If you’re dreaming of juicy, golden corn with the most irresistible roasty flavor—minus the hassle and mess—you’re going to love Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. This ridiculously simple method gives you all the summer grill vibes, right from your kitchen countertop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Fast: No boiling water, no heating up the whole kitchen—just pop your cobs in and let the air fryer work its magic.
- Perfectly Roasted Every Time: The Air Fryer gives corn a gorgeous golden brown finish with slightly crispy kernels and caramelized edges.
- Customizable Flavors: From the classic butter and salt to zippy spices or fresh herbs, you can go classic or creative every time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Side: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob always vanishes in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need the basics for this irresistible Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, but trust me—each one is crucial for that juicy, golden perfection and classic flavor we all crave. Here’s why every ingredient matters:
- Corn on the cob (3 ears): Use the freshest cobs you can find—ripe, plump, and heavy for their size; the fresher the corn, the sweeter and juicier it’ll be.
- Melted butter (2 teaspoons): This simple finishing touch infuses each kernel with rich, buttery goodness and gives you that classic summer bite.
- Sea salt flakes (¼ teaspoon): The flaky texture melts deliciously on the hot corn, providing pops of savory flavor in every bite.
- Ground black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the sweet-salty harmony perfectly.
Variations
One of the best parts about Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is how many ways you can dress it up! Here’s how to make it your own, whether you’re jazzing it up for a spicy cookout or keeping it light for a weeknight dinner.
- Mexican Street Corn: After air frying, brush with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro for an irresistible elote-style twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil and finish with your favorite dairy-free toppings.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Mix fresh chopped parsley and minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle on smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and smoky depth.
How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Start by trimming both ends of each cob so they fit perfectly inside your air fryer basket. Remove the husk and as much silky thread as possible—no one likes those pesky strands sticking around! Give the cobs a quick rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Load the Air Fryer
Place the prepped corn cobs directly in the air fryer basket. You can give them a light spray of oil for extra crispness, but they’ll still turn out beautifully without it. Just be sure to arrange them in a single layer and don’t overcrowd—if your air fryer is on the smaller side, do them in batches.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden
Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let those cobs cook for about 15 minutes, flipping them a couple of times for even browning. Peek in at the 10-minute mark—the kernels should look slightly golden and smell absolutely amazing. Don’t wander off, since they can go from beautifully brown to slightly burnt if left unchecked!
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Once the corn is hot and golden, carefully remove it from the basket. While still warm, brush each cob generously with the melted butter, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes and ground black pepper. For the ultimate finish, add chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herbs—then dive in!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Batch Size Matters: Don’t stack the ears or overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed to make sure every cob roasts evenly and gets golden all over.
- Butter Timing Is Key: Always add the melted butter after cooking, not before, to prevent it from burning and to keep the flavor fresh and rich.
- Rotate for Even Roasting: Flip your corn a couple of times during cooking for spot-on caramelization and to avoid scorched patches.
- Fresh Corn Always Wins: The juicier and fresher your corn, the more flavorful and vibrant your Air Fryer Corn on the Cob will taste—so don’t skimp on quality!
How to Serve Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
Classic never fails: a generous slather of melted butter, sea salt flakes, and maybe a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. For something special, finish with crumbly feta or Parmesan, a dash of smoked paprika, or lime zest for a bright pop!
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, veggie skewers, or a cool, tangy coleslaw. It’s also a winner alongside baked beans or a crisp salad—basically, it’s your go-to side for anything summery and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cobs into “mini corn ribs” for a fun, shareable appetizer, or cut kernels off the cob and sprinkle over salads, tacos, or even pizzas. If you’re entertaining, pile high on a platter with dipping sauces for a festive, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Corn on the Cob can be cooled and wrapped in foil or an airtight container, then stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don’t season heavily until ready to serve—this keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the corn cool completely, then wrap each ear tightly in cling film and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the corn back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel until warmed through. Finish with a little extra melted butter and you’re back in flavor heaven.
FAQs
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Can I cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time and check frequently. There’s no need to thaw first—just place frozen cobs straight into the basket.
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Do I need to preheat the air fryer for corn on the cob?
Preheating helps achieve even roasting and caramelization, but if you forget, just add an extra minute or two to the overall cooking time.
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What’s the best way to season Air Fryer Corn on the Cob?
Keep it simple with butter, salt, and a sprinkle of pepper for classic flavor. Or, branch out with herbs, chili powder, parmesan, or flavored butter for your signature twist!
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Can I make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Cook the corn just before guests arrive, then keep warm in a low oven (covered) or reheat in the air fryer right before serving. Brush with fresh butter and seasoning just before bringing to the table for best results.
Final Thoughts
Give this easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob a try—once you see how quick and delicious it is, you’ll want to make it for every meal! Whether you keep it classic or experiment with flavors, this recipe instantly brings a little sunshine to your table. Enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!
Print
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Air Fryer Corn on the Cob that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Corn on the Cob:
- 3 corn on the cob
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Trim the ends of the corn ears, remove husks, and place them in the Air Fryer basket.
- Air Fry: Optionally, spray with oil for crispier results. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Season: Once cooked, brush the corn with melted butter and season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Notes
- Do not add butter before air frying to prevent burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket or stacking corn ears to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cob
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
