Craving a sweet, juicy bite with a hint of spice? My Air Fryer Corn on the Cob checks all the boxes! Perfectly tender corn, charred just the right way, generously seasoned with Cajun goodness – it’s the ultimate side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make in your air fryer. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners or impress at a BBQ, this recipe will have you hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Simple prep and 10-12 minutes in the air fryer is all you need for perfect corn.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime makes for an unforgettable bite.
- Healthy: Minimal oil, more flavor – this recipe is a guilt-free, nutrient-packed side dish.
- Customizable: Like spicy? Add more Cajun seasoning. Prefer a herbaceous kick? Sprinkle on fresh cilantro!
Intrigued? Let’s dive into the ingredients and tools you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleaser in your air fryer!
Ingredients List
Here’s an easy-to-follow list of what you’ll need:
- 4 ears of corn – Fresh from the cob gives the best results, but feel free to use pre-shucked corn if you’re short on time.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – This adds crispness and helps the spice mix stick.
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning – For a bit of heat, this adds loads of flavor!
- ¼ tsp garlic powder – It adds depth to each bite of corn.
- Salt – Adjusted to taste, it enhances the overall flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (optional) – Great for garnish and adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Lime wedges (optional) – A squeeze of lime brightens the rich, spicy profile.
- Butter (optional) – Serve slathered for that classic corn-and-butter combination.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got these easy-to-find kitchen tools ready to go:
- Air Fryer – Your trusty kitchen staple for the job at hand! It’s what gets the corn perfectly charred, tender, and delicious.
- Basting Brush – For evenly spreading the olive oil and spice mixture across the corn.
- Tongs – Handy for flipping the hot corn halfway through cooking.
- Mixing Bowl – To whisk together the spices and olive oil.
- Serving Platter – To beautifully display your finished, golden corn.
With these ingredients and tools ready, we’re well on track to becoming corn on the cob pros!
Step 1: Prepping the Corn and Seasoning
Let’s get started with prepping your corn! A little bit of seasoning and some brush work are all that’s standing between you and delicious air-fried corn.
1. Shuck and Clean the Corn
First thing’s first – remove those pesky husks and silk. If you’re working with fresh corn cobs, carefully strip off the husk and clean off all the silk threads. Once your corn is clean, give it a quick rinse and pat dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better.
2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- A pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
Give it all a good stir until it forms a smooth blend of spicy goodness.
3. Coat the Corn
Using a basting brush , generously coat each ear of corn with the seasoning mixture you just prepared. Make sure you cover all sides of the corn evenly—don’t be shy! The olive oil helps the corn crisp up a bit while locking in flavor. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for going all-in on seasoning.
Now that your corn is prepped, it’s time to move on to the magic that happens in the air fryer!
Step 2: Cooking the Corn in the Air Fryer
Now that your corn is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to cook it to tender, crispy perfection in the air fryer. This part is super simple, and the air fryer does most of the heavy lifting!
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) . Preheating ensures the corn will cook evenly and gives you that beautiful char. Most air fryers take 3-5 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
2. Arrange the Corn in the Basket
Place your seasoned corn cobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer . Make sure there’s enough space between each ear of corn so the air can circulate. If you overcrowd the basket, the corn won’t cook as evenly, and you won’t get that lovely char. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches.
3. Cook the Corn
Close the air fryer and let the magic happen! Cook the corn for 10-12 minutes . Don’t forget to flip the corn halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark). You can use your trusty tongs to flip them easily. This ensures even cooking and a bit of char on all sides.
Keep an eye on the corn as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the corn. You’re looking for slightly charred, tender kernels.
Once your timer dings, it’s almost time to dig in!
Step 3: Finishing Touches and Serving
Your air fryer has done its job, and now it’s time to add the finishing touches that make this corn on the cob truly special. These last steps will really dial up the flavor and presentation!
1. Check for Doneness
After the air fryer beeps and before you serve, check the corn to make sure it’s fully cooked. The kernels should be tender when pierced with a fork, and you should notice some beautiful charred spots for extra flavor.
If the corn isn’t quite done to your liking, you can pop it back in the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Optional Garnishes
Now for the fun part—customizing your corn cob the way you like it with these optional, but highly recommended, garnishes:
- Butter: If you’re a butter lover, rub some room temperature butter onto the hot corn while it’s fresh out of the fryer. The butter will melt into all those cracks for an irresistible, classic combination.
- Sprinkle Fresh Cilantro: If you enjoy a burst of herbaceous flavor, top your corn with some fresh, chopped cilantro. It adds a bright, zesty element that pairs well with the Cajun seasoning.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the corn just before serving to add a tangy accent that balances out the spices. It’s a game-changer!
- Extra Cajun Seasoning: For those who love an extra hit of spice, dust a little additional Cajun seasoning over the top after cooking. You can never go wrong with extra flavor!
Pro Tip: Serve the corn hot! The butter melts perfectly, and the flavors are at their brightest when served fresh from the air fryer.
Now that your corn is beautifully garnished, it’s time to plate it up and serve!
Step 4: Storing and Reheating Leftovers
So, you’ve made a mouthwatering batch of Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, but if you happen to have a few ears left over (rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to keep them just as tasty tomorrow as they are today. Here’s how:
1. Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover corn, simply wrap the corn on the cob in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container . Place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days .
2. Freezing Corn on the Cob
Want to enjoy your seasoned corn at a later date? You can freeze it!
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. The corn will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how you can reheat the corn:
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the corn for 4-5 minutes . This method keeps the corn crisp and juicy without overcooking it.
- Oven: Wrap the corn in tin foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. While not as crispy, it’ll still be tasty!
Pro Tip: If you’re reheating corn and want to bring back that fresh-off-the-grill taste, sprinkle a little fresh seasoning or butter on them before reheating!
Conclusion
And there you have it—flavor-packed Air Fryer Corn on the Cob that’s quick, easy, and bursting with spice! Whether you serve it as a side at your next BBQ, pair it with a weeknight dinner, or snack on it by itself, this recipe adds a fun twist to a simple classic.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
- It’s incredibly fast (under 15 minutes from start to finish).
- The Cajun seasoning, garlic, and bit of lime bring a whole new level of flavor to your ordinary corn on the cob.
- Super easy to customize with butter, spices, or herbs.
So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds deserve a treat! 🌽✨