Your air fryer is for more than just french fries! With this straightforward, hands-off recipe, turn an ordinary ear of corn into a masterpiece in minutes.
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Air fryer roasted corn
Whether it’s a summer cookout, county fair, or weeknight dinner, sweet corn on the cob is a classic side and snack that goes with just about anything. And as air fryers have become more common in the kitchens of many home cooks, it only makes sense to pair up these two items.
Air fryer roasted corn is far easier and more reliable than using the oven or grilling but provides better flavor than boiling, microwaving, or other cooking methods.
There are many different models of air fryers
There are dozens of choices for those shopping for a new air fryer. Some of the best options include the BLACK+DECKER HF110SBD 2-Liter Oil Free Air Fryer, Black / Stainless Steel.
On the other hand, those with larger families or who regularly cook in big batches may prefer the Philips Digital Airfryer, The Original Airfryer, Fry Healthy with 75% Less Fat, Black HD9230/26
which has a much larger capacity.
How does an air fryer work?
Air fryers can seem like magic, but they work based on very basic principles. Rather than submerging food in large quantities of oil like in deep frying, air fryers blast food with hot air that flows rapidly over their surface, crisping their exterior just like a traditional fryer. For those familiar with convection ovens, it’s the same concept on steroids!
These affordable countertop appliances are also quite versatile, able to cook everything from french fries and jalapeno poppers to hamburgers, seafood, or even more sophisticated options.
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
- Vegetable oil – you can use olive oil if you desire
- Salt
- Pepper
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.
How to store leftover corn on the cob
Any leftover air fryer corn should be allowed to cool fully, then packaged in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It’ll last for three to five days after cooking.
It can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers or bags, with each cob individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to allow cooks to defrost only as much as they need. Frozen air fryer corn on the cob can last up to a year.
You can also cut off the corn kernels and store them in the same way.
How to reheat
If you’d like, you can use your air fryer to quickly and efficiently reheat your leftover corn. Set it to 350°F and cook for three to five minutes until warmed to your preference.
Those in a rush can also opt for the microwave, though this can result in a softer texture. Start with a 30-second burst and continue as needed. As noted above, frozen corn should be thawed before reheating.
I hope you give this recipe a try for this corn season! Air fried corn on the cob is one of my favorite dishes. I love how the corn browns and brings out the corn flavor. I know with one bite you will think this is the best way to make corn on the cob.
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
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.
Nutrition
Cathy Trecek
Can this be done with frozen corn?
Stephanie
Yes, to must THAW the corn first.
Joy
I tried it this way but still like cutting ends off and leaving one layer of husks with silks left on. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, turn and one more minute on high for up to 3ears at a time. Let cool some before shucking the rest off and butter, salt, pepper and lawry’s seasoning salt. Sooo good and crisp/fresh flavor. I do like the air fryer for excellent rib eye steaks, wings and tater tots.
Carolyn J. Shepherd
I don’t have an air fryer yet, but was looking for information about how they work. I’m glad I happened onto your website and watched the video for corn (one of my favorite things to eat in the summer). I will be watching for your recipes and thank you for providing them.
Carolyn
Robert L
I made some today!! I did the EVOO and added some cumin to the spice mix was awesome
I did not add any oil to the fryer as I don’t think it is necessary.
Grace
Can the corn be touching in the fryer? I could put 4 halves in but would probably be crowded.
Stephanie
It will be fine if it touches a bit.
Iamimpossible
I tried this last night, everyone loved them. I didn’t have any gas for the outdoor grill, and roasting the corn in the air fryer didn’t cause the kitchen to get hot.
Karen Yager
I just an Emeril 5.3 Air Fryer and I am going to try this.
Stephanie
I hope you enjoy it!
ELOIS
Trying this tonight can’t wait!
Gail
OMG, sooo good, sooo easy. My corn was even a few days old and it came out great
Stephanie
I am glad you liked it.
Lynn Musti
Tried this tonight. It was super easy and so delicious! Thanks!
Nancy
This is fantastic! Will probably never fix corn on the cob any other way! First time followed the recipe exactly. Was great! Second time sprayed the ears with cooking spray onstead of oil. Could not tell a difference! Great recipe!!!!
BK
Works great! I ran for 15 min @ 400, 4 ears of fresh sweet corn cut in halves and lightly coated with grapeseed oil and Cajun spice. Then a couple swipes with a butter stick before serving, fantastic!
DCM
Followed the recipe with Cajun spice. My wife who is really picky commented, “not bad.
DCM
Also..used olive oil.
Stephanie
I bet that was very tasty! I love roasted corn in the air fryer, I will have to try it with some cajun spice!
Dennis Miller
I’ll be making roasted corn for my wife tonight.
I’d love to see something like a big roast done in the air fryer.
Stephanie
I think you would have to do a pretty fatty roast, and make sure you do it at a very low temp.
Sharon T
Do you need to preheat the fryer.
Debra
That corn looks good!!! I will be trying that.
Stephanie
It’s a great way to use your air fryer.
Diane Sanders
Great corn recipe,,just gotten mine xl 2.5 quart,,need recipes bad Thanks
Becky
Very gracious response to a negative comment. If I don’t like a recipe, I simple don’t use it. If the intent was constructive criticism he missed the mark.
Marie VanDyke
I am new to the air fryer i need recipes for meals please and thank you
derinda
Can. I fix beef jerky in my air fryer.
Stephanie
I think no, it’s lowest temperatures are too high.
Rebecca
Can you use frozen corn on cob? Thank you.
Mitch Moranda
Certainly, I do this with mini cobs!
Use standard recipe and see if corn is to your liking, if not add 3 minutes and see if that does it.
You can always add time, if you let it go to long it will be ruined!
I encourage you to create a journal to see time and temp that produce your favorite results!
Stephanie
I would encourage you to let the corn thaw a bit before simply putting in the air=fryer. I think it is too dense to put in completely frozen.
Micah
Yes, you should thaw the corn at least 30 minutes, and up to an hour, before air frying. If not, it will have a cold center in spots. Also, instead of using oil, I wiped gently with water and then seasoning. Used a no salt Cajun spice mix. Tasted great. 🙂
Grace
Love air fryer recipes.