Freshly cooked corn on the cob is a summertime favorite. This easy air fryer corn on the cob recipe produces sweet, juicy, and flavorful corn in 15 minutes or less. With a roasted corn character, these ears make a perfect side dish or a satisfying snack on their own.
Roasted corn straight from the air fryer is an irresistible, easy side the whole family enjoys. On hot days I skip the grill and oven, and instead use the air fryer to get tender, caramelized corn without heating up the house. The result is sweet, juicy corn with a lovely roasted bite — one of our go-to air fryer recipes.
The air fryer is excellent for quick side dishes like Air Fryer Zucchini, Air Fryer Cauliflower and Air Fryer Roast Potatoes. It’s a versatile tool that speeds up weeknight meals and keeps the kitchen cooler.
This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes. Adjust the cook time to reach your preferred level of browning — I enjoy a little char and browned spots for extra flavor.
You can cook fresh corn, wrap ears in foil to steam them, or work with frozen cobs in the air fryer. This recipe uses just a few pantry staples to make outstanding corn with minimal fuss.
Why we love air fryer corn:
- Sweet, juicy, and slightly crunchy corn with great roasted flavor
- Fast and simple to prepare
- Requires only a few ingredients; add optional toppings for variety
Ingredients and notes
- Corn
- Fresh sweet corn is best. Shuck the corn — remove the husks and silk before cooking.
- Olive oil — any neutral oil or cooking spray works.
- Butter — for serving.
- Kosher salt and black pepper — to taste.
How to make corn on the cob in the air fryer
Scroll below for the printable recipe card and exact ingredient measurements.
Step one: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes while you prepare the corn.
Step two: Trim the ears if needed to fit in your air fryer basket. Brush or spray each ear generously with olive oil — oil helps promote browning without burning. I prefer to add butter after cooking.
Step three: Season all sides with salt and pepper.
Step four: Place the ears in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once if your basket allows, until the corn is tender and lightly browned. Test doneness by piercing with a fork.
Note: Air fryer models vary. If your unit runs hot or small, reduce or increase time slightly.
Step five: Carefully remove the hot ears from the basket. Slather with butter and serve with your favorite toppings.
How to make air fryer corn on the cob in foil
Wrapping corn in foil yields steamed, tender ears without browning. It’s perfect if you prefer no char.
- Brush the corn with oil or melted butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each ear individually in aluminum foil and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Let the foil rest a few minutes after removing from the air fryer before unwrapping to avoid steam burns.
How to make air fryer frozen corn on the cob
You can cook frozen corn from thawed or straight from frozen. If thawed, pat the cobs dry and follow the fresh corn directions. If cooking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Skip oil when cooking from frozen and brush with butter after cooking to finish.
Topping and seasoning ideas
Beyond salt and pepper, there are many ways to dress air fried corn:
- Parmesan or grated cheese
- Mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamy finish
- Chili powder or cayenne for heat
- Fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for herb freshness
- Cotija cheese for a Mexican-style topping
A favorite combination: butter, a pinch of chili powder, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of parmesan — delicious and bright.
Storage and reheating
Store: Once cooled, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. You can store whole ears or remove kernels with a sharp knife and store them separately.
Reheat: Reheat corn in the air fryer at 390°F for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave covered until heated.
More air fryer side dishes you’ll love:
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
- Air Fryer Green Beans
Love air frying? Share your results, try different seasonings, and enjoy a quick, flavorful side any night of the week.
Recipe
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn fresh
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
To serve
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley
- red chili powder / cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes while you prep the corn.
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Brush or spray the corn with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on all sides.
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Place the ears in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, until tender.
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Remove the corn, spread with butter, add desired toppings, and serve.