Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Name: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fresh corn cobs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper; olive oil

by: Jessica

published: Feb 14, 2021

updated: Apr 7, 2022

4.7 (9 Reviews)

The Easiest Corn on the Cob Ever

Corn on the cob is a summer staple in my house. It’s just the perfect side to any meat, whether it’s chicken, burgers, or steak. It’s great with veggie burgers and other vegetarian main dishes too!

I love to use this air fryer recipe when I’m short on time, or when it’s super hot out and I don’t want to turn on the stove or the grill. All I have to do is pop them in the fryer, set the time, and take them out – that’s it.

We think it tastes just like grilling except I don’t have to stand over the hot grill! Just like grilled corn on the cob, the ends will char just slightly, which really enhances the natural flavors and sugars of the corn. The flavor condenses inside each kernel and I find myself using little or no seasonings after cooking it this way!

Corn cobs with 2 pads of butter on a plate next to some greens.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are truly a gift to the kitchen – they’re hands down the fastest way to cook corn evenly! There is no waiting for the water to boil, the grill to heat up or uneven cooking spots from your microwave.

By using your air fryer, you can enjoy your corn on the cob in just minutes. They only need 10 minutes to cook, which is incredibly helpful when I’m trying to throw dinner together on a tight schedule!

However, if you want to grill your corn instead, I have a perfect recipe for how to make the best Grilled Corn! I also love this recipe for Skillet Fried Corn if you happen to have corn already off the cob.

Stacked corn cobs on a plate with a pad of butter.

WHAT IS THE BEST AIR FRYER?

Air fryers are available in two different styles. The most popular type has a drawer/basket that slides in the front and usually doesn’t require preheating. The second type looks similar to a toaster oven and opens with a door, like a mini version of a regular oven.

I have tried a few different air fryers and these are my three favorites depending on your budget and air fryer style preference:

Budget Friendly: Go Wise Air Fryer
Best Basket Air Fryer: Cosori Air Fryer XL
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer: Power XL Air Fryer

4 stacked corn cobs without seasoning on a table in front of the air fryer.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the 4 ingredients you will need for this recipe:

4 Fresh Corn Cobs
Salt
Freshly Cracked Pepper
Olive Oil: this will keep the corn from sticking to the air fryer and keep it juicy. You can also use avocado oil.

Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking if you usually use more!

How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer

Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. This step helps to ensure even cooking.

Prep: Prepare corn cobs by removing husks and trimming to fit in your air fryer.

Place: Brush the basket of the air fryer with olive oil and place corn cobs evenly spaced apart.

Season: Coat the corn cobs with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides.

4 corn cobs slightly cooked in the air fryer.

Cook: Cook corn at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Turn: Flip the corn cobs over and return to the air fryer to cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve: Serve with fresh herbs and a healthy slice of butter, as desired!

5 cooked corn cobs on a plate in front of the air fryer, with a pad of butter on top.

Tips for the Best Corn on the Cob

Cooking these with your air fryer is a breeze, but here are some tips to make your life even easier:

Frozen Corn: if you are going to use frozen corn, let it thaw for about 30 minutes before you put it in the air fryer. (Fresh corn works the best, but frozen is still tasty.)
To Prevent Sticking: spraying the corn with olive oil or cooking spray will keep the corn from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer. It will also keep the corn juicy!
Timing: cooking time can vary between different appliances, so you may have to adjust the time according to your fryer.

Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions

BUTTER. ALWAYS BUTTER. My favorite way to enjoy corn is with simple butter, salt and pepper so the natural flavor of the corn stands out. I also have an amazing recipe for Mexican Street Corn — you can cook the corn in the air fryer and then top it with all the delicious toppings.

But if you are looking for a change, try these fun variations:

Cilantro Lime Corn: Melt butter in the microwave, add a teaspoon of lime juice and cilantro and drizzle over the corn when it is done cooking.
Spicy Air Fried Corn: Sprinkle a little bit of paprika and cayenne pepper on the corn before cooking for a little extra heat.
Spicy Cheetos Corn: I saw this at the fair and everyone I asked loved it! I’m not a spicy Cheetos fan, but if you are, crush some up and dunk your buttered corn into the crushed Cheetos. Enjoy it immediately before it gets soggy!

Corn on the cob on a white plate with butter on top with an air fryer in the background.

If you are looking for a super quick and easy way to enjoy corn on the cob, this is my new favorite. You still get that perfectly roasted corn flavor, but the air fryer does all of the work!

Yield: 4 servings