Air fryer corn on the cob is the fastest, easiest way to cook corn! It's ready in minutes, and it comes out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time.
Air fryer corn on the cob has been a total game changer for me. It’s the quickest, easiest way I know to cook corn on the cob! This recipe takes just 10 minutes from start to finish, and it yields perfectly cooked, tender sweet corn. Bonus: it doesn’t heat up your kitchen in the process.
I won’t lie—I still make boiled corn on the cob and grilled corn on the cob for summer cookouts and BBQs. But when I want to make a small batch in as little time as possible, this air fryer method can’t be beat. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners with my family of three or when I’m cooking fresh corn to use in a salad or dip.
Even though this recipe is super simple, I wanted to share it because it saves me so much time in the kitchen in the summer. If you love corn and have an air fryer, you should definitely try it!
How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
This air fryer corn on the cob recipe starts with 4 basic ingredients:Â fresh sweet corn, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Start by prepping the corn. Remove the husks and silks, then rinse the ears and pat them dry. Place them on a large plate, rub them with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
Then, cook the corn. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, if your air fryer requires preheating. Place the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook until the kernels are bright yellow and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Two tips:
- Leave a little space between the ears. If they’re crowded together, they won’t cook evenly!
- Don’t overdo it. It might be tempting to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer until the kernels are very charred, but keep in mind that the kernels dry out as they darken. For the juiciest corn, stop cooking when the kernels are bright yellow and tender.
After cooking, season and serve! I love my air fryer corn on the cob with a squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle of cilantro. Keep reading for more serving ideas!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
What is the best air fryer?
One of the most common questions readers ask me is what air fryer to buy.
I’ve tried quite a few different models, and I like the Our Place Wonder Oven best. It requires zero preheating, and I think it’s the perfect size—small enough to fit on my countertop, but large enough to be practical. It’s super cute too!
How to Serve Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
My favorite way to serve this air fryer corn on the cob is as a side dish. It pairs well with any simply cooked protein, summer cookout fare like veggie burgers and black bean burgers, veggie tacos, and more.
Serve it with your favorite fixings! I like cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, but any of these options would be delicious too:
- Butter or compound butter
- Spices like chili powder or smoked paprika
- Mexican street corn-inspired toppings like mayo, lime, and Cotija cheese! Check out my elote recipe for measurements.
You can also slice the corn kernels off the cobs and use them in larger recipes. Try using them instead of the raw corn in my black bean and corn salad or corn salsa recipe.
How to Store
I like this corn best when it’s freshly cooked, but if you have leftover corn, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat whole ears in the microwave or air fryer to serve as a side dish, or slice the kernels off the cob to use in salads, pastas, and more.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you loved learning how to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer, try one of these easy air fryer recipes next:
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lime wedges, for squeezing, optional
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the corn on a large plate. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and several grinds of pepper. Rub with your hands to coat.
- Place in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the kernels are bright yellow and tender.
- Remove from the air fryer and squeeze with lime juice, if using. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve.
