, but you could get creative here!
Air fryer models
This recipe was tested in both a basket and oven-style air fryer; cook times were remarkably similar in each:
- Cosori XL air fryer- took 13-15 minutes (depended on the size of the corn)
- Instant Pot Vortex air fryer oven- took 15 minutes cooked on the bottom rack (do not recommend using the top rack).
How to Pick the Perfect Corn
For juicy, tender corn, you want to find ears that feel heavy for their size, usually with bright green husks. The silks should be brown at the tips, and you should be able to feel if the kernels seem plump by lightly pressing through the husk. Local, in-season corn will always be the sweetest and most flavorful. If the husks feel really dry or the silks are black, avoid those ears.
How to Air Fry Corn on the Cob
1. Prepare corn- Remove the husk and silk from the corn, then brush on all sides with olive oil (you can also use spray oil). Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook- Pre-heat your air fryer to 350°F for at least 5 minutes. Add the corn to the basket. It's OK if it's touching. Cook for 13-15 minutes, turning the corn over halfway through.
3. Serve- We found these great served as is, no butter or additional seasoning necessary. This of course is up to you!
Air Fried Corn on the Cob Variations
- cilantro lime- brush cooked corn with 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro
- go Greek- sprinkle with this greek seasoning and serve with this super speedy tzatziki
- garlic parmesan- season uncooked corn with garlic powder, and sprinkle your cooked corn with parmesan cheese
- miso honey butter- try the Miso Honey Butter from this post and brush it on your corn after cooking
- Jamaican- sprinkle with Jamaican Jerk Seasoning on the corn and serve with lime wedges
Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Corn on the Cob
- Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
- Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes
- Chili Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa
- Summer Couscous Salad
- The Most Amazing Pork Tenderloin Marinade
How to Store & Reheat Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is best served fresh, but you can store and reheat this recipe:
- cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- heat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes, or until warmed through
Freezing corn- apparently it is possible to freeze corn, though you must blanche it first. I do not know how fully cooked corn will freeze/thaw.
Air Fried Corn on the Cob FAQs
Yes, this works just as well with fresh or frozen corn! You will need likely 3-5 extra minutes if you are using frozen corn.
If you're looking for a crunch, you will want to flip the corn every 5 minutes or so, spraying or brushing with oil again each time. Depending on how crispy you like it, you may choose to cook it longer than the 13-15 minutes listed in the recipe card.
More corn recipes
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Air Fried Corn on the Cob
Video
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn shucked and trimmed to fit your air fryer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray oil
- salt & pepper generous
Instructions
- Prepare corn- Remove the husk and silk from the corn, then brush on all sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook- Pre-heat your air fryer to 350°F for at least 5 minutes. Add the corn to the basket. It's OK if it's touching. Cook for 13-15 minutes, turning the corn over halfway through. See note 1
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
Becky G says
Super easy and scrumptious!
Bea says
Thanks for sharing, I love corn on the cob & last year had just started using the pressure cooker pot thing & it was great for a large amount but now I'm using my air fryer for just me..much better than the microwave even tho you don't have to shuck it first. From PHd to food blogger.. WOW that was a lot of education & money tossed aside to be a blogger.. kudos to you for being brave
Sue says
This corn on a cob was totally awesome! I was very Leary of it but oh my am I glad I tried it. Thank you
Ben | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Sue,
We are so glad you tried it too. Air Fryer Corn On The Cob is Soooo Good!
Rochelle says
The corn turned out great!