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Sweet, tender corn on the cob is now easier than ever with my Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe! Infused with flavorful chili lime seasoning, this recipe combines deliciously sweet corn with a tangy, spicy kick, making it the simplest but most flavorful side dish you'll ever prepare.
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Air Fryer Corn
If you know me, you've probably heard me rave about my love for corn. Honestly, I believe there's no wrong way to enjoy corn—whether it's in dips, casseroles, or even soups, the natural sweetness and juiciness of corn make any dish stand out!
But, I often find myself returning to the classic: good old-fashioned corn on the cob. I love the taste of grilled corn, but I'm not always up for grilling, especially when the weather isn't great. That's when the air fryer becomes a lifesaver! Corn in the air fryer retains that tender bite and sweet, caramelized flavor, all from the comfort of your kitchen. It's the perfect way to make corn on the cob!
And it's incredibly easy, too! Just brush your fresh sweet corn with some butter, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings (like the amazing chili lime seasoning I share in this recipe), and toss it in the air fryer. No need for boiling water—when you air fry corn, it practically cooks itself!
Air Fried Corn on the Cob Ingredients
- Fresh Corn: Make sure the corn is husked! The fresher the corn, the better. If you can find farmer's market corn, the difference is incredible. Fresh garden-grown corn is like candy! You can also use frozen corn on the cob.
- Salted Butter: You will only need butter for this recipe, and no oil. Butter adds flavor to the corn in addition to ensuring the kernels do not dry out.
- Sea Salt: I highly recommend Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. They're my personal favorite!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, garlicky flavor to the chili lime seasoning.
- Lime Zest: Fresh lime zest adds an incredible pop of lime flavor to the seasoning.
- Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice, not bottled, for best results. You need the zest from a fresh lime anyway!
- Chili Powder: Chili powder is the base of the chili lime seasoning used in this recipe.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always the best, but you can also use pre-ground black pepper.
- Cilantro: I love to sprinkle a little cilantro over my corn, but this is completely optional.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. As it's heating, mix together the garlic powder, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Husk the corn and remove any silks, then brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Season the corn on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the seasoned corn in the air fryer basket, and cook for 14 minutes, rotating the corn with tongs halfway through the cook time.
- Remove, serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy!
Do you love corn on the cob? Then try my Mexican Street Corn and see why it's one of my most popular recipes!
Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
Freezing corn or buying it frozen is a great way to preserve it long-term, especially if you do what I do and capitalize on those amazing summer corn prices! Don't worry; it's super easy to air fry frozen corn on the cob. To air fry corn from frozen, cook it the exact same way, but add the butter and seasonings halfway through the cook time.
Corn in Air Fryer Tips
- I love my chili lime corn on the cob seasoning, but you can use any seasoning you'd like! I also love plain butter and salt, or Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. For a real treat, try it with Homemade Elote Seasoning!
- Don't worry about brushing the corn with olive oil. The butter will perfectly flavor the corn and keep the kernels from getting dry.
- Not all air fryers cook the same; basket air fryers cook faster than toaster oven style ones! Check your corn 3 minutes before the time is up to ensure it's not getting too browned.
Corn on the Cob Air Fryer FAQ
Reheat individual corn cobs in the microwave (without foil) in intervals until heated through, or in the air fryer for 7 minutes (with foil).
Yes! Cooking frozen corn in the air fryer is easy. Cook for the same amount of time without thawing the corn. Just add the butter and seasonings halfway through the cook time.
No, you should not wrap the corn in foil. Wrapping it in foil will cause it to steam rather than caramelize. You should only use foil if you're reheating corn cobs you have already cooked, in order to retain moisture.
Isabel's Air Fryer
It's amazing what you can cook with an air fryer! I love mine and highly recommend it. It even has a steaming function to re-hydrate stale bread!
photo courtesy of Our Place
Leftover Corn on the Cob Storage
- Refrigerator: Wrap leftover corn in foil or seal it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Cooked corn can be frozen, but as it takes about as long to reheat as it does to cook from fresh, it's preferable to freeze the fresh corn vs freezing it after cooking.
Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Asparagus Fries
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
- Do you have a convection oven? Try our guide on How to Use a Convection Oven!
If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ears Sweet corn - husked and silks removed
- 2 Tablespoons Salted butter
- ½ teaspoon Sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Lime zest
- 1 Tablespoon Lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon Chili powder
- pinch Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. As it's heating, mix together the garlic powder, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.½ teaspoon Garlic powder,1 teaspoon Lime zest,1 Tablespoon Lime juice,¼ teaspoon Chili powder,pinch Black pepper
- Husk the corn and remove any silks, then brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.4 ears Sweet corn,2 Tablespoons Salted butter,½ teaspoon Sea salt
- Season the corn on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the seasoned corn in the air fryer basket, and cook for 14 minutes, rotating the corn with tongs halfway through the cook time.
- Remove, serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy!
Notes
-
- The fresher the corn, the better! If you can find farmer's market corn, the difference is incredible. Fresh garden-grown corn is like candy!
-
- Cooking frozen corn in the air fryer is easy! Cook for the same amount of time, without thawing the corn. Just add the butter and seasonings halfway through the cook time so they don't get added to cold corn.
-
- I love my chili lime corn on the cob seasoning, but you can use any seasoning you'd like! I also love plain butter and salt, or Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. For a real treat, try it with Homemade Elote Seasoning!
-
- Don't worry about brushing the corn with olive oil. The butter will perfectly flavor the corn and keep the kernels from getting dry.
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