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.

📌 PIN AIR FRYER CORN

🌽 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.

🍽 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.

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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!