Deliciously charred air fryer corn on the cob made effortlessly in the air fryer. Enjoy perfectly cooked kernels with a hint of seasoning in minutes. 

It costs approximately $3.35 to make this corn on the cob. The recipe makes four servings and costs about $0.83 per serving. 

A close up picture of the finished air fryer corn on the cob.

Corn On The Cob In The Air Fryer

If you need an easy recipe for making Corn on the Cob, this is for you! No more standing over a pot of water, waiting for it to boil, and wondering how long to cook the corn. The Air Fryer does all the work for you. 

The Air Fryer cooks the corn perfectly, leaving you with deliciously roasted, super juicy corn. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to cook! But don’t worry, if you do not have an Air Fryer yet, you can make this easy Grilled Corn On the Cob in Foil instead.

Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

  • Quick and Convenient: Air frying corn on the cob is a quick and convenient cooking method. It takes less time than traditional methods like boiling or grilling, making it a great option when you’re short on time.
  • Retains Moisture: The air fryer helps seal in the moisture of the corn, resulting in tender and juicy kernels. 
  • Even Cooking: The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures that the corn cooks evenly on all sides. You don’t have to worry about turning or rotating the corn halfway through cooking.
  • Crispy Exterior: The air fryer can give the corn a slightly crispy and caramelized exterior, adding a delightful texture and flavor to each bite.
  • Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are generally easy to clean and require minimal cleanup compared to other cooking methods. The removable parts are often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
An air fryer corn on the cob on a white plate.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $0.83

Recipe Cost: $3.35

  • 4 ears of corn – $3.00
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil – $0.12
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – $0.01
  • ⅛ teaspoon salted butter – $0.18

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in July 2023.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Cook Corn on the Cob In Air Fryer

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. 
  2. Then, peel the husk from the Corn on the Cob. 
  3. Break off the ends and cut the corn into halves. 
  4. Next, place the Corn halves into the air fryer and coat them with olive oil, followed by the salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. 
  5. Cook the corn for eight minutes, turn them over, and cook for another seven minutes. 
  6. Finally, remove the corn from the air fryer, and coat it with butter and any garnishes before serving. 

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob Recipe Variations

  • Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings to add variety to your corn on the cob. Some options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Herb Butter: Instead of plain butter, try flavored herb butter. Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill. Spread the herb butter on the cooked corn for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked corn. The heat from the corn will melt the cheese, creating a cheesy and savory coating.
  • Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle the cooked corn with a mixture of honey or maple syrup and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist. 
  • Lime and Chili: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked corn and sprinkle it with chili powder or Tajin seasoning for a tangy and zesty flavor profile.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute the salted butter with vegan butter or olive oil spread to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Mexican Street Corn: After cooking the corn, brush it with a mixture of mayonnaise and lime juice and sprinkle it with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. 

Serving and Storage Tips

SERVE: When serving grilled corn, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Afterward, refrigerate in a clean, dry environment.

STORE: Store grilled corn in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3-5 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.

FREEZE: Cool cooked corn, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air before sealing. Freeze for 8-12 months.

THAW: Thaw frozen corn in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Avoid microwave or water thawing for best results.

A overhead picture of the finished corn on a platter.

Recipe FAQs

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

It takes about ten minutes to cook this Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, but it is important to note that each Air Fryer brand is and may cook slightly differently.

Do you need to put water in the Ninja air fryer when steaming?

You do not need to add water. An Air Fryer is not meant for steaming, which is what happens when you add a lot of water.

More Side Dishes

The finished corn on the cob made in an air fryer stacked on a white platter.
5 from 7 votes

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Recipe Cost $ $3.35
Serving Cost $ $0.83
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
4 people
Deliciously charred air fryer corn on the cob made effortlessly in the air fryer. Enjoy perfectly cooked kernels with a hint of seasoning in minutes.

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Measuring spoons
  • mixing spoon
  • mixing bowls

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 ears of corn on the cob
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoon Cajun seasoning optional
  • 1 Tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions

PREHEAT:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.

PREP CORN:

  • Peel the husk from the Corn on the Cob, slice or break off the ends, then into halves.
  • Place the Corn halves into the air fryer, coat them with Olive Oil, then add the Salt, Pepper, and Cajun seasoning (optional).

AIR FRY:

  • Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes. Turn over, and cook an additional 7 minutes. When done, the corn will show signs of dark roasting on the edges.

TO FINISH:

  • Remove from the air fryer, coat with Butter, and garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1whole ear (2 halves) | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

did you love this recipe?

Share it with me on Facebook and find more recipes on foodfolksandfun for more!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. I’m still learning ways to use my air fryer. This is perfect for corn season. Visiting From Gluten Free A-Z blog

  2. Great way to cook up corn! Especially when you need room on the stovetop. Super useful recipe.

  3. This is such fantastic recipe! The corn is perfectly done, and it almost has a little bit of a grilled flavor going on. I love this one.

  4. Elizabeth says:

    What a great idea! Just love air fryer recipes and this one does not disappoint. Thank you so much.

  5. I must say, this is my new favorite way of making corn of the cob! So easy and tastes incredible!

  6. I had never considered making corn on the cob in the air fryer — genius! And it tastes so good.