Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
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This air fryer corn on the cob is buttery, crunchy, and delicious! Biting into these plump kernels brings deep satisfaction and food happiness. It’s a recipe steeped in memories of backyard BBQs and summertime fun.

🌽 BEST METHOD TO COOK CORN ON THE COB
If you own an air fryer, you know what a game-changer this appliance can be. I did some experimenting with the help of my husband. He grilled corn on the cob on the outdoor grill, and I cooked corn indoors 2 ways.
Here’s what we found when comparing the 3 methods.
- BBQ Method: Beautiful-looking ears of corn. Charred on all surfaces, but also slightly dry at the ends. Kernels deliver a definite bite. Needed a bit more butter than the air frying method to restore moisture.
- Stovetop Method: Boiling is a traditional way to prepare corn on the cob. But when cooking it for a family, we needed to use a large pot of water. Another downside, it heated up the kitchen on a sweltering day.
- Air Fryer Method: Plump, juicy ears of corn cooked to perfection without the grill marks. Kernels maintain a lovely color that actually deepened with cooking. The taste and texture is very delightful!
- Selecting the Best Method: If there’s an air fryer in the kitchen, there’s no need to head outside and fire up the grill, or use a giant pot of water to cook the corn or heat up the kitchen on a hot day.
- Our Favorite Method: In the countertop machine, hot circulating air around the pieces delivers delicious roasted flavors similar to the BBQ. The ease and convenience of this method makes it a winner.
Additional Notes: This air fryer recipe is ideal for cold-weather months when it’s not great to stand outside in a coat cooking on the BBQ. It’s also perfect during parties when the BBQ is maxed out with other meat or veggies.

🛒 INGREDIENTS
Make the best corn on the cob with an air fryer and 4 basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Ears of sweet corn: Use bi-color, white or yellow. Find the best-tasting corn at a farmer’s market.
- Olive oil: Prevents the kernels from sticking to the basket. Feel free to use olive oil spray for easy greasing.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the corn.
- Butter: Adds a rich buttery taste that’s so delicious.
- Italian Parsley: This optional garnish contributes color and freshness.
👉🏻 INGREDIENT TIP: To make this recipe faster, use pre-packaged ears of corn from the grocery store. Look for them in the refrigerated produce section. They’re already husked and trimmed, and ready to go!

🥣 EASY INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS
Missing an ingredient for air fryer corn on the cob? Don’t put on your shoes and head to the market. Instead, head to your fridge or pantry. Check for these easy ingredient swaps.
It’s convenient and money-saving to use what you already have on hand!
- Corn on the Cob: Use frozen corn kernels or canned corn. See “Recipe FAQ” section below for instructions on how to air fry these options.
- Olive Oil: Use canola oil or vegetable oil instead.
- Butter: The easiest sub is margarine.
- Italian Parsley: For a bit of fresh green color, sub with fresh cilantro, rosemary or chives.

📖 recipe steps
RECIPE PREP: Soften the butter on countertop. Shuck the ears of corn. Remove long silk fibers. Discard husks and fibers. Rinse the corn. Dab it dry between lint-free towels. Trim both ends with a knife.
- STEP 1: Spray or brush the pieces of corn with olive oil. Lightly sprinkle salt on all sides.
- STEP 2: In a single layer, arrange corn inside the air fryer basket leaving space between the pieces. To fit longer cobs inside the basket, you may need to snap them in half. Air fry 8 minutes at 375°F.
- STEP 3: Flip the corn over. Cook 5 minutes more. The cobs should be lightly golden, with the kernels tender yet firm. With your fingers, do a squeeze test on one or more kernels. See if they’re cooked to your liking.
- STEP 4: Spread butter lavishly over the corn. Season as desired. Optional: sprinkle the cobs with chopped Italian parsley. Serve and enjoy.

👩🏻🍳 IDEAS FOR GARNISHING CORN ON THE COB
There are so many delicious ways to serve and enjoy these veggies. Try these luscious flavor combinations.
- Traditional: Butter, sea salt, freshly-ground black pepper, and chopped Italian parsley.
- Italian Style: Smears of butter, pesto and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
- New Orleans Style: Add Cajun seasoning and a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the melted butter. Finish with a sprinkling of Italian parsley.
- Sweet Tooth: Add a touch of granulated sugar to the melted butter.
- Savory Spread: Add garlic powder to the butter along with shallots that have been sautéed until lightly golden and a pinch of dried Herbes de Provence.
- Mexican-style Elote: Spread mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream over freshly-cooked corn. Garnish with chili powder or Tajin and cilantro. Serve with juicy wedges of Mexican lime.

