Growing up in the Midwest, corn season was always the highlight of summer. My grandmother would drive us to local farms where we’d pick ears still warm from the sun. Years later, I discovered that my air fryer could recreate that same sweet, caramelized flavor we got from her old cast iron skillet, but in half the time and with zero guesswork.
This air fryer method transforms ordinary corn into golden, slightly charred perfection that beats boiling or microwaving every time. The hot air creates those beautiful caramelized spots that intensify the corn’s natural sweetness.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
There are many different models of air fryers
Air fryers use rapid air circulation to create the Maillard reaction, the same browning process that makes grilled corn so delicious. The high heat caramelizes the corn’s natural sugars, while the circulating air ensures even cooking without constantly turning the ears.
Why the air fryer method of cooking corn works so well
Air fryers stand out from other corn cooking methods like microwaves or boiling water due to the extra flavor boost provided by the roasting process. Using this process, bits of the corn deliciously brown but remain a relatively blank canvas for any spices or sauces you’re craving.
Ingredients
It could hardly get simpler than the four ingredients required to cook air fryer corn:
- Corn on the cob – We love to use sweet corn, as it provides natural sweetness and the base for caramelization
- Vegetable oil – Creates a barrier for even browning and prevents sticking
- Salt – Enhances the corn’s natural flavors and balances sweetness
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and depth to complement the corn
If you’d like, you can swap out the neutral vegetable oil for more flavorful olive oil.
Can you cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer?
Yes — but not directly. Having frozen corn cobs is a great way to ensure you always have delicious veggies on hand, but they’ll need to be defrosted in the fridge before they’re used in this recipe.
How to make corn on the cob in an air fryer
The process for prepping and cooking air fryer corn is as straightforward as the list of ingredients:
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
- Wash and pat dry, then cut to fit your air fryer if necessary.
- Add the corn to the basket in a single layer. Leave space between the cobs for even cooking.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil, and then rub the oil into the corn to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Air fry corn at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
Recipe variations
This simple recipe allows the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of the corn to shine through. But those looking for an extra boost can try ideas like:
- Swap out the vegetable oil for melted butter.
- Add extra seasonings like Tajin (a dried chile-lime mixture), taco seasoning, chili powder, or paprika.
- Before serving, add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
What to serve with air fried corn on the cob
This versatile dish can go with just about any entree, but a few pair particularly well:
It also works well with other sides, too:
Truly, there’s not much that won’t taste even better alongside this easy, fresh air fryer corn on the cob.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: Wrap individual ears in plastic wrap, then store them in freezer bags for up to 6 months.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When chilled, corn may lose some crispness.
- Reheating Method: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed. Never microwave, as this creates uneven heating and a soggy texture.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Air Fryer Corn Ribs
- Air Fryer Croutons
- Air Fryer Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Love corn? Try these recipes!
- Copycat Recipe Chipotle Corn Salsa
- Indian Corn Casserole Recipe
- Scalloped Corn Recipe
- Corn and Bean Salad
- Corn Chowder
- Corn Casserole
Be sure to check out my easy air fryer recipes and the best side dishes.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob – Perfect Roasted Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 fresh ears of corn
- 2 to 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove husk and the silks from each ear of corn, wash and pat dry. You may need to cut the corn to fit in your air fryer basket. If you need to do so, cut the corn.
- Drizzle vegetable oil over the corn. Try to cover the corn well with vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Video
Notes
- Have you tried Tajin? It a great chili-lime salt.
- Sprinkle on some parmesan cheese.
Looks great!
I’m sooo excited to make this – I love roasted corn! Before I try this, would you please clarify the cooking time and temp? The video says 350 degrees for 12 mins and the recipie says 400 degrees for 10 mins. Thanks in advance.
Both temperatures work, as do both times. Not all air fryers go up to 400 degrees. Use the temperature/time combination that works with your machines.
I just got an air fryer and have only tried wings (which were amazing!) and frozen french fries. But I would like to see you cook a hamburger in it.
I’ve made burgers in mine and they turned out perfect. I think I cooked them for about 15-20 min and flipped half way through. Perfectly juicy and cooked to perfection
I recieved on from one of our daughters for christmas . HAved tried a few things chicken, frozen fries , frozen spring rolls etc. So far I love it ! glad to find the corn recipe. I will look forward to many more. Thank you.
JUst found you in Pinterest excited about more recipes in air fryer
Looks great
I plan on getting an Air Fryer soon, so I’m trying to get some recipes ready.
That’s the smart thing to do!
I have the small frozen corn on the cob…could I use it in the Air Fryer? Maybe thaw it out before?
I also got the milex airfryer. On which celsuis degree do you cook it and how long?
Would love to see a cake baked in the air fryer.
Thanks.
Most air fryers are pretty small! It would have to be a personal sized cake for may air fryers.
There are baskets that can be purchased according to your brand. They are perfect for bread and cake. They stay in the drawer.
Good to know! Thank you.
I’m new to the air fryer, too. I was wondering if instead of oil, could you use real butter?
I would be concerned you could burn the butter, I think clarified butter would work better.
Hi I put my corn in foil with melted butter salt pepper it was so good
I have been making corn in the microwave, this is such an improvement.
Sounds great. Can’t wait to try it. I would love to see you make fried chicken.
I made fried chicken in mine. I don’t like a lot of batter, so I just coated it with flour and sprayed olive oil on it. You would need to turn it half way through. It turned out delicious!
Hi, I am very new to Air fryer I have it only for three days now…..so I am very happy for any idea and recipe. Thank you for your post, it looks delicious.
I hope you like this one.
Going to try the roast corn,I would like you to make fried chicken.
I thought I was the only one with the small Airfryer from Black and Decker . Since it did not come with a cookbook I ended up searching online for recipes and some companies have entire cookbooks to download for free . I also received one book as a gift and got into the habit of cutting the recipes in half. I do not bake cakes in mine but from roasting vegetables to making roasted pork tenderloin in 2o min I am using it all the time . Best investment in an appliance that does not eat up my kitchen counter – and we downsized to 2 in household . Plenty big for us . Happen to have fresh corn in the house and will use your recipe.thank you for posting 🙂
I bought the black and decker because it was the least expensive because I wanted to see if this type of cooking would work well. It did! I hope you enjoyed the corn.
this is a very good recipe I really tried this and I hope everyone uses this once in a while because in the air fryer cooked food is fat-free
i just got my fryer it has no cook book and has heat of 392 so do I roast corn longer where do I buy or get free things I can fry
My air fryer is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I’ll have to try this first thing. What is your favorite recipe that you recommend to a newbie?
Right now, I am totally digging a grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer.
The grill cheese are real good in the air fryer.
How can I find a particular recipe w/o scrolling through the whole list?
rib eye steak, peppers & onions
You can use the search button on the top middle of every page.
Will try tonight.
Roasting corn today, thanks for the recipe