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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Vegetables / Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Published: August 26, 2023 | By: Jordan

51 shares

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You don’t need a grill to make delicious corn on the cob with the perfect char! This easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe will give your corn a delicious char in just a few minutes.

It’s quick and easy, foolproof, and can be served elote style or just with melted butter on the side.

air fryer corn on the cob on a plate with mexican street corn toppings

When you make this recipe, I suggest serving it with these Crispy Hoisin Chicken Thighs, Pork Chops or some Chimichurri Steak and Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. This is a complete meal that is going to feel like down-home comfort food that is so simple to make. 

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe

When it comes to a summertime classic, corn on the cob is an all-time favorite. Making air fryer corn is so simple and comes together in no time.

Corn in the air fryer is the quickest and cleanest way to get corn on the cob on the table. The crema, cotija cheese and tajin takes this from basic ears of corn to amazing air fryer elote.

It makes a delicious side dish along with french fries, pasta salad, or Chicken Fajita Nachos!

Can you cook corn on the cob in an air fryer?

Absolutely, you can cook corn on the cob in an air fryer. In my opinion, it’s the best way to make corn on the cob because you don’t have to boil a big pot of water or turn on the grill! The cooking time is much shorter than boiling and there’s hardly any mess.

What happens when you put corn in an air fryer?

When you air fry corn, you get a combination of crispy and tender roasted corn kernels. The air fryer helps to mimic the charred and roasted flavors you might get from grilling or roasting corn over an open flame, similar to Mexican street corn, while maintaining the moisture inside, making it juicy. The corn comes out amazing, making it the perfect side dish. 

four ears of corn, tajin seasoning, cilantro, cotija cheese, and mexican crema in small ingredient bowls

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Fresh corn: you will need shucked corn on the cob, free of silk (corn hair). The easiest way to clean corn is to microwave it for 1-2 minutes. The steam helps to release the silk and makes it easier to remove. Be careful that it isn’t hot when you start to shuck. 

Mexican crema or sour cream: Mexican crema brings a luscious creamy element that perfectly complements the cooked corn. I highly recommend using Mexican crema if you can, but sour cream is a good substitute.

If you have leftover crema, you can make this Mexican Street Cornbread, Avocado Crema, or Cilantro Lime Crema.

Lime: squeeze some lime juice and zest onto your corn, and suddenly, you’ve got a burst of citrusy freshness that combines with the sweetness of the corn. 

Garlic: minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates your corn from tasty to ‘whoa, what’s that?!’

Cotija cheese: my favorite part of Mexican Street Corn! The crumbly, salty, slightly tangy deliciousness that takes your bites to the next level. If you have feta cheese already, you can easily substitute it with that.

Tajin: if you’ve never had tajin seasoning before, it’s one of the main components for Mexican Street Corn, but that’s not all it’s good for! Try sprinkling it on fruit or adding it to dressings and marinades for some incredible zesty flavors.

The tangy and zesty flavors of tajin enhance the natural sweetness of the corn while providing a delightful kick.

Herbs and seasonings: you will need fresh cilantro, salt, and black pepper.

air fryer corn close up

How to store corn on the cob

To keep corn on the cob fresh before cooking, store it in the refrigerator. Keep the husks intact to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Place the corn in a plastic bag and seal it to create a humid environment. This helps preserve its flavor and juiciness. Avoid shucking the corn or removing the husks until you’re ready to cook it to keep the kernels from drying out and maintain optimal freshness.

Storing cooked corn

To store any leftover cooked corn, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then wrap each cob individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cobs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator.

This helps prevent the corn from drying out and maintains its flavor. Stored properly, cooked corn on the cob can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the corn in the microwave, on the grill, or even in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.

If I have leftover corn, I use it to make Avocado Corn Salad or a Summer Corn Salad!

steps for how to make air fryer corn on the cob

How to Make Air Fryer Corn

1. Prepare the corn: brush olive oil over each piece of corn. Then add it to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. The air-fried corn will be tender and slightly charred when ready.

2. Make the crema: while the corn cobs are cooking, whisk the ingredients of the crema together. When the corn ears are ready, move them to a serving platter and add the crema and toppings before serving.