🧑🏼🍳 recipe faq
These are the most commonly asked questions when making air fryer corn, and the most helpful answers for recipe success.
In the USA, this veggie is grown in all 50 states. The peak season for sweet corn is May through September. During spring and summer months, some of the best corn on the cob is found at roadside farm stands close to the source where it’s grown, and at farmer’s markets.
Start by eyeing good-looking plump ears of corn. They should have tight green husks that look fresh, not crisp or crackly. The golden blonde (hairy) tassels at the top should be slightly sticky, not dark and dry. Pull back the husks a few inches to view the kernels. Avoid ears of corn that are naked on top with too many kernels missing.
Yes. You can air fry corn that’s in a frozen state. Begin by cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes at 375°F. Then brush the cobs with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Continue air frying until the kernels are fork tender, rotating the cobs halfway through the cooking time.
Put a small metal baking pan in the air fryer basket. Spray the pan with olive oil. Add frozen corn kernels or canned corn (with the liquid drained off) to the pan along with pats of butter. Air fry for 2 minutes at 375°F. Stir briefly. Air fry 2 to 4 minutes more, depending on whether the corn was frozen or canned.
It’s a great side for BBQ ribs, baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese, steaks, pork chops, and southern fried chicken.
Store leftover corn on the cob in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cooked veggies will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat corn in the air fry machine (with pats of butter on top) at 375°F. If using the oven to reheat, wrap the corn in foil so it doesn’t dry out.

🍽 more DELICIOUS SIDES
If you enjoyed this air fryer corn on the cob recipe, you’ll also love these flavorful tasty sides. They’re family favorites that are super delicious and easy to make. Add them to your recipe collection. Pin them to Pinterest.
- Green Beans Almondine
- Roasted Fall Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Coleslaw
- Lemon Orzo Salad
RATE THIS RECIPE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
During summer and Thanksgiving get-togethers, I’ve received so much positive feedback on the delicious taste and texture of this air fryer corn. Friends and family are excited about this easy air-fryer recipe.
If you too experienced the joy of making this yummy recipe indoors using the air-fry method, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero! Share it with a friend.


Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 20 Minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
Enjoy air fryer corn on the cob that’s crisp, tender and delicious! Drizzle melted butter over the freshly-cooked cobs and season to taste. This wholesome recipe is quick and simple to make.
Ingredients
- 2 ears of sweet corn (bi-color, white or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, or olive oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Italian parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
RECIPE PREP: Soften the butter on countertop. Shuck the ears of corn. Remove long silk fibers. Discard husks and fibers. Rinse the corn. Dab it dry between lint-free towels. Trim both ends with a knife.
- Spray or brush the pieces of corn with olive oil. Lightly sprinkle salt on all sides.
- In a single layer, arrange corn inside the air fryer basket leaving space between the pieces. To fit longer cobs inside the basket, you may need to snap them in half. Air fry 8 minutes at 375°F.
- Flip the corn over. Cook 5 minutes more. The cobs should be lightly golden, with the kernels tender yet firm. With your fingers, do a squeeze test on one or more kernels. See if they’re cooked to your liking.
- Spread butter lavishly over the corn. Season as desired. Optional: sprinkle the cobs with chopped Italian parsley. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Ideas for garnishing corn on the cob:
- Traditional: Butter, sea salt, freshly-ground black pepper, and chopped Italian parsley.
- Italian Style: Smears of butter, pesto and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
- New Orleans Style: Add Cajun seasoning and a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the melted butter. Finish with a sprinkling of Italian parsley.
- Sweet Tooth: Add a touch of granulated sugar to the melted butter.
- Savory Spread: Add garlic powder to the butter along with shallots that have been sautéed until lightly golden and a pinch of dried Herbes de Provence.
- Mexcian-style Elote: Spread mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream over freshly-cooked corn. Garnish with chili powder or tajin and cilantro. Serve with juicy wedges of Mexican lime.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, Air Fryer Corn

air fryer corn 👉🏻 JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Have you had a chance to enjoy air fryer corn on the cob? What are your favorite toppings or garnishes for these tasty veggies? Join the conversation in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
This corn on the cob was absolutely amazing with the use of the air fryer! So easy too! Yum
★★★★★
It’s my favorite way to cook corn. It’s fast and easy. Yum.
★★★★★
What a fantastic recipe — so easy to make, thank you!
★★★★★
This air fryer corn recipe was definitely tasty! Genius trick to a perfectly cooked corn with all the flavors intact. I used pre-packaged cobs from the refrigerated section at the grocery store.
★★★★★
Such a great idea to make corn on the cob in an air fryer! Turned out delicious and we will definitely be making again! And thanks so much for all those topping ideas too.
★★★★★