Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer corn on the cob with this easy baking recipe. Perfectly caramelized, juicy kernels in half the time of traditional methods. The ultimate hands-off technique for sweet, tender corn that retains all its natural flavor and nutrients.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 corn cobs

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 fresh corn cobs, husks and silk removed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil or melted butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2g sea salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2g freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional toppings: 30g butter, chopped fresh herbs, 5g paprika, 5g garlic powder</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush (for applying butter or oil)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures your corn starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, promoting better caramelization. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your corn cobs. Ensure they're completely free of husks and silk. Rinse them under cold water and pat thoroughly dry with kitchen paper – moisture will prevent proper browning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Using a pastry brush, coat each corn cob evenly with olive oil or melted butter. The fat helps the corn develop that beautiful golden color and prevents it from drying out during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper, rotating to ensure all sides are covered. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Place the prepared corn cobs in your air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space between each cob for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches rather than overcrowding. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Cook the corn at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through with tongs. You're looking for the kernels to become bright yellow with some golden-brown caramelized spots. These spots indicate the natural sugars in the corn are caramelizing, which enhances the sweetness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Check the corn at the 8-minute mark – cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your corn. The corn is done when the kernels yield slightly when pressed with tongs but still maintain some firmness. Overcooked corn becomes chewy rather than juicy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Remove the corn carefully using tongs (the corn will be very hot) and transfer to a serving plate. For extra flavor, immediately add a pat of butter while the corn is hot, allowing it to melt into the kernels. If desired, sprinkle with additional seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs while the corn is still hot and the butter is melting. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience. The air-fried corn should have a delightful contrast between the slightly crisp, caramelized exterior and the juicy, tender interior of each kernel. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe?

This recipe uses fresh corn cobs, olive oil or melted butter, sea salt, and black pepper. Optional toppings include butter, chopped fresh herbs, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavour of the perfectly air-fried corn.

How to cook Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe by preheating your air fryer to 190°C, removing husks and silk from corn, brushing with oil or butter, seasoning with salt and pepper, then air frying for 10-12 minutes until golden brown with caramelized spots, turning halfway through. The result is juicy, sweet corn with minimal effort.

Is air-fried corn healthier than boiled corn?

Air-fried corn retains more nutrients than boiled corn, as water-soluble vitamins aren't lost in cooking water. The method also requires less fat than other cooking techniques while still delivering caramelized flavour, making it a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice taste.

Can you cook frozen corn kernels in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen corn kernels work brilliantly in the air fryer. Spread them in a single layer, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 200°C for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They'll develop delicious caramelization similar to fresh corn on the cob.

What are the best seasonings to add to air-fried corn?

Beyond classic salt and butter, try Mexican-style elote seasonings (lime juice, chilli powder, cotija cheese), Italian herbs with parmesan, Cajun spice mix, or curry powder with lime. Fresh herbs like coriander, basil or chives also complement the sweet caramelized kernels beautifully.

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