Best Quick Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe
Get ready to impress your guests with this unique take on classic grilled corn – mouthwatering air-fried corn on the cob. Learn how to perfectly roast corn on the cob in an air fryer for a mouthwatering twist on this classic summer dish. You can serve it as a main dish or a perfect side dish with pork chops or grilled salmon.
Corn on the cob is a summertime staple that brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings. When I made this air fry corn last time, my husband nostalgically shared a story from his childhood in a village in Eastern Serbia. He remembered when he and a group of his friends would get corn from a cornfield, light a fire and char them right there on the fire. He claims that the taste of this air frier corn perfectly resembles the fire-roasted one. So, if you are looking for a healthy alternative without compromising taste, this irresistibly crunchy yet nutritious air-fried corn on the cob is for you! And you can make it for a fraction of the time when compared with grilling or boiling methods.
I don’t have similar memories from childhood, but this air fryer corn reminds me of Mexican street corn I ate recently from a Mexican food truck here in Pittsburgh.
Say Goodbye to Boiling and Grilling: Why Air Frying Corn on the Cob is a Game Changer
While traditionally cooked on a grill or boiled, an innovative cooking method takes the culinary world by storm – air frying. With its ability to crisp up food without excessive oil, the air fryer has become a game-changer for many recipes, including this corn on the cob. Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to convection ovens but on a smaller scale. It is often promoted as a healthier alternative to deep frying because it requires little oil (or no oil). Here are some advantages of air frying:
- Reduced oil consumption: Air frying typically requires up to 90% less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their oil intake or calorie consumption.
- Lower fat content: With less oil used in air frying, the resulting food has significantly lower fat content than deep-fried alternatives. This can be beneficial for individuals who are watching their fat intake or managing certain health conditions.
- Faster air fryer cooking times compared to other methods: This one is hard to beat, in my opinion! If you can cook perfect corn in a fraction of the time, why would you choose grilling or boiling anyway 😏?
You can read below to learn how to achieve perfectly tender corn cobs using an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish with a delightful twist in no time.
Ingredients Needed for Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Corn
If you love corn on the cob but want a healthier and faster alternative to boiling or grilling, air frying is the way to go! Air fryer corn on the cob retains its natural sweetness while achieving that perfect charred flavor. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Here is what you’ll need:
- Three ears of fresh corn – cut them in half to end up with six
- Olive oil spray – you could also use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Ground paprika to taste – if you’d like to add some hotness, use hot paprika or chili powder
- Optional toppings: Melted butter or freshly grated Parmesan cheese; any additional seasonings or spices of your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Mouthwatering Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c) for about 5 minutes. The temperature depends on the type of air fryer you have. Mine is Cuisinart Compact, which has a manual temperature set, and what worked for me was the temperature of around 375 degrees f.
- Step 2
While preheating, shuck the corn by removing the husks and silk strands. Rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
- Step 3
Pat dry each ear of corn using a paper towel.
- Step 4
Prepare the seasoning by combining salt, black pepper, and ground paprika.
- Step 5
Season according to your taste preferences, and coat all sides evenly.
- Step 6
Spray olive oil (or avocado oil) evenly over all sides of each ear of corn. This will help lock the seasoning and achieve that crispy texture in your air fryer.
- Step 7
Place the seasoned ears of corn in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or air fryer tray. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. I can fit six half-cut ears in my air fryer.
- Step 8
Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until you achieve a nice golden color with slightly charred spots.
- Step 9
Keep a close eye on the corn during the last few minutes to prevent excessive charring or burning.
- Step 10
Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a serving platter.
- Step 11
Serving Suggestions: Serve the air fryer corn on the cob as is, or brush it with more melted butter or sprinkle additional seasonings for extra flavor.
- Step 12
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check the corn for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into a kernel to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Mastering Texture and Taste: Helpful Tips to Achieving Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Corn
- Choose Fresh Corn: Start with fresh corn on the cob. Look for ears of corn with bright green husks and plump kernels. The fresher the corn, the better the flavor and texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).
- Seasoning: Season the fresh corn with your preferred seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick. For added flavor, you can also use herbs like parsley, cilantro, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the corn. Start cooking the corn at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Check the corn halfway through the cooking process and turn them to ensure even cooking. If the corn is not yet tender, continue cooking for a few more minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Resting Time: Once the corn is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the corn to cool slightly.
- Additional Toppings: Add your favorite toppings after cooking to elevate the flavor further. Consider brushing the cooked corn with melted butter, sprinkling some freshly grated cheese, or squeezing a bit of lime juice or lemon juice over it. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as fresh cilantro or fresh parsley, for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, carefully place each prepared ear of corn into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding if cooking multiple ears; work in batches if necessary. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred around the edges. After 5-6 minutes, gently flip the corn using tongs to ensure even cooking.
If you use corn with husk and silk strands, you want to remove them first and then rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining silk. If you buy prepacked corn with removed husk and silk, rinse them also. In both cases, path dry each ear of corn using a paper towel.
Air fryer corn on the cob is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this summertime favorite. Its quick cooking time and ability to produce a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Whether you prefer plain corn or seasoned with various spices, the air fryer provides an easy and convenient method for consistently achieving perfectly cooked corn. So why not try it at your next cookout or family dinner?
If you like this easy air fryer corn recipe, here are some more delicious easy recipes to try:
- How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges (with Adobo Seasoning)
- Quick Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes with Cinnamon
- Easy Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Easy Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c) for about 5 minutes. The temperature depends on the type of air fryer you have. Mine is Cuisinart Compact, which has a manual temperature set, and what worked for me was the temperature of around 375 degrees f.
- While preheating, shuck the corn by removing the husks and silk strands. Rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
- Pat dry each ear of corn using a paper towel.
- Prepare the seasoning by combining salt, black pepper, and ground paprika.
- Season according to your taste preferences, and coat all sides evenly.
- Spray olive oil (or avocado oil) evenly over all sides of each ear of corn. This will help lock the seasoning and achieve that crispy texture in your air fryer.
- Place the seasoned ears of corn in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or air fryer tray. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. I can fit six half-cut ears in my air fryer.
- Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until you achieve a nice golden color with slightly charred spots.
- Keep a close eye on the corn during the last few minutes to prevent excessive charring or burning.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a serving platter.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the air fryer corn on the cob as is, or brush it with more melted butter or sprinkle additional seasonings for extra flavor.
- Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check the corn for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into a kernel to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Video
Notes
- The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Three ears of fresh corn – cut them in half to end up with six
- Olive oil spray – you could also use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.
- Ground paprika – if you’d like to add some hotness, use hot paprika or chili powder
- Optional toppings: Melted butter or freshly grated Parmesan cheese; or squeeze a bit of lime juice or lemon juice over it. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as fresh cilantro or fresh parsley, for a fresh and vibrant touch.
