Want the char but don’t have a grill? You’re in luck if you’ve got an air fryer. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob will get you as close as possible without charcoal. This quick and easy method is perfect for staying indoors or prepping for a crowd. Break cobs in half to fit in your air fryer – or to spread the joy out for more diners.
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On the outside, my life may seem as Instagram-worthy as my recipes. I’ve got two adorable, precocious boys; a hot, artsy husband; a lovely home in a quaint, historic town; and I spend my days eating, drinking, and snarking. Idyllic, right? Reader, beware.
When you set yourself up for success, what you can no longer be is lazy and disengaged. Look, sometimes I just want zero responsibility. When people joke about unemployed internet trolls living in their mom’s basements, I’m like “Wait?!?! This is an option?!?!”
I’m being hyperbolic, but in truth, we all have those days where we just want to scream “Shut it down!” and retreat to a little hidey hole. That’s why I’m not only the President of the Air Fryer Fan Club, but I’m also a member.
I may be exacting about the quality of the food I use, but as long as any given cooking method maintains or enhances that quality of said food, I’m gonna give it to you straight. This is why I’d never tell you to boil a steak, but you should totally air fry one.
Air frying is quick and easy, and air fryer corn on the cob is actually super delish. So while “purists” are arguing over grilling vs. boiling, my kids are already biting into air fryer corn, dribbling butter all over their shirts, and I’m already crawling in my hidey hole for a nap.
I get air fryer recipes aren’t for everyone, but when you need it (and one day, busy, busy person, who used the ‘Jump to Recipe’ button because you’re too busy to actually read this, you will need it) it will be here for you.
Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is perfect for those early back-to-school weeknights when the summer corn is still sweet. All you need are fresh cobs and a handful of seasonings to get backyard barbecue-worthy corn in your kitchen. It’s practically hands-off (one quick turn to ensure even char coverage) and we’ve included some bonus mouth-watering flavor suggestions below.
For a condensed post, click to view the web story for this recipe!
- SHUCK & CLEAN. Shuck the cobs, then run under cool water to remove any clinging silks. Pat very dry.
- SEASON. Rub each ear of corn with 1 tsp olive oil, then season to taste. Salt alone, or other seasonings as desired (see below).
- AIR FRY. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 12 minutes (fewer for less char, see below); turn once halfway through for even browning.
- SEASON & SERVE. Remove from the air fryer. Add butter and other seasonings to taste.
Must Know Tips!
- Slice the cobs in half, depending on your air fryer size and type.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes if required (check manufacturer instructions).
- Turn once halfway through cooking to ensure browning on all sides.
- Season with olive oil before cooking, and butter after. Butter tends to burn in the air fryer.
How Long to Cook Corn in the Air Fryer?
We cook our corn on the cob at 370°F for 12 minutes in the air fryer to allow the kernels to char and develop more flavor. Cook just 8 minutes for tender corn without char.
Season It!
- CLASSIC: Salt and butter. Doesn’t get much better than that!
- HERBY: fresh corn and fresh herbs are an incredibly good combination. We love fresh basil, but parsley, sage and rosemary are nice options too.
- MEXICAN: a squeeze of lime, a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped cilantro, and queso fresco or cotija crumbled cheese.
- “CACIO E PEPE:” use salted butter, lots of freshly cracked pepper, and lightly sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- OLD BAY: coat corn with butter and sprinkle on Old Bay (any seasoned salt will do, really). Just be mindful it is seasoned salt so no need for extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! This is simply the best size that works for my air fryer model. If whole cobs of corn fit in your model, there’s no need to slice in half. There should be no adjustment in cook times.
Yes! Add 2-3 minutes to the cook time, or simply allow the corn to defrost on the counter for 30 minutes first. After defrosting, pat dry to remove any moisture.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You Could Totally Make in Your Mom’s Basement
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs
Did you make corn on the cob in the air fryer? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.
While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.
Recipe
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin RecipeRecommended Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 ears sweet corn, husks and silks removed
- 4 tsp olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground pepper, to taste
- butter, to taste
Instructions
- Remove the husks and silks, then run the cobs under cold running water to further remove any grit or clinging silks. Pat dry. Break or cut the cobs in half if necessary to fit into your air fryer.
- Rub each ear of corn with 1 tsp olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the corn in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 370°F for 12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Alternatively, cook 8 minutes for tender corn with little browning.
- Remove from the air fryer, then season with additional salt and pepper, and butter to taste. See notes for additional seasoning options.
Notes
- CLASSIC: Salt and butter.
- HERBY: chopped fresh basil, parsley, sage and/or rosemary.
- MEXICAN: a squeeze of lime, a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped cilantro, and queso fresco or cotija crumbled cheese.
- “CACIO E PEPE:” salted butter, lots of freshly cracked pepper, and grated parmesan cheese.
- OLD BAY: coat corn with butter and sprinkle on Old Bay (any seasoned salt will do, really). Just be mindful it is seasoned salt so no need for extra.
Rev. Geist
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