Air fryer corn is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any meal. It results in crispy, caramelized kernels with a sweet and savory flavor. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes to help you make the best air fryer corn:
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Butter, herbs, or spices for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Start by shucking the corn, removing the husks and silk. You can also trim the ends of the corn if desired.
- Seasoning:
- Lightly brush or spray each ear of corn with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps the corn become crispy and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle each ear of corn with salt and pepper to taste. You can also get creative with your seasonings by adding garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the corn starts cooking immediately when you place it in the basket.
- Cooking:
- Place the seasoned corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the corn. The corn should become golden brown and slightly charred in spots.
- Optional Butter Drizzle:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can melt some butter and drizzle it over the cooked corn while it’s still hot.
- Serve: Once the corn is done cooking and has a nice char, remove it from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two, then serve it hot.
Notes:
- Corn Size: The size of the corn and your air fryer’s capacity will affect cooking time. Larger ears of corn may need a few extra minutes, so check for doneness by piercing the kernels with a fork. They should be tender.
- Basket Size: Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. It’s essential to have a single layer of corn to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Seasoning: Be creative with your seasonings. Besides salt and pepper, try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, parmesan cheese, or your favorite herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Butter and Toppings: Feel free to customize your air fryer corn with your preferred toppings, such as grated cheese, chili powder, or fresh herbs.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover air fryer corn, you can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
Air fryer corn is a versatile and tasty side dish that can complement various meals, from BBQs to weeknight dinners. Enjoy!
1. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Elevate your air fryer corn by making it elote-style. After air frying, slather the corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, crema or sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. Parmesan Crusted Corn: Instead of traditional seasoning, coat the corn with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before air frying. This creates a delightful cheesy crust.
3. Herb-Infused Butter: Create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives. After air frying, slather the corn with this flavored butter for a burst of freshness.
4. Buffalo-Style Corn: Toss the cooked corn in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a spicy twist.
5. Honey Butter Glaze: Make a sweet and savory glaze by combining melted butter with honey and a pinch of salt. Brush this glaze onto the corn after air frying for a delightful contrast of flavors.
6. Cajun Spice: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning on the corn before air frying to give it a spicy, zesty kick.
7. Grilled Corn Variation: If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can partially grill the corn on a BBQ and then finish it in the air fryer for a combination of grilling and air frying goodness.
8. Mini Corn Bites: Cut the corn into smaller rounds or halves before air frying to create bite-sized corn snacks. They’ll cook faster and be great for snacking or as appetizers.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Corn: Wrap the corn in bacon strips before air frying for a decadent treat. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the corn.
10. Corn Salsa: After air frying, cut the kernels off the cob and use them to make a fresh corn salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of chili. It’s great as a topping or side dish.
Remember that air fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on the corn as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn. With these variations and tips, you can create a wide range of delicious air fryer corn dishes to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting!
