Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
There are some foods that just taste like summer, and sweetcorn on the cob is definitely at the top of that list. That juicy, sweet crunch is a classic for a reason. But boiling it can make it watery, and firing up the grill for just a few ears of corn feels like a lot of work. So, what’s the solution for getting perfectly cooked, flavorful corn with minimal fuss? You guessed it: the air fryer.
Making sweetcorn on the cob in the air fryer is one of those simple kitchen hacks that will make you wonder why you ever did it any other way. The process first steams the corn inside a foil packet with butter and salt, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Then, a few minutes unwrapped at the end gives the kernels a hint of that delicious, roasted char. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes.
If you’re ready for the easiest, most delicious sweetcorn you’ve ever made, let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Method
Still not convinced? Here’s why the air fryer is the undisputed champion for cooking corn on the cob.
- Flavor Infusion: Wrapping the corn in foil with butter and salt steams the kernels in their own delicious sauce, ensuring every bite is seasoned and moist.
- Perfect Texture: You get tender, juicy corn with just a touch of that roasted char at the end for a more complex flavor.
- No Watery Corn: Unlike boiling, this method keeps all the natural sweetness locked inside the kernels instead of leaching it out into a pot of water.
- Quick and Easy: This is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, cleanup is practically nonexistent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and letting the sweetcorn shine.
- 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to achieve corn perfection.
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This will take about 3-5 minutes and helps ensure the corn starts cooking as soon as it goes in.
2. Prepare the Corn Packets
While the air fryer is heating up, lay out four pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to completely wrap one ear of corn. Place one ear of corn on each piece of foil.
3. Butter and Season
Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each ear of corn. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it will melt and coat the corn as it cooks. Sprinkle the salt evenly among the four ears.
4. Wrap Them Up
Wrap each ear of corn tightly in its aluminum foil packet. Make sure the seams are sealed to trap all the steam and buttery goodness inside.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer (Round One)
Place the foil-wrapped corn in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they touch, but try to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. This initial step steams the corn, making it incredibly tender.
6. The Final Roast (Round Two)
After 10 minutes, carefully open the air fryer basket and use tongs to unwrap the corn. Be cautious, as hot steam will escape. Place the unwrapped corn back into the basket.
Cook for an additional 3 minutes uncovered. This final step is where the magic happens—it allows the kernels to get slightly roasted, developing a little bit of char and intensifying their natural sweetness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the corn is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. It’s already buttered and salted to perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question? We’ve got you covered.
Yes, you can definitely use salted butter. If you do, you might want to reduce the amount of extra salt you add, or even omit it completely. Give the corn a taste after it’s cooked and add more salt only if you think it needs it.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative. A sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder before wrapping the corn adds a wonderful savory or smoky kick. You could also add freshly ground black pepper or even some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after cooking.
This depends entirely on the size of your air fryer. If you have a larger model, you can likely fit more ears of corn. The key is to make sure they can still fit in a single layer without being too overcrowded. If you need to cook a large batch, it’s better to do it in two rounds than to stuff the basket too full.
You can cook the corn directly in the air fryer basket without foil, but the results will be different. Using foil helps to steam the corn first, keeping it moist and juicy. Cooking it directly will give you a more roasted, charred result from the start, and the corn might be a bit drier. For the best of both worlds (tender and charred), we highly recommend following the foil method.
