This Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe delivers perfectly cooked corn with a rich buttery flavor, seasoned to perfection. Quick, easy, and mess-free, it’s a must-try for a summer side dish or snack.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ears of 6-inch corn (see Notes)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the corn.
Prepare the Corn: Place the 4 ears of corn on a large plate and set them aside.
Melt the Butter: Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Coat the Corn: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the melted butter, making sure to cover all sides. Reserve half of the butter for serving later.
Season the Corn: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the buttered corn, seasoning it to your taste.
Air Fry the Corn: Place the ears of corn in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
Flip and Continue Cooking: After 6 minutes, carefully flip the corn and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5-6 minutes until tender.
Serve: Carefully remove the corn from the basket and transfer it to a serving plate. Brush the remaining melted butter over the corn, then serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This recipe is incredibly simple and cooks the corn perfectly every time, all in under 15 minutes.
No Boiling or Grilling Needed: Air frying offers a faster, mess-free way to cook corn on the cob without needing a grill or boiling water.
Flavorful: The melted butter and seasoning make each bite of corn rich and delicious, offering the perfect balance of flavors.

Tips

For Even Cooking: Be sure to flip the corn halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, in-season corn.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to leave enough space between the corn in the air fryer basket so that the hot air circulates properly for even cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Spice: For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper on the buttered corn before cooking.
Cheesy Corn: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on the corn during the last few minutes of air frying for a cheesy twist.
Herbed Butter: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the butter before brushing it on the corn for added flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
A: Yes, you can use frozen corn, but it may take a little longer to cook. Be sure to adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Q: Can I cook more than 4 ears of corn at once?
A: It’s best to cook in batches if you need more than 4 ears, as overcrowding the air fryer basket can affect the cooking time and texture.

Q: Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter for a lighter option or to add a different flavor.

Serving

Side Dish: Serve this air fryer corn on the cob as a perfect side dish with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or burgers.
With Dips: Pair with dips like sour cream, garlic butter, or cheese for extra flavor.
Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like crumbled feta, chili lime seasoning, or fresh cilantro for a fun twist.