Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Tender roasted kernels in only 15 minutes, this air fryer corn on the cob recipe couldn’t be easier to make! No boiling water or firing up the grill necessary.

Why this recipe works

Making air fryer corn on the cob is the easiest, quickest way to cook up juicy sweet kernels without taking up precious space on the grill, oven, or stovetop. Other methods require soaking the corn, long cook times, and boiling water, whereas air fryer corn is done in 13-15 minutes with only a bit of oil and seasonings… It really doesn’t get easier than that.

I won’t lie, we love crockpot corn on the cob, and make it all the time. My husband also makes a mean grilled corn on the cob, but sometimes it’s more convenient to pop the corn into the air fryer. Especially when you want something quicker, with less effort involved. The air fryer’s dry, circulating heat gives the roasted, almost grilled flavor of corn on the cob without firing up the grill. It somewhat caramelizes the kernels, keeping all the natural sweetness locked in so you don’t lose any flavor in the process.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CORN – You’ll want the husk and the silks removed before popping the corn into the air fryer. For convenience, you can purchase fresh corn on the cob that has already been husked and had the silks removed. Easy peasy. Feel free to slice the cobs in half if desired.

OIL – A small amount of olive oil helps keep the kernels juicy, promotes browning, and acts as a binder for the seasonings to stick to. The oil isn’t mandatory for air fryer corn on the cob, but I do recommend it! You either baste it on or use an olive oil spray.

SEASONINGS – Garlic salt and pepper are simple additions. You can, of course, season the corn cobs however you want or wait until they are cooked and simply top them with seasonings instead.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Remove husks and silks from corn.
2. Mix oil and seasonings together and rub all over corn. Place corn in air fryer basket.
3. Air fry at 370F for 13-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can use frozen corn instead of fresh! There’s no need to thaw the corn cobs first, simply pop them in the air fryer basket, add a bit of oil if desired, and cook at 380F for 13-15 minutes.

If you’d like to use butter, I would suggest waiting until after the corn cobs are cooked in the air fryer. Oil has a higher smoke point and can withstand the heat of the air fryer, whereas butter can easily scorch or burn. A small amount will not affect the flavor of the corn and you can still add butter to your heart’s desire afterwards. If you really wanted, you can omit the oil and cook the cobs as-is. Then, add butter at the end.

It isn’t necessary to preheat the air fryer when cooking corn on the cob. But, as an alternative, you can preheat the air fryer at 400F for 4 minutes while you are prepping the corn. Then air fry the corn at 370F for 7-8 minutes.

No, you don’t need foil when cooking corn in the air fryer. You want the corn exposed so the circulating heat can cook the kernels evenly. Leaving the corn unwrapped is what gives you that roasted corn flavor!

Air fryer corn on the cob takes 13 to 15 minutes at 370F, turning the ears halfway through. Frozen ears need a few minutes longer at 380F. Times vary slightly by air fryer model, so pull the corn when the kernels are plump, tender, and lightly golden.

No, and you do not want to. Leaving the corn unwrapped is what gives you those lightly charred, roasted kernels. Wrapping it in foil just steams the corn and you lose the flavor that makes the air fryer worth using.

This recipe calls for husked ears so the seasoning can reach the kernels and the outside can brown. If you want to try it in the husk, be sure to remove any immediate outer layers of husk that are beginning to dry out and cut off any silks sticking out. Preheat the air fryer at 370F then air fry the corn in the husk for 10-15 minutes. The outer husk will be a light brown and the corn should be tender.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer corn on the cob is an excellent base for however you like to normally serve your corn. Slice it off the cob for corn salad, serve it Mexican corn style with mayo, cojita cheese, and spices, or keep it classic with butter, salt, and chopped herbs. I especially love it with some herb butter!

This corn is the perfect side for summer mains like grilled chicken wings, BBQ bacon burgers, or carne asada. Serve it alongside grilled chicken thighs for an easy summer plate! Don’t forget a bowl of our strawberry spinach salad with balsamic!

More Corn Recipes

• Corn Salsa
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Crockpot Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!