Savor the Taste: Air Fried Corn on the Cob Recipe
The perfect recipe for summer cookouts!
Elevate your summer meals with this delicious air fryer corn on the cob recipe. Not only is it simple to prepare and easy to clean up, but it also captures the essence of summer nights!
Air Fried Corn on the Cob
I love how easy this air fryer corn on the cob recipe is- with just a few ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, you’ll be chowing down on this popular summer snack in no time.
Why I Love This Corn on the Cob Recipe
Corn on the cob brings me back to summer nights spent by the pool, grilling burgers, hot dogs, and of course, corn. Every bite of the juicy, summer-sweet kernels takes me back to those moments.
Plus, how can you resist a dish that’s so simple to whip up and only requires four ingredients? The best part of the recipe is the easy clean-up- just one bowl to wash, and you're done!
Air Fried Corn on the Cob Ingredients
Corn: You'll need two ears of corn for this recipe. Fresh is best, but if that's not available, you can air-fry frozen corn on the cob too! Remember to shuck and clean the corn properly before cooking.
Butter: The butter serves as a fantastic base for our flavor mix. You'll need three tablespoons of melted butter. If you prefer a healthier variant, feel free to substitute it with olive oil or avocado oil.
Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor that compliments the sweetness of the corn. Chop up two tablespoons of fresh parsley for this recipe. If fresh isn't available, dried parsley is a great substitute.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor profile and brings out the natural sweetness of the corn. For this recipe, a 1/2 teaspoon of salt should suffice, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
How Do You Air Fry Corn on the Cob?
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. This step ensures your corn cooks evenly and is ready in the time specified.
Step 2: Prep the Corn
Shuck the corn and remove any silk threads if necessary. You're aiming for clean ears of corn with no straggly bits. If your corn is on the longer side, cut it in half to approximately 4 inches in length. This will allow the corn to fit neatly in the air fryer basket.
A quick tip: to skip this step entirely, you can opt for pre-shucked and cut corn - that's what I did for this recipe!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, freshly chopped parsley, and salt. This delectable combination gives the corn a savory and aromatic flavor, taking it up a notch.
Step 4: Butter the Corn
Now, it's time to give your corn the love it deserves! Place each piece on a square of foil, large enough to wrap the corn completely. Drizzle the butter mixture all over the corn, making sure to brush it into all the crevices. This ensures every bite you take is full of flavor.
Step 5: Wrap and Cook
Next, wrap each piece of corn individually in the foil and place them in the air fryer basket, or lay them on a baking sheet in your air fryer oven. I used my Our Place Wonder Oven for this recipe. Ensure the pieces aren't too crowded - they should sit in a single layer for even cooking.
Set your air fryer to cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to get your corn cooked to perfection, with the kernels tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Finally, remove your corn from the air fryer, unwrap them from the foil, and let them cool slightly. This gives the butter and seasonings a chance to settle and seep further into the corn, enhancing the flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Corn on the Cob
Air fryers are like snowflakes. No two are exactly the same! Some are a bit more powerful than others. So, if you're wary of overcooking your corn, sneak a peek at the 10-minute mark. I've found that 15 minutes is the sweet spot for me to get it charred to perfection.
When it comes to wrapping your corn, think solo. Wrapping each one individually in foil will ensure even cooking all around.
If your corn doesn’t play nice with the size of your basket, don't sweat it, just cut it in half. But keep in mind, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Avoid the temptation to cram all your corn in at once. Give them space to breathe for an even cook. If this means doing a couple of batches, believe me, the result is worth the wait.
Swaps
If you don't have butter, avocado oil or olive oil would do just fine. And no pastry brush? No problem! Use your fingers or an oil spray to get the butter mixture all over the corn.
If fresh corn isn't available, don't hesitate to use frozen. No thawing necessary, just add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. And if fresh parsley isn't within reach, dried will work wonderfully.
Flavor Variations
Cheesy Corn on the Cob: Just sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of grated parmesan before roasting for a cheesy twist.
BBQ Rubbed Corn on the Cob: A BBQ blend along with the butter and parsley gives a smokey kick.
Lemon Dill Corn on the Cob: Add some zing with lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice, and a dash of fresh or dried dill.
Tajin Corn on the Cob: For a fun citrusy kick, mix some chili lime seasoning with pepper into your butter and parsley blend.
Storage
Once you have air fried your corn on the cob, it is best to consume it immediately. The corn will be tender and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of the melted butter, freshly chopped parsley, and salt that was brushed onto it before cooking. Allowing the corn to cool slightly after removing it from the air fryer will give the butter and seasonings a chance to settle and seep further into the corn, further enhancing the flavor.
If you do have any leftovers, it is possible to store the air-fried corn on the cob, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may not be as optimal as when it is freshly cooked. To store the corn, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftover corn, you can heat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat and regain some of its original texture and taste. However, keep in mind that it may not be as crispy or as flavorful as when it was freshly cooked.
FAQ
What type of oil should you use when air frying corn on the cob?
For air frying corn on the cob, using an oil with a high smoke point and a mild flavor is key. Olive oil offers richness, while avocado oil, known for its high smoke point and neutral taste, lets the corn's sweetness shine. Both are healthier choices that highlight the benefits of air frying, which needs just a light oil coating to achieve a crispy coat.
What are some seasoning ideas for air fried corn on the cob?
Apart from the classic butter, salt, and parsley combo, there are numerous ways to zest up your air-fried corn on the cob. Experiment with a cheesy variant by adding grated parmesan or give it a smoky twist with a BBQ rub. For a tangy kick, try a lemon-dill mix, or spice it up with chili lime seasoning.
What size ear of corn is best for air frying?
When choosing corn for air frying, size does matter. Corn that's approximately 4 inches in length after being halved fits well in most air fryer baskets. If your corn doesn't fit, simply cut it to a size that suits your air fryer. However, remember that smaller pieces may cook quicker.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS air fryer corn on the cob recipe! IF YOU LOVE IT, LET ME KNOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F for 3 minutes.
- Shuck the corn and remove any silk if needed. Cut the corn in half, about 4 inches in length. You could skip this step by buying the pre shucked and cut corn, which I did for this recipe!
- In a bowl mix together the melted butter, chopped parsley and salt.
- Place the corn in a square of foil, enough to wrap the corn. Now drizzle the butter mixture all over, you can use a brush to brush it into all the crevices.
- Wrap the corn individually in the foil and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook them at 400 Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer, remove from the foil, let cool slightly then enjoy!
