Air fryer corn on the cob is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any meal. It results in sweet, crispy, and perfectly roasted corn without the need for a grill or boiling water. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes to help you make the best air fryer corn on the cob:
Ingredients:
4 ears of fresh corn on the cob
2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps ensure even cooking.
Husk the Corn: While the air fryer is preheating, peel back the husks of the corn but leave them attached at the base. Remove any silk (the fine, thread-like strands) from the corn.
Brush with Oil or Butter: Brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the corn caramelize and develop a nice flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add any optional seasonings if desired.
Wrap in Foil (Optional): If you want to keep the corn extra juicy and prevent it from drying out, you can wrap each ear of corn in a piece of aluminum foil. However, if you prefer a slightly charred and roasted texture, you can skip this step.
Place in the Air Fryer: Place the prepared corn (with or without foil) in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches if your air fryer is small and can’t accommodate all the corn at once.
Cooking Time: Cook the corn at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn, as well as your air fryer model.
Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, check the corn for doneness. It should be tender and slightly browned or charred in spots. If it’s not quite done to your liking, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Remove the corn from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve it hot with additional butter, seasonings, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes:
Corn Selection: Choose fresh, in-season corn for the best results. The kernels should be plump and juicy.
Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Besides salt and pepper, you can try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, chili powder for a spicy kick, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty twist.
Batches: If you’re cooking a large quantity of corn, you might need to cook it in batches to ensure proper air circulation in the air fryer.
Variations: You can also try wrapping the corn in bacon strips or prosciutto before air frying for a unique and savory flavor.
Air fryer corn on the cob is a versatile and tasty dish that complements a variety of meals. Enjoy it as a side dish at summer barbecues, alongside grilled chicken, or as a simple and satisfying snack.
Tips:
- Soak the Corn: If you have the time, you can soak the husked corn in cold water for about 30 minutes before air frying. This helps keep the corn moist and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
- Turn and Shake: Turn the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides. Additionally, shaking the air fryer basket gently can help prevent hot spots and promote even browning.
- Use Parchment Paper: To make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the corn in it. Just make sure the paper doesn’t touch the heating element.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the corn. Smaller ears may cook faster, while larger ones may need a bit more time. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Variations:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): After brushing the corn with butter or olive oil, roll it in a mixture of grated Cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious elote-style corn.
- Herbed Corn: Add a blend of your favorite fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, basil, or chives, to the butter or olive oil before brushing it onto the corn.
- Sweet and Spicy Corn: Sprinkle the corn with a mixture of brown sugar and cayenne pepper before air frying for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
- Lemon Garlic Corn: Mix minced garlic and lemon zest into melted butter, then brush it onto the corn for a zesty and aromatic twist.
- Honey Butter Corn: Combine melted butter with honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Brush this mixture onto the corn for a sweet and buttery treat.
- Breaded Corn: After brushing with oil or butter, roll the corn in breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy coating. This creates a unique texture and flavor.
- Parmesan and Herb Crusted: After brushing with butter or oil, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil onto the corn.
- Vegan Corn: Use vegan butter or olive oil for brushing, and sprinkle nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for added flavor.
Remember that the air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance, and you can experiment with different flavors and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Air fryer corn on the cob is a fantastic dish for customization, and it pairs well with a wide range of meals and cuisines. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful corn on the cob!
