Top 10 Delicious Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipes You Must Try

Summertime is synonymous with fresh, juicy corn on the cob. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this classic summer vegetable is a must-have. However, traditional methods of boiling or grilling corn can be time-consuming and messy. That’s where the air fryer comes in! With the rise in popularity of air fryers, you can now enjoy perfectly cooked, flavorful corn on the cob with minimal effort.

Introduction to Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryers have become a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing you to achieve crispy, oven-baked results with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods. This versatile appliance can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including the humble corn on the cob.

Cooking corn in the air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in tender, juicy kernels with a delightful crunch. The circulating hot air cooks the corn evenly, eliminating the need for boiling or grilling. Additionally, the air fryer’s compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or apartments, where traditional cooking methods may not be practical.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 delectable air fryer corn on the cob recipes that will elevate your summer dining experience. From classic butter and salt to bold and flavorful variations, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the endless possibilities of air-fried corn on the cob!

Classic Butter and Salt Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
4. Remove the corn cobs from the air fryer and brush them with the melted butter.
5. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the buttered corn.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the classic flavor of butter and salt.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair the classic butter and salt corn with grilled meats, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of butter, such as garlic butter or herb-infused butter, to add extra flavor.
• Offer a selection of seasonings, like paprika, chili powder, or Parmesan cheese, for guests to customize their corn.

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the garlic Parmesan mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly browned.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of garlic and Parmesan-crusted corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Garlic Parmesan corn pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
• Serve the corn as a side dish to pasta dishes, such as spaghetti or penne, for a flavorful accompaniment.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives to the final dish for a pop of color and additional flavor.

Spicy Chili-Lime Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a spicy and tangy coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the chili-lime mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly charred.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, spicy, and tangy flavors of the chili-lime corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Spicy Chili-Lime corn pairs beautifully with grilled or blackened proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Serve the corn as a side dish to tacos, burrito bowls, or other Tex-Mex inspired meals.
• Consider garnishing the corn with fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of crema for an authentic Mexican flair.

Sweet Honey and Cinnamon Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to create a sweet and fragrant coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the honey-cinnamon mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of the honey and cinnamon corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Sweet Honey and Cinnamon corn pairs beautifully with grilled pork, roasted chicken, or barbecue dishes.
• Serve the corn as a side dish to complement a Thanksgiving or Christmas-inspired meal.
• Consider drizzling the corn with a bit of additional honey or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for extra sweetness and texture.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to create the elote-style coating.
5. Remove the corn cobs from the air fryer and brush them evenly with the cotija cheese mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
6. Garnish the corn with chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican street corn (elote).

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Mexican Street Corn as a side dish to grilled meats, tacos, or burrito bowls for a truly Tex-Mex inspired meal.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of crema for an extra kick of flavor.
• This dish also pairs well with a refreshing lime-based cocktail or a cold beer for a complete summer dining experience.

Herb and Cheese Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the herb and cheese mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly browned.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic and cheesy herb-crusted corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Herb and Cheese corn on the cob pairs excellently with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
• Consider serving the corn as a side dish to pasta dishes, such as pesto-tossed farfalle or baked ziti.
• Experiment with different herb combinations, such as thyme, rosemary, or chives, to create your own unique flavor profile.

BBQ-Style Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful, sticky coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the BBQ-style mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors of the BBQ-style air fryer corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This BBQ-style corn on the cob pairs perfectly with grilled meats, such as ribs, chicken, or burgers, for a complete barbecue-inspired meal.
• Serve the corn as a side dish to baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad for a classic summer cookout.
• Consider sprinkling the corn with crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Lemon-Pepper Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a bright and flavorful coating.
3. Arrange the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush the corn cobs evenly with the lemon-pepper mixture, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cobs halfway through, until the kernels are tender and the coating is lightly browned.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the refreshing and zesty lemon-pepper corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Lemon-Pepper corn on the cob pairs beautifully with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken for a light and summery meal.
• Serve the corn as a side dish to salads, pasta dishes, or seafood-based entrees.
• Consider garnishing the corn with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Air-Fried Corn on the Cob

1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Corn: For the best results, select fresh, in-season corn on the cob. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump, juicy kernels.

2. Prepare the Corn Properly: Remove the husks and silk thoroughly, ensuring that the corn is clean and ready for cooking.

3. Preheating the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature before adding the corn. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the corn from steaming.

4. Arrange the Corn Cobs: Place the corn cobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each cob for proper air circulation.

5. Brush or Spray the Corn: Lightly brush or spray the corn cobs with oil or melted butter before air frying. This will help the corn develop a delicious, caramelized exterior.

6. Flipping and Rotating: Halfway through the cooking time, flip and rotate the corn cobs to ensure even cooking on all sides.

7. Cooking Time Adjustments: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your corn cobs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking for doneness and achieving your desired level of tenderness.

8. Seasoning Possibilities: Experiment with a wide range of seasonings, spices, and sauces to create your own unique flavor combinations. From classic butter and salt to bold, international-inspired flavors, the possibilities are endless.

9. Resting and Serving: Allow the air-fried corn on the cob to rest for a minute or two before serving. This will help the kernels settle and the flavors meld together.

10. Serving Suggestions: Pair the air-fried corn on the cob with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetable-based dishes for a complete and balanced meal. It also makes a great side dish or appetizer for barbecues, picnics, and casual gatherings.

Conclusion and Additional Serving Suggestions

Air fryer corn on the cob is a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy this summer classic with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you prefer the classic butter and salt or want to experiment with bold and creative flavor combinations, the air fryer is the perfect kitchen tool to achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and delicious corn on the cob every time.

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