Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Easy and Quick

Name: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 4 ears sweet corn (shucked and cleaned); 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil; salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp vegan butter for serving (optional); 4 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

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Quick and easy air fryer corn on the cob is a simple side dish that is ready in minutes! Save time, and get perfectly cooked corn every single time!

Air fryer corn on the cob stacked on plate topped with fresh parsley.

My family is totally obsessed with corn on the cob during the summer months! It’s so fresh and sweet, and an absolutely perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, and cookouts! It’s super affordable and SO easy to make!

We’ve learned how to make air fryer popcorn, so now it’s time to try corn on the cob!

There are so many ways to cook and enjoy your ears of corn, but the air fryer is my new favorite way to prepare it!

Jump to:

Why cook corn in the air fryer?
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients and Notes
Tools and Equipment
How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
FAQS
What makes corn on the cob recipe healthy?
How do you cook corn on the cob in the instant pot?
Expert Tips
Serve Suggestions
How do you store and keep air fryer corn?
More vegetable air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Why cook corn in the air fryer?

You don’t need to heat up the grill for a couple of corn ears!
No need to wait for boiling water.
It’s an easy way to prepare corn both fresh or frozen!
The hot air circulates to cook evenly on all sides.
There’s no need to heat up the house in summer by turning on the stove.
You’ll achieve a roasted grill like flavor anytime of the year.
Air frying retains more of the vitamins and nutrients in the corn cobs.

Cooked corn on the cob topped with melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy
Healthy and Vegan Friendly
Creates a fried corn finish!
Easy side dish!
Gluten-Free
Simple Ingredients
Dress up your corn anyway you like!
Roasted and crispy flavor!

Ingredients and Notes

Four ears of corn on a rectangular plate, next to small bowl of butter, salt, and pepper.

Sweet Corn: There are different varieties of corn, although, in the summer, you are more likely to find sweet corn in your grocery store! This has the best flavor! Especially when bought in season!

Olive Oil: All you need is a bit of olive oil is needed to crisp the corn and give it that nice roasted flavor.

Salt, Pepper and Vegan Butter: Simply season with kosher salt, or sea salt, and fresh black pepper! Then add a touch of butter if desired.

Scroll to the bottom of the post to the recipe card for complete measurements and instructions.

Tools and Equipment

Your favorite air fryer!
Pastry brush (optional) for brushing corn with oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Prepare the Corn: Shuck and clean four ears of corn. If needed, cut ears the ends of the corn to fit inside your air fryer basket.

Four ears of corn shucked and cleaned on a white plate.

Coat with Olive Oil: Coat each ear of corn with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Do not use olive oil cooking spray. This can potentially damage your air fryer basket. Place corn ears in a single layer in the basket.

Four ears of corn in a single layer at the bottom of an air fryer basket.

Roast in Air Fryer: Air fry corn at 375 F for 6 minutes. Flip the corn and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until corn kernels are tender.

Tongs lifting corn ear out of an air fryer basket.

Finishing Touches: Top with butter, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Then add fresh herbs of your choice, such as parsley, cilantro, or basil. Enjoy!

Butter knife spreading butter on cooked corn.

FAQS

What is the healthiest way to cook corn on the cob?

The healthiest way to cook corn is the method that retains the majority of its nutrients. Unfortunately, boiling corn dissolves valuable vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. Also, corn is high in fiber, which helps with digestion. Avoid boiling to retain these nutrients. Using the air fryer is an excellent method as it retains all the health benefits of the corn, and tastes delicious!

Why do you soak corn on the cob?

If you plan to grill your corn, soaking is a common method to use to help the corn husks from burning and catching fire on the grill, as well as give it enough moisture on the inside to steam within the husks. If you are air frying your corn, you do not need to do this extra step since you will remove the husks before placing in the air fryer.

Why is my corn on the cob tough?

If your corn is tough you’ve either cooked it too long, or not enough! Corn can become tough if it’s been boiled in water for too long. The same problem can happen if you leave it in the air fryer too long, or take it out before it’s fully cooked. The best way to ensure that your corn is perfectly tender is to cook for 6 minutes per side. Check for doneness, and cook an additional 2-4 minutes if necessary. Time may vary depending on the size of your corn and your air fryer. Always check your air fryer’s cooking instructions for best estimates of time for each type of food.

Can you prepare frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer?

Yes! It’s simple to prepare! Place the frozen corn in the air fryer basket, and set the temperature to 375 F. Cook for 12 minutes in total, rotating at the 6 minute mark.

Four cooked ears of corn stacked on a white plate topped with butter, salt, and pepper.

What makes corn on the cob recipe healthy?

High in Fiber: Corn is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber is essential for helping you feel fuller longer, and aids in healthy digestion.

Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients: Corn is an excellent source of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. B vitamins help ensure your body’s cells are functioning properly. They convert food into energy, create new blood cells, and maintain healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other body tissues. In addition, minerals such as zinc helps with your immune system. Also, magnesium helps with nerve and muscle function, supports the immune system, strengthens bones, keeps blood glucose levels in a normal range, and improves energy.

Low in Calories: One ear of fresh corn has 36 calories, and that includes the added teaspoon of olive oil! To keep this recipe healthy refrain from adding butter, or add just a touch!

Healthy Fats: This recipe is coated in a small amount of olive oil. This not only makes for a wonderful flavor, but it also provides monounsaturated fatty acids. MUFAs are known to help lower cholesterol levels.

How do you cook corn on the cob in the instant pot?

Step 1: Shuck and clean corn. Cut off the ends if they are too large to fit in the instant pot.

Step 2: Place the trivet at the bottom of the instant pot. Fill with 2 cups of water.

Step 3: Place the ears in the pot. It’s okay if they overlap. Close the lid and set the steaming valve to sealing.

Step 4: Using the manual function set the time to 2 minutes. When done turn the valve to venting to do a quick release, then allow to fully release. Open the lid and carefully remove the corn.

Expert Tips

Make sure to husk and clean your corn thoroughly. You don’t want any loose corn silk that can burn while roasting.
Use olive oil to coat the corn. You need just a little bit. Don’t skip it. This helps keep the corn from sticking and gives it a nice roasted flavor.
Season the corn with your spices of choice.
Top with your favorite fresh herbs for added flavor and a touch of green and freshness! I suggest parsley, basil, or cilantro!
Use aluminum foil in the air fryer to make clean-up easy!

Close up of cooked corn lined on a plate topped with melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Serve Suggestions

Chili Powder and Lime Juice: Spice up your recipe with a sprinkle of chili pepper! Then squeeze a wedge of fresh lime juice on top! It’s so refreshing and unique!

Fresh Herbs and Melted Butter: Spread a touch of melted butter (Earth Balance Vegan Butter) is my favorite, and top with chopped fresh green herbs. Great to serve with veggie burgers and or roasted vegetable kebabs.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Salt: Sprinkle with a bit of vegan parmesan cheese (or regular) and a touch of garlic salt for an Italian flare on this recipe.

Serve with your favorite vegan sandwiches, like my vegan egg salad or vegan tuna salad.

How do you store and keep air fryer corn?

If you have leftover corn it is easy to wrap and store it for later. I prefer to wrap my cooked corn in plastic wrap, or place in a large zip-lock bag with all air pushed out. Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. When ready to reheat, unwrap the corn, and place in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until warmed.

Four ears of corn topped with fresh chopped parsley.

More vegetable air fryer recipes!

If you made this recipe, please comment below and leave a ⭐️ rating. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!