Corn is one of the best side dishes and it’s so easy to make in the air fryer. For more delicious side dishes try our other air fryer favorites like Air Fryer Squash or Air Fried Sweet Potato Cubes.
Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Hot and juicy corn is a staple of summer. It’s nearly impossible to resist corn on the cob that’s been perfectly buttered, sprinkled with salt and lightly dusted with freshly ground pepper. It’s these simple foods that make me crave summer every single year.
This is going to be one highly requested side dish especially during peak corn season (aka summer!) when corn is at its juiciest and sweetest. I’m talking like run down your arms juicy.
In this guide we will provide everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer corn, from picking the best corn to how to store leftovers.
No grills to heat up and no water to boil, making corn in the air fryer is the easiest method! You don’t even need to wrap the cobs in aluminum foil or coat them in oil.
Grab your corn cobs (and your air fryer) and get to shuckin’!
Why this recipe works
- Quick to cook: This corn cooks quickly in the air fryer, but still retains all the flavor of corn that’s been roasted in the oven. Just shuck it then pop it in the air fryer.
- Healthy side dish: Corn may not be the healthiest vegetable, but it is a vegetable none-the-less. There is no added oil to the corn, just an optional pat of butter for after the corn is cooked. It’s a side dish you can feel good about serving to your family.
- No oven needed: Another reason to love the air fryer is that it doesn’t heat up the whole house. Which is perfect for summer!
- Small amount: This recipe makes 4 ears of corn which is perfect for my family of 4. But, it is also easy to throw in another round of corn after the first batch cooks if you’d like to make more.
Tips for Making the Best Corn
Picking the best corn
To make great air fryer corn, you need to start with great ingredients. In this case, that is to use the freshest corn. When picking out corn, you want to look for specific characteristics.
First, look at the husks. They should seem slightly damp to the touch and a be nice bright green.
Next, examine the silk coming out of the husk. It should be a buttery white color with brown ends sticking out of the corn.
Properly Storing Corn
Corn needs to be stored correctly to keep it at peak freshness. Make sure not to wash the corn until you are ready to use it. Here are tips to keep your corn feeling its best.
If your corn is still in its husks, then it is best to put it into a plastic bag that can be loosely tied shut to provide some air flow, but not enough to dry out the corn. Place into the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you are planning on using corn immediately, just leave it out on the counter.
If your corn has had its husk removed, the you need to either wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it juicy. It will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Or store it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for up to a week.
For long term corn storage and to freeze the corn you will want to blanch the corn, which just means you will boil the corn for 4-6 minutes. Cool it down by immediately putting it into ice water for 4-6 minutes. Dry each ear well and wrap in aluminum foil. Place into a resealable freezer bag or air tight container, label with the date and freeze up to 12 months.
Best Way to Remove Corn Husks
This is easy peasy! Hold the corn in one hand and pull the husks and silk down like a banana. Twist off the husks from the bottom by grabbing ahold of all of the husks and the stalk. Then just rinse off any leftover silks by spinning the cob in the palm of your hand.
Using the freshest corn is going to make this easier because the silks stick to the corn as it ages.
What Ingredients are Needed
- Corn: Get fresh corn from your local farmers market or grocery store.
- Butter: Of, course butter is optional, but there is just something about corn that is slathered in a little (or a lot) of butter.
- Seasonings: Use your favorites to season your corn. Freshly ground pepper and salt are my go-to’s. But some other great ones are tajin, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or seasoned salt.
How to Cook it
STEP 1: Prepare the corn by removing the husks and all of the silks.
STEP 2: Preheat the air fryer.
STEP 3: While air fryer is preheating, rinse off the corn under running water and pat dry.
STEP 4: Place corn into preheated air fryer. Cook, flipping the corn over half way through cooking time.
STEP 5: Serve corn while hot with butter, salt, and pepper.
How to Serve Air Fryer Corn
You don’t just have to eat the corn right off of the cobb, although isn’t that the best way? You can cut it off the cob and use it in tacos, added to soup, definitely on top of tostadas and salads, or stuffed in peppers.
One way we like to eat it, is to turn plain corn on the cob into flavor filled Mexican street corn with this easy recipe.
PRO TIP: If your corn cobs are too long to fit in your air fryer, just cut off the thinner end with a sharp knife. Usually the kernels are pretty bare on the ends anyway. You can also cut them in half.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep the corn in a single layer with a little space between each ear so that it will cook correctly.
- If the cobs are too long, just cut some off the skinniest end to make it fit. You can also cut them in half or fourths.
- Check on the corn during the cooking process. Don’t be afraid to open the air fryer at any time.
- Cook in batches to make even more corn.
Recipe Variations
- Make Mexican street corn. Just slather cooked corn cobs with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice. It is well worth the extra effort.
- Sprinkle the corn with your favorite chopped herbs.
- After buttering corn, sprinkle on freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and garlic powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the air fryer need to be preheated before cooking corn? It is preferred to preheat the air fryer if yours has that setting. If not, that is ok.
Can I cook corn in its husk in the air fryer? It’s not recommended because the husk can burn and will create a bunch of smoke.
How do I get charred looking corn? If you want charred looking corn with some golden kernels just cook at a higher heat and for a little longer, so 400°F for 12-14 minutes.
How to Store & Reheat
How to store it? Let the corn cool and put in an airtight container. It should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
How do you reheat ? Pre-heat the air fryer to 350° F. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
More summer food!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 large russet potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons salt , for the water
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted, 1 stick
- 8 ounce cream cheese, package
- 1/2-1 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or seasoned salt, if needed
Instructions
- Clean and scrub potatoes. Pat them dry, then peel them.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Add the cut potatoes to a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Salt heavily, around 2-3 tablespoons for 5 potatoes.
- Place on high heat and bring up to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium low. Cook until potatoes are tender all the way through when pierced with a fork, around 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
- Drain the potatoes completely. To dry the potatoes, place them back in the pot and put over high heat for about 30 seconds, this will help get rid of any excess moisture. Turn off the heat.
- Mash each of the potatoes with a potato masher. Then add butter and cream cheese, continue mashing. Add in half and half, salt or seasoned salt, and pepper, mash until well mixed and creamy. Taste to see if more seasonings are needed. Since the potatoes were cooked in salted water, you may not need to add more salt.
Recipe Notes
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- Add some shredded cheese.
- Mix in your favorite chopped herbs.
- Switch up the cream cheese for sour cream.
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Nutrition Information
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