Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air fryer corn on the cob comes out sweet and juicy with toasty, browned kernels, a lot like grilled corn but without lighting the barbecue or waiting for a pot of water to boil. A light coat of oil helps the kernels colour. The chili lime butter melts into every row the moment the cobs come out.
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 14 mins
- Total Time
- 19 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob?
To make air fryer corn on the cob, husk 4 ears of corn, cut them in half if they don't fit, brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until the kernels are tender, bright yellow and browned in spots. Brush with chili lime butter and serve with lime wedges.
- Total time
- 19 mins
- Calories
- 195 per serving
- Protein
- 3.5 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Corn
Chili lime butter
Equipment
Air fryer · Pastry brush · Small bowl · Tongs
Quick Directions
Make the chili lime butter
Mash the softened butter with the lime zest, chili powder and a pinch of flaky salt in a small bowl until evenly mixed.
Preheat and prep the corn
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
Oil and season
Brush the corn all over with the oil and sprinkle with the salt.
Air fry
Lay the corn in the basket in a single layer.
Butter and serve
Spread the chili lime butter over the hot corn so it melts into the kernels.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer corn on the cob.
Make the chili lime butter
Mash the softened butter with the lime zest, chili powder and a pinch of flaky salt in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Set aside at room temperature.
Preheat and prep the corn
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Pull off any silk still clinging to the husked corn. If the ears are too long for your basket, snap them in half by hand or cut them with a large, sharp knife on a board.
Oil and season
Brush the corn all over with the oil and sprinkle with the salt.
Air fry
Lay the corn in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning the cobs with tongs halfway, until the kernels are bright yellow and plump, browned in spots and tender when you press one with the tip of a knife.
Butter and serve
Spread the chili lime butter over the hot corn so it melts into the kernels. Serve straight away with the lime wedges for squeezing.
Recipe Tips
- Fresh corn is sweetest the day you buy it. Keep it in the fridge with the husks on until you cook it.
- For more char, give the corn an extra 2-3 minutes, turning once more, and watch that the kernels don't dry out.
- Cobs cut in half cook in the same time as whole ones and are easier to fit in a small basket.
Variations
- Street corn style: brush the cooked corn with mayonnaise, roll it in crumbled cotija or feta, dust with chili powder and serve with lime.
- Garlic Parmesan: mash the butter with 1 grated garlic clove and 1 tbsp chopped parsley, spread it over the hot corn and sprinkle with 20 g grated Parmesan.
- Honey butter: swap the lime and chili for 1 tsp honey and a pinch of salt for a sweeter, kid-friendly version.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 195 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated fat | 5.4 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6.5 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Wrap cooled cobs and refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Cut the kernels off the cooled cobs and freeze them in a bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat whole cobs in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-5 minutes until hot, or stir the kernels into salads, salsas and soups.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob FAQs
How long do you cook corn on the cob in the air fryer?
Fresh husked corn takes 12-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F), turned halfway. Cobs cut in half take the same time. Frozen corn on the cob takes 15-18 minutes.
Can you cook frozen corn on the cob in the air fryer?
Yes. Don't thaw it. Brush the frozen cobs with oil, season and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until the kernels are hot, tender and lightly browned.
Can you air fry corn in the husk?
Yes, though it steams rather than browns. Trim the loose silk and any dry, papery husk ends so they can't blow around, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. Let it cool for a few minutes before peeling.
How do you know when corn on the cob is done?
The kernels turn a deeper, brighter yellow, look plump and glossy, and feel tender when pressed with the tip of a knife. In the air fryer they also brown in spots.
Do you need to boil corn before air frying it?
No. Fresh corn cooks through in the air fryer in about 15 minutes. Boiling first only adds time and stops the kernels browning.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
