Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is one of the best methods for cooking fresh corn! Not only is this cooking method quick and easy, but air fryer corn is tender, juicy, and has a delicious toasted flavor.  

It is hard to beat the flavor of fresh summer corn! When corn on the cob is in season, the kernels are perfectly sweet, juicy, and plump. 

From Instant Pot Corn on the Cob to Corn Salsa to Grilled Corn on the Cob to Air Fryer Corn, you can't go wrong with the taste of sweet summer corn! 

But if you are craving the flavor of roasted corn, I encourage you to try this ridiculously simple, yet incredibly perfect method for using the Air Fryer to cook corn on the cob.

Without having to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen, or having to stand over a hot grill, this recipe for Air Fryer Corn produces perfectly cooked corn with corn kernels that are perfectly golden and slightly crispy, while still remaining tender and juicy!

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Corn

• Corn: You can use fresh yellow, white, or bi-corn. In fact, you can even use defrosted frozen corn on the cob for this recipe. This recipe is designed for corn on the cob, not corn kernels, however, I have provided modifications for cooking frozen corn kernels or fresh corn kernels that have been removed from the cob. 
• Cooking Spray, Oil, or Melted Butter To give the corn a really golden exterior, you want to spray the corn with cooking spray or brush the corn cobs lightly with oil or melted butter prior to air frying. 
• Seasonings: You can season the corn simply with salt, or jazz it up with one of my suggestions below.
• Air Fryer: This recipe will work with any air fryer you have, whether using an air fryer with a basket or trays.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn

Step One: Prepare Corn. Before air frying the corn on the cob, be sure to remove the husks and silks fully from your fresh corn cobs and then lightly rinse to remove any dirt or debris. You will need to trim off the bottom stalk for the corn to fit into your air fryer, and you may need to cut the corn cobs in half if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Step Two: Season Corn. I find it is best to flavor your corn AFTER air frying. The only thing you will need to do prior to air frying is to spray the corn evenly with cooking spray or brush the corn cobs with a bit of oil or melted butter.

Step Three. Air Fry Corn. When placing the corn into your air fryer, keep in mind you want to leave space between the ears of corn so that every kernel cooks evenly. If needed, work in batches to prepare the corn. Be sure to flip the corn halfway through the cooking process so that each side becomes perfectly golden.

Step Four: Season and Serve. Serve warm with or without butter and a sprinkling of salt. I personally find air fryer corn to be so delicious, that nothing more than a sprinkle of salt is needed.

Cooking Corn Kernels in the Air Fryer

If you have a bag of frozen corn or would like to remove the corn kernels from your fresh corn on the cob prior to air frying the corn, follow the following modifications.

• Toss 12 ounces of frozen corn kernels with ½ tablespoon of canola oil or melted butter. Add salt and pepper, or seasonings of your choice, to taste.
• Place the seasoned corn into an 8-inch cake pan. This will keep the corn ken
• Place the cake pan into the air fryer and air fry at 380 degrees F for 6-8 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes for frozen corn.

Flavor Options

After your corn has been air-fried, you can serve it plain, with a bit of salt and pepper, or use one of the following suggestions to add dimension to your sweet summer corn. 

• Butter and Salt: Stick to the classic and season the corn with a smear of butter and sprinkle with salt.
• Fresh Herbs: Brush the corn on the cob with yogurt, butter, or mayonnaise and sprinkle with chopped parsley, chopped chives, or chopped fresh dill.
• Cilantro Lime Corn: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the zest and juice of a lime to the butter and use that mixture to brush onto the cooked corn. Finish with a sprinkle of minced cilantro and some crumbled queso fresco.
• Mexican Street Corn: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on corn, sprinkle with chili powder, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
• Parmesan: Spread the corn with butter or brush with extra virgin olive oil and grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the corn.
• Spicy: Rub the corn with butter and then sprinkle with Cajun Seasoning or smoked paprika and a drizzle of Sriracha.

Recipe FAQs

More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes for Vegetables

• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Squash
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Potatoes
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

If you gave this recipe for Air Fryer Corn on the Cob a try, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.