Enjoy perfectly cooked, tender, juicy corn effortlessly with this simple recipe for Instant Pot Corn on the Cob--with or without removing the husks!
Pair Instant Pot Corn with Grilled Burgers or Grilled BBQ Chicken for the ultimate summer meal.
Corn on the Cob is one of my favorite things to eat in the summer. When sweet corn is in season, it is juicy, flavorful, and simply perfect!
When it comes to cooking corn, while I love grilled corn, air fryer corn, and even boiled corn, using the Instant Pot Corn is my FAVORITE method for preparing fresh corn on the cob.
Why Instant Pot Corn is the Best
- Superior Flavor. Fresh corn on the cob is cooked to perfection in the moist heat of the Instant Pot. This means that the corn is steamed, instead of boiled. That results in corn which tender, juicy, and the flavor of the corn has been intensified versus being water-logged or dried out.
- Easiest Method for Cooking Corn. You don't even have to shuck your corn on the cob before pressure cooking it! In fact, the silk and husk peel off with ease AFTER cooking.
- Fast. From start to finish, including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, Instant Pot Corn is ready in under 20 minutes. And 99% of that time is completely hands-off!
How To Cook Corn on the Cob Using the Instant Pot
While this is an incredibly simple recipe, if you are unfamiliar with cooking in an Instant Pot or the functions of your Instant Pot, be sure to start with How to Use an Instant Pot for the best results on this and future recipes. You will find the full recipe in detail in the recipe card below.
Step One: Prepare the corn. You can opt to shuck your corn cobs or leave the husks on the corn. If leaving the husks on your corn cobs, you will need to trim off the tip of the corn cob and remove the long stem at the bottom of your corn cobs, in order for your corn cobs to fit inside your instant pot.
Step Two: Assemble. For the best flavor, I highly recommend using a rack or basket to place the corn on the cob. This will prevent the corn from becoming water-logged.
Step Three: Pressure Cook. The cook time will depend on whether your corn is husked or not. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes for husked corn or cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes for corn that has not been husked. I recommend 4 minutes if your corn cobs are thick. Regardless of the cooking time, allow for 5 minutes of natural pressure release.
Step Four: Season and Serve. And enjoy perfectly cooked, perfectly tender, delicious Corn on the Cob.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Video
Learn better through video? Check out my step-by-step video on how to make Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot.
∗ Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Corn ∗
- Use a rack to elevate the corn. This will prevent the corn from becoming waterlogged.
- Always use cold water. The cooking time has been perfected using cold tap water, not hot water. If you try to speed up the time it takes to come to pressure using warm or hot water, the cooking time will not be accurate.
- Use the correct amount of water. Use the amount of water needed for the size instant pot you have for accurate cooking time. Those amounts are provided in the recipe card.
- Allow Pressure to Release for at least 5 minutes. For perfectly cooked, tender corn, it is best to allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Allowing for a full natural pressure release is fine as well.
How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob
While I HIGHLY recommend purchasing corn on the cob when fresh for the best flavor, you can also cook frozen corn on the cob right in your Instant Pot, making this recipe for Instant Pot Corn a year-round staple.
To do so, pour in cold water and place frozen, shucked corn cobs on the rack in your inner pot. Cook for 4 minutes on High Pressure, followed by 5 minutes of natural pressure release.
∗ Ways to Flavor Corn on the Cob ∗
- Butter and Salt: Stick to the classic and season with butter and salt.
- Cilantro Lime Corn: Roll the corn in butter that has been seasoned with fresh lime zest and juice and then sprinkle with cilantro and queso fresco.
- Mexican Street Corn: Spread mayonnaise on corn, sprinkle with chili powder, and add a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- Fresh Herbs: Brush the corn on the cob with yogurt, butter, or mayonnaise and sprinkle with chopped parsley, chopped chives, or chopped fresh dill.
- Parmesan: Spread the corn with butter or brush with extra virgin olive oil and grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the corn.
More Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes
- Instant Pot Green Beans
- Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
Once you try Instant Pot Corn, you will agree that it is the BEST method for cooking fresh summer corn! Enjoy this easy, fast method, and be sure to leave a comment and review below.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 1-12 ears corn on the cob
Instructions
- If desired, shuck the corn. If leaving the husks on your corn cobs, trim off the tip of the corn cob and remove the long stem at the bottom of your corn cobs, so that the corn will fit inside the Instant Pot.
- Pour in cold water into Instant Pot. 1 cup water for a 3 or 6-quart Instant Pot; 1.5 cups water for an 8-quart Instant Pot; 2 cups water for 10-quart Instant Pot. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside Instant Pot.
- Place corn cobs right on the trivet or in the steamer basket, stacking as many corn cobs as desired in Instant Pot.
- Place lid on pressure cooker and be sure lid is sealed and vent knob is closed or pointed towards "seal."
- Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes for corn without husk. Cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes for corn with husk. I recommend 4 minutes if your corn cobs are really thick.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then release any remaining pressure.
- Serve corn as desired.
Katie
I love how easy this is to do corn on the cob! An instant pot truly is a lifesaver sometimes.