Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is one of the easiest recipes you’ll make in your air fryer. The corn turns out perfectly roasted and juicy and it’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a delicious side dish to go with your summer grilling!
I’m all about the air fryer side dishes these days! It’s a great way to save time and oven space, and you don’t need a lot of oil to get delicious results. Some of our favourites include these air fryer green beans and air fryer carrots, but I’m predicting this corn on the cob recipe will be a new summer staple for us!
Air fried corn is a great way to enjoy the taste of grilled corn without having to turn on your grill. Or, as in our case, you don’t have to find space for it on your small grill while you’re trying to cook your burgers or steaks!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple. You need just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes prep time to get this corn in the air fryer.
- Quick and easy. The corn cooks in just 15 minutes and, other than flipping them at the halfway point, they’re pretty hands off in the air fryer.
- Super delicious. The corn turns out sweet and juicy with a little charring that tastes like you grilled your corn.
Details on the ingredients
Corn on the cob – You’ll need 4 medium-sized fresh ears of corn for this recipe, with the husks and silks removed and the ends trimmed. You can buy corn this way or do it yourself. When corn is in season, I highly recommended buying it super fresh (that’s when it’s the sweetest) and shucking it yourself. Here’s an article from The Spruce Eats on how to shuck corn.
Oil – There’s just a little oil brushed on the corn before air frying. I used extra virgin olive oil but you can use your preferred oil.
Seasonings – A simple mix of salt, pepper and garlic powder is all you need to season the corn. If you want to change it up with different herbs and spices, there are plenty of options. (See below for suggestions).
How to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer
- Remove the husks and silks from your corn and trim the ends off. (You’ll definitely want to do this if the corn is too long for your air fryer.
- Arrange the corn on your work surface and brush the oil on the corn. You can also use your hands to rub it in.
- Mix together the salt, garlic and pepper and then sprinkle it on the corn. You can also use your hands to rub it in and make sure it gets good coverage.
- Place the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 13-15 minutes, flipping them at the halfway point.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Topping options
Slather on some butter and top it with salt and pepper. This topping option is simple but it’s a classic!
Top your warm corn on the cob with cheese like crumbled feta, cotija or parmesan. Melty, salty cheese is pretty irresistible on top of fresh, juicy corn.
For a cheesy flavour that’s dairy free, sprinkle on a little nutritional yeast.
Top the corn with different spices before or after air frying. For some added heat, go for cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder, yet smokey flavour, try chili powder, smoked paprika or cumin.
For fresh flavour (and a colourful presentation), add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
Frequently asked questions
To imitate corn that’s been grilled over high heat, you’ll want to air fry your corn on 400F degrees. The corn cooks quickly but it’s still juicy with slight charring and a few crispy pieces. If the temperature setting on your air fryer doesn’t go as high as 400F, you can still air fry your corn, you’ll just need to increase the cooking time.
This depends on the size of your corn and your preferred texture. I used medium-sized ears of corn and it took about 15 minutes on 400F to achieve a tender and juicy texture with light charring. If your corn is larger, it will take longer to cook. If you enjoy corn on the firmer side, you’ll want to reduce the air frying time by 1-2 minutes.
I haven’t tested frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer, but if you want to give it a try, I suggest reducing the air frying time by a few minutes. Since frozen corn is usually blanched (or briefly cooked), it may cook a little faster in the air fryer.
If you haven’t added any toppings (like cheese and fresh herbs) to the corn, you can reheat it in the air fryer on 350F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to reheat it for too long as it may dry out or brown too much. If the corn already has toppings on it, you can reheat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
What type of air fryer was this recipe tested in?
The recipe instructions are based on a Cosori 5.8 quart basket-style air fryer. I also tested the recipe in a Cuisinart toaster oven style air fryer. Both are larger capacity air fryers so I was able to air fry four ears of corn in a single batch.
The Cuisinart browned the corn on top a little quicker, so if you have this style air fryer, I suggest reducing the cook time by a few minutes and just keep an eye on it.
Depending on the size, brand and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cook time slightly.
Additional recipe tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. The corn should be arranged in a single layer with a little bit of space in between each piece. This will help it brown and cook evenly.
- Flip and rotate the corn. Half way through air frying, make sure you flip the corn over and even rotate it, if necessary. This will also help it cook evenly.
- Be careful not to overcook. While you can air fry the corn for a few extra minutes to get your desired texture, be careful not to overcook it. You don’t want the corn to burn or shrivel up and dry out.
- Air fry in batches. If your air fryer is smaller, you’ll need to air fry the corn in batches. You may also need to cut the ears of corn in half in order to fit them in your air fryer.
- Preheating your air fryer. If your air fryer has a preheat function, feel free to use it. I tested this recipe with and without preheating and it didn’t result in any noticeable difference to the cook time.
Ways to use air fried corn on the cob
- As a side dish, we love this corn on the cob with turkey burgers, steak, chicken and kabobs.
- It’s also a tasty side for pork ribs or pulled pork.
- Cut the corn off the cob and add it to soups like this dairy-free corn chowder or butternut squash soup.
- Use it has a substitute for grilled corn in this vegetable orzo salad.
- Add it to chili or use it as a topping for nachos and hummus bowls.
More air fryer side dishes to try
- Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Beets
- Air Fryer Radishes
- Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
- Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions
- Air Fryer Turnip Fries
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Snap Peas
If you make this air fryer corn on the cob, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is one of the easiest recipes you’ll make in your air fryer. The corn turns out perfectly roasted and juicy and it’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a delicious side dish to go with your summer grilling!
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional toppings:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Crumbled feta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn by removing the husks and silks from your corn and trimming the ends.
- Brush the oil on the corn or use your hands to rub it in.
- Mix together the salt, garlic and pepper and sprinkle it on the corn or use your hands to rub it in.
- Place the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 13-15 minutes, flipping them at the halfway point.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve hot with preferred toppings.
Notes
- The recipe instructions are based on a Cosori 5.8 quart basket-style air fryer. Depending on the size, brand and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cook time slightly.
- If your air fryer is smaller, you’ll need to air fry the corn in batches. You may also need to cut the ears of corn in half in order to fit them in your air fryer.
- For even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. The corn should be arranged in a single layer with a little bit of space in between each piece.
- While you can air fry the corn for a few extra minutes to get your desired texture, be careful not to overcook it.
- For firmer corn, air fry for about 13 minutes.
- If your air fryer has a preheat function, feel free to use it. I tested this recipe with and without preheating and it didn’t result in any noticeable difference to the cook time.
- Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
This corn looks amazing. I definitely need to try it in the air fryer!! We eat a lot of corn on the cob in the summer!
So do we! I hope you like it!
Mmmm, this air fryer corn looks divine, Leanne! I’m imagining some lime, chili and cilantro on it!
That sounds amazing! Thanks Michelle.
This will definitely be a part of my meals this summer for sure! Perfect for when you don’t have a big bbq. Really like your suggestions for seasonings, especially the cheese!
Thanks Terry! I’m glad you’ll be adding this one to your summer list!