Air fryer corn on the cob

30 min
Air fryer corn on the cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick way to bring out the very best in this summer favourite. In just minutes, you can achieve tender kernels with a gentle char that brings out their natural sweetness. A homemade coriander butter with chilli seeps into the kernels, so the corn comes out sweet, smoky, and full of flavour.

New recipe

Ingredients

Coriander butter

50 g Soft butter
2 tsp Fresh coriander, chopped
¼ tsp Mild ground chillies
¼ tsp Fine salt
Freshly ground pepper

​Corn on the cob

4 Corn cobs

Instructions

Coriander butter

  • Mix the butter with the other ingredients.
  • Leave it covered in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  • Stir before serving and adjust the taste if needed.

Corn on the cob

  • Cook the corn cobs (with the husks on) in the air fryer for about 20 minutes at 200 °C. Without husks, cook them for 15–20 minutes at 200 °C. Pull back the husks on each cob and tie them in a knot.
  • Remove the silks. Serve with coriander butter.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Choose fresh, sweet corn by looking for bright green, tightly wrapped husks and moist silk. For the best flavour and juiciness, cook the corn soon after buying it. If you are cooking with husks, simply trim any excess silk and outer leaves, then cook the cobs directly in the air fryer. Prefer husk-free corn? Remove the husks and silks completely, rinse the cobs under cold water, and pat them dry before cooking. If the cobs are too large for your air fryer, cut them in half to fit.

Wrap each cob in foil after brushing with coriander butter. This traps steam and prevents the corn from drying out. The foil also allows the butter and seasonings to penetrate the kernels, which will enhance the flavour even more. Cook the wrapped cobs at 190–200 °C for 15–20 minutes, turning them halfway to cook them evenly. For a roasted finish, open the foil in the last few minutes. Let the corn rest in the foil for about 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

FAQ: Questions about air fryer corn on the cob

Using an air fryer for corn on the cob can bring up a few questions, particularly when you are looking for that specific tender texture and delicious taste. Our FAQ section gives you all the answers you need to help you master the process.

Do I need to boil corn before air frying?

No, you do not need to boil corn before air-frying it. The air fryer cooks it perfectly from raw. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can parboil them for 5 minutes before finishing them in the air fryer. Parboiled corn will not need as long in the air fryer, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How should I store leftover air fryer corn on the cob?

You should store leftover air fryer corn on the cob in an airtight container after they have cooled to room temperature. Once cool, you can actually wrap each cob tightly in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. It prevents them from drying out. Eat the refrigerated corn within 2–3 days. If you want to store it for over 3 days, consider removing the kernels and freezing them in a freezer bag. For reheating, you can use an air fryer by preheating it to 175 °C, placing the corn in a single layer, and heating for 3–4 minutes.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

1106 Kcal

Fibre - 29.1 gram fibers
Protein 7.9 21.4 gram
Fat 44.5 55.7 gram
Carbohydrates 47.6 129.6 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

BBQ ribs
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BBQ ribs
(1)

Perfectly cooked air fryer corn on the cob

Air fryer corn on the cob transforms a classic side dish into something extra special with very little effort. Instead of boiling cob, cooking it in the air fryer intensifies the natural sweetness of the kernels. Each cob comes out tender, juicy, and evenly cooked, with a light golden sheen that makes them look absolutely enticing.

And it is so easy to do. Simply prepare the cobs and let the air fryer do the work. In about 15 minutes, you have corn that is delicious enough to enjoy on its own, but even better with a generous helping of coriander butter.

Smooth coriander butter with a hint of chilli

Coriander butter adds a rich, herby complexity to the air-fryer corn on the cob. Soft butter is blended with fresh coriander, a pinch of mild chilli, and a dash of salt and pepper, then chilled until firm. The coriander adds a bright, citrus note with a gentle peppery edge, which is terrific against the rich butter. Spread it over hot corn and let it melt into the kernels for extra flavour and a light chilli kick. It also leaves the corn with a nice glossy finish.

A star at barbecues and family dinners

Corn on the cob has always been a favourite, and thanks to the air fryer, it is ready in no time. At summer barbecues, it is great next to grilled meats, burgers, or skewers, bringing colour and sweetness without needing the grill.

For weeknight dinners, serve it with roast chicken, salmon, or even a fresh salad when you want something lighter. The mix of sweet corn and rich butter is one of those combinations everyone loves, making it an easy side for any occasion.

You can also try more air fryer recipes, like air fryer chicken thigh fillets, crispy air fryer fries, or a Tex-Mex-style quesadilla from the air fryer.

How to personalise your air fryer corn on the cob

It is easy to give air-fried corn a new flavour with different herbs, spices, or toppings. Not everyone likes coriander, so you can easily use parsley, dill, or basil instead. If you like more heat, add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or extra chilli flakes. Cheese lovers can sprinkle Parmesan or crumble white cheese over the buttered cobs for a salty finish, and for a sweeter take, brush the corn with honey butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These small changes bring out the natural sweetness of corn in so many wonderful ways.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/air-fryer-corn-on-the-cob/