Variations to Air Fryer Corn

There are simple ways to change up this air-fried corn. Fresh sweet corn can be served without anything special added or add extra seasonings to take it over the top.

Some simple ideas are to add use honey butter or make old bay & butter to add to the corn.

Here are some more variations for air fryer corn:

  • BBQ corn on the cob: give your corn a smoky twist by brushing on some homemade BBQ sauce before air frying. The result? A sweet, tangy, and charred delight that’ll have you licking your fingers and going back for seconds.
  • Herbs and cheese: swap out the Mexican flavors for some homemade basil pesto, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Make it spicy: brush your corn with buffalo sauce and crumble some blue cheese on top or season it with chili powder instead!
  • Asian-inspired corn: brush your corn with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey before air frying. Then garnish it with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer with corn?

​In general, yes you can use aluminum foil in the air fryer with corn. You should always check the manufacturer directions that come with your air fryer but in general, yes, you can.

Even though you technically can put foil in the air fryer, I don’t recommend it because then you trap the hot air from circulating around the food which is how it cooks evenly.

The only time I would use foil with corn in the air fryer, is if I wanted my corn to be steamed and not have any char. If this is what you’re going for, you’ll want to wrap your corn in foil and might need to cook it a little longer.

Will corn pop in the air fryer?

Corn kernels will not pop like popcorn in an air fryer in the same way that they do in a traditional popcorn popper or on the stovetop. The reason popcorn kernels pop is due to the moisture inside the kernel expanding rapidly when exposed to high heat. This causes the kernel to burst open and transform into the fluffy popcorn we know.

However, you might hear some crackling or popping sounds as the moisture within the corn heats up and releases steam. This is normal and shouldn’t be mistaken for popcorn popping.

air fryer elote on a wooden plate with cotija cheese and limes on the side

How to pick the perfect corn

When selecting the perfect ear of corn, keep an eye out for a few key indicators:

  • Examine the husk, it should be vibrant and tightly wrapped, without any browning or dry patches.
  • Gently run your fingers along the husk to feel for plump, well-defined kernels underneath. A well-rounded and uniform shape usually indicates even ripening.
  • Peek at the tip of the ear – it should be well-filled, not too pointed or blunt.
  • Take a look at the silk; it should be moist and golden, indicating freshness.

By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the juiciest and most flavorful corn on the cob.

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air fryer corn on the cob close up with cotija cheese and cilantro on top
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5 from 7 votes

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

You don't need a grill to make delicious corn on the cob with the perfect char! This Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe will give your corn a delicious char in just a few minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican American
Keyword: air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer elote, air fryer mexican street corn
Servings: 4
Calories: 241kcal
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Author: Jordan

Ingredients

For the corn

  • 4 ears of corn, shucked
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • kosher salt

For the crema

  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
  • 1/2 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Toppings

  • 4 tbsps cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 tbsp tajin
  • 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Instructions

For the corn

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375℉.
  • Brush a thin layer of olive oil all over each ear of corn before placing it in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The corn should be tender and slightly charred when finished.

For the crema

  • While the corn is cooking, whisk together the crema, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • When the corn is ready, transfer it to a serving platter and spread the crema on top. Then sprinkle the cotija cheese, tajin, and fresh cilantro.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
Tried this recipe?I’d love to see your dish, mention @jzeats or tag #jzeats!
51 shares

Published: August 26, 2023 Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, Vegetables

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathleen

    September 5, 2023 at 9:53 am

    5 stars
    Wow! This air fryer street corn looks terrific! I just want to dig in right now.

    Reply
  2. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

    September 5, 2023 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    This looks amazing and so easy to do. Definitely making this at the weekend.

    Reply
  3. Sharon

    September 5, 2023 at 11:50 am

    5 stars
    Tender corn on the cob without having to heat up the kitchen with a pot of boiling water? Yes, please! This turned out perfect.

    Reply
  4. Gina

    September 5, 2023 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    I never thought about air frying my corn on the cob but so happy I did! It came out fantastic! Definitely going to make it like this again!

    Reply
  5. Beth

    September 5, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    5 stars
    I love roasting corn, so I’m very excited to give this a try. It looks really good!

    Reply

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about meI’m that girl behind the camera and the creator of all the delicious recipes on this website. I’m a Baltimore food blogger who enjoys nothing more than food!
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