Delicious air fryer corn on the cob is so quick and easy to make! You only need four simple ingredients (sweet corn, olive oil, salt and black pepper) as well as your trusty air fryer for this recipe.
This recipe was originally published on June 8, 2021 as "Grilled Corn with Miso Butter." The recipe was republished to air fryer corn on the cob on September 1, 2024. The blog post was updated with helpful step by step photos.
Corn on the cob also known as a "corncob" is often made on the stove top by cooking the corn in boiling water. Using the air fryer is a much easier cooking method because you don't have to heat up your kitchen and it takes less time!
Sweet corn on the cob pairs well with so many dishes especially during the summer months. Serve it with tasty grilled balsamic eggplant sandwiches, add it to a grilled romaine salad, or enjoy it next to summer squash pasta.
Jump to:
- Why You Should Make Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
- Ingredient Notes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step by Step Instructions
- How to Pick the Best Corn
- Storing, Freezing and Reheating
- Top Tips for Air Frying Corn
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Did you try this recipe?
- Quick Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Why You Should Make Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
- The flavors of the corn are similar to when corn is roasted or cooked on the grill. There is a slight bit of caramelization that is so delicious!
- You only need four simple ingredients and ten minutes to prepare and cook this easy air fryer side!
- It is the perfect summer side dish to serve at your next BBQ or get-together!
Ingredient Notes
- Corn on the cob - fresh, sweet corn is best during the summer. You can also use frozen corn on the cob for this recipe.
- Olive oil - a little bit of olive oil goes a long way in the air fryer!
- Salt and pepper - I like to use sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Frozen - you can absolutely air fry corncobs from frozen. Simply add 3 more minutes to the air fry cook time.
- Without oil - you can omit the oil for an oil-free recipe!
- Butter - spread butter on the corn AFTER it is done cooking in the air fryer. You can use butter variations such as honey butter, vegan butter or miso butter (butter + miso paste)!
- Parmesan - add freshly grated parmesan cheese and parsley on top after the corn comes out of the air fryer.
- Garlicky - grate a clove of garlic on top of the corn when it comes out of the air fryer.
- Spices - add your favorite spices to season the corn for more flavor! Try using paprika, ranch seasoning, or elote seasoning!
Step by Step Instructions
Break each corncob in half (if needed to fit in your air fryer basket).
Brush olive oil on each ear of corn. Season it with a pinch of salt.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is preheated, add the corn to the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Make sure there is some room between each ear of corn.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking so the corn is moved around. When the air fryer is done, carefully remove the corn. Season it with black pepper and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!
Hint: I can fit 4 ears of corn in my 8-quart Gourmia air fryer if I break each ear in half. I break the corn using my hands rather than cutting it with a knife.
How to Pick the Best Corn
- Shop at your local farmers market to find the best produce in your area.
- Look for corn with bright green husks. The husks should be tightly wrapped around the ear of corn, not loose and flappy.
- Gently squeeze each corncob from the top to bottom to make sure it feels firm. You do not want to pick a soft or squishy ear of corn.
- Look for brown colored silks sticking out of the top of the corncob. This means it is ready to eat!
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
Store the corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat the corn, simply throw it back in the air fryer for 2 minutes!
You can freeze the corn on the cob in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Leave it on the cob, or cut the corn off the cob for easier use in the future. Frozen corn is great to add to soups such as this ten vegetable soup!
Top Tips for Air Frying Corn
Don't stack the corn on top of each other in the air fryer! You want to make sure the ears of corn have a little bit of room to allow the air to circulate.
Don't use aerosol cooking spray as your oil! Aerosol can actually ruin the interior of your air fryer basket. Make sure to use regular olive oil or a high smoke point cooking oil. Brush it on to the corn or simply rub it into the corn using your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can use aluminum foil in the air fryer. I don’t find it necessary to use foil but it is safe to use in the air fryer.
Yes you can cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer. Add 2-3 minutes of time to this recipe if cooking from frozen. Or thaw the corn for 30 minutes before cooking it at regular time.
Yes, the air fryer cooks the corn to perfection. It produces a similar taste to roasted or grilled sweet corn. You can add your favorite toppings after it has cooked.
Quick Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn shucked (husks and silks removed)
- ½ tbs olive oil
- pinch of salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Break the ears of corn in half (if necessary) to fit in your air fryer basket.
- Lightly brush each ear of corn with olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air fryer is preheated add the corncobs, making sure they have some room in between each cob.
- Air fry the corn for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway though cooking.
- Remove the corn from the air fryer when it is done cooking. Season with freshly ground pepper and more salt as needed. Add any other desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not stack the corn in the air fryer. There needs to be a little bit of room between the cobs so the air can circulate!
- Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to work in batches.
- Add your favorite toppings after the corn has cooked such as butter, parmesan, parsley and spices!
Cat says
When I was a kid, my mom often put corn on the cob on the grill. This way of cooking the corn is so easy and reminds me of my childhood. Hooray for air fryer corn on the cob!
Emily Toshiko says
I love to hear that! I do think it tastes similar to grilled corn. Enjoy!
Em says
I've made this twice in the last week. It so easy to make the corn in the air fryer and has been great to have on hand to add to salads!