Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
on Oct 27, 2023, Updated Apr 10, 2024
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Introducing the irresistible delight of Air Fryer Corn on the Cob – a culinary experience that takes the classic corn on the cob to new heights of flavor and satisfaction. Picture plump, golden ears of corn, their kernels glistening with a tantalizing blend of spices and seasonings, all expertly prepared and crisped to perfection in an air fryer.
This innovative twist on a beloved summer staple brings together the natural sweetness of corn with the delightful crunch of frying, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that’s as easy to make as it is to savor.
Corn on the cob is a great addition to many different meals. It would taste great along slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches, beef short ribs or these super easy homemade corndogs. Cooking corn on the cob in the air fryer makes for an easy side dish that takes very little effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: Using an air fryer cuts down the cooking time compared to boiling or grilling. You can have your corn ready in just 10-15 minutes!
- No Fuss, No Muss: There’s no need to boil water or heat up a grill. Just pop the corn into the air fryer, and it’s a breeze to clean up afterward.
- Super Crunchy: Air frying makes the corn on the cob extra crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. It’s like a perfect snack!
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Choose ears of corn with bright green husks and plump kernels. Fresh corn will give your dish the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a rich, savory flavor to the corn and helps it crisp up in the air fryer. It also helps the seasonings stick to the corn.
- Salt and Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and add a touch of savory goodness. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Butter: Butter is often used to brush on the cooked corn for extra richness and flavor. You can use it sparingly if you like or skip it if you prefer a lighter option.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Cheesy Corn: After air frying, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese over the hot corn. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, savory coating.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, try adding a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to your corn before air frying. It’ll give your corn a spicy kick!
- Herb-Infused Butter: Mix chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or rosemary into softened butter. After air frying, spread this herbed butter over your corn for a burst of fresh flavors.
- Lime Zest: Grate some lime zest over your cooked corn for a zesty, citrusy twist. Squeeze a bit of lime juice for extra freshness.
- Garlic-Lovers’ Delight: If you’re a fan of garlic, add minced garlic to your olive oil before brushing it onto the corn. This will infuse your corn with a delicious garlicky flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning over your corn before air frying for a unique combination of flavors, including sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and garlic.
- BBQ Corn: Brush your corn with your favorite barbecue sauce before air frying for a smoky, tangy taste.
How To Make Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Step #1. Start by peeling off the husks and silk from the corn, rinse them, pat them dry.
Step #2. Lightly coat them with olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste.Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 375°F.
Step #3. Place the seasoned corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through for even cooking.
Step #4. Carefully remove the corn from the air fryer, let them cool briefly, and if you like, top them with a pat of butter before serving. Enjoy your crispy air fryer corn on the cob!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can cook the corn with the husks on if you prefer. Just be sure to remove the silk, then wrap the corn in damp paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.
While fresh corn is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen corn on the cob. Keep in mind that frozen corn might have a slightly different texture after air frying.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Try using garlic powder, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes or herbs for added flavor.
Expert Tips
- Fresh corn will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
- Before air frying, brush your corn with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, or garlic powder.
- While air frying, shake the basket a few times to ensure all sides of the corn get crispy and delicious.
Dipping Sauces For Air-Fried Corn
You can enjoy your air-fried corn on the cob as-is, or serve it with a variety of dipping sauces such as melted garlic butter, lime crema, squirt of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel off the husks and remove the silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under running water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Lightly brush each ear of corn with olive oil. This will help the corn develop a nice crispy texture as it cooks.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the oiled corn, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
- Place the prepared corn in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking. (epending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches to ensure proper air circulation.)
- Air fry the corn at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes. Turn the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The corn should be tender and slightly browned when done.
- Carefully remove the corn from the air fryer basket. Let them cool for a moment before serving. Top with a pat of butter and serve.
Notes
- Just make as many ears as you need, you’ll need about 2 teaspoon of oil per ear of corn.
- Be thorough while removing the silk from the corn so that they all come off. I like to wash them under a little warm water to help remove the silks.
- While olive oil is recommended, you can experiment with other oils like melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Beyond salt and pepper, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Corn on the cob pairs excellently with a wide variety of dishes, especially grilled meats and summer salads.
- The corn will be hot when it comes out of the air fryer, so use caution when handling. Allowing it to cool enough to eat.
