This air fryer corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer side dishes. It’s juicy, with the perfect just-charred flavor of grilled corn, but is super simple to make (with no need to fire up the grill!)
Summer side dish perfection
IMO there are few summer side dishes tastier (or easier) than grilled sweet corn, except maybe this corn on the cob air fryer recipe.
It’s tender and juicy, with that wonderful charred sweetness you can normally only get from the grill or barbecue, but only takes a few minutes to cook. Plus it doesn’t need the close supervision that grilling would. My whole family loves it (including my fussy-eater child); they think it is just like Nando’s grilled corn.
What do you need?
Corn on the cob
This recipe is best made with fresh corn on the cob (the fresher, the better IMO), but you can also use frozen corn cobs. When choosing the best corn on the cob at the grocery store, there are a few things to look out for:
- First, check the husks for any signs of damage or discoloration. You want to choose ears of corn that have bright green, tightly wrapped husks.
- Next, feel the kernels through the husk to make sure they are plump and firm. If the kernels feel soft or mushy, the corn is likely past its prime.
- Finally, look for ears of corn with brown silk at the top, indicating that the corn is ripe and ready to eat.
Oil
I use an olive oil spray for this recipe, but you can also use liquid cooking oil, and brush it onto the corn. Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point (like corn oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil).
Tip
When choosing an olive oil spray for your air fryer, look for the type that spritzes rather than an aerosol. The propellant in aerosol oil sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
Let’s cook this corn in the air fryer
1
Prepare.
If you are using fresh corn, remove the husk (the outer leaves and stringy bits). I usually cut the cobs into 3-4 inch sections before air frying (in half or thirds if really big), but you can also cook them whole if they fit in your air fryer.
2
Pop the corn in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C, then place the corn in the air fryer basket. It is best if it is not jammed in there too tightly as you want the hot air to be able to roast all sides of the corn evenly.
3
Air fry corn.
Spray or brush the corn cobs with oil, then air fry corn at 400°F / 200°C for 12-17 minutes. Frozen corn cobs will take 3-4 minutes longer than fresh corn.
How long to air fry corn on the cob
The exact cooking time will depend on a few factors, including how large your corn cobs are, whether you are cooking frozen or fresh, and how powerful your air fryer is.
The beauty of air frying is that it is easy to add a few minutes to the cooking time if needed. To get the cooking time just right, monitor the corn towards the end of the cook time, and air fry for additional 1-2 minute intervals if needed until it is cooked to your liking.
Serving ideas
- Classic buttered corn: Top with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Mexican-style corn: Drizzle corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder and cotija cheese, and squeeze with lime juice.
- Garlic parmesan corn: Drizzle corn with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Buffalo-style corn: Brush with buffalo sauce and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 2 corn on the cob fresh or frozen, Note 1
- Olive oil spray Note 2
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F / 200°C.
- Remove the husk from the corn cobs and cut each into two pieces.
- Place corn cobs in air fryer basket, and spritz or brush with olive oil.
- Air fry corn on the cob for 12-15 minutes until starting to turn golden brown.
- Carefully remove from air fryer and enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use frozen corn on the cob, but cook times will be a few minutes longer.
- Choose and oil spray that spritzes rather than an aerosol. Or you can brush the corn with liquid cooking oil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
Thank you so much for all your Air Fryer recipes. I have been looking for some all in one spot and came across yours, It’s an excellent tool for one’s inexperienced or a pro.