Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryer corn on the cob fresh or frozen is cooked to perfection in your Ninja Foodi or other brand in just minutes! Tender kernels, perfect side dish! 

Ninja Foodi Corn

I kid you not, this is a real game changer. It’s so easy we make it this way at least once a week for dinner. Fresh or frozen works too, depending on what you have on hand. Of course fresh is best. 😉

You can make this as an easy Ninja Foodi recipe as you see here or use any other brand of pot you might have. They all work basically the same, some just have larger baskets than others.

AirFry Corn

Summertime is the best because vegetables are so fresh and cheap. I feel like corn is one of those veggies though that you can find year round.

Buying them with the husk still on will keep it fresher a bit longer I feel. I would definitely pull the top down though right there in the store. I have had many times where it looked fine but when I was ready to cook it and peeled the husks down I was really disappointed.

You want large kernels that are juicy looking and not shriveled or dried up at all. If it is starting to get dry looking it is no good and you shouldn’t buy it, just wait until it’s more in season.

Once you’re ready to air fry corn on the cob you can then pull the outside leaves off when you’re ready. Throw as many as you want to serve into your basket, and in less than 10 minutes it’s done to perfection. Let’s get going…

How long to cook corn on the cob in Ninja Foodi

Timing and temp doesn’t change with the type or brand of machine you have. The same goes for all of them, biggest tip to get them done in this time is to not overlap them as they need area for the hot arir to rotate around the whole cob, or make our corn ribs recipe. Here are a few questions you might have before you get started:

The latter right out of your Cosori or Ninja Foodi will have a lot more of the natural flavor to it. As you can imagine, hot water just sucks out a lot of everything which is why you’ll feel the need to add a bunch of butter and salt. Air fried you don’t need as much, just enjoy the sweetness as is.

Ninja Foodi Corn on the Cob

The directions for this are no different. Just remember the lid that is attached is for air frying, and the other is for pressure cooking.

Air fryer corn on the cob

It doesn’t matter if you buy shucked or with the husk still in tact. You will need to remove it if they haven’t done it already for you before cooking.

1. Fresh ears of corn
   1. you can use frozen corn but fresh is so much better
2. Olive oil
3. Salt and pepper if desired
4. Tongs
5. Butter when it is done
6. Chili powder and lime juice are optional to use at the end

Literally that is it. After I made pressure cooker corn I was hooked because there is NO need for boiling anymore.

Corn in Air Fryer

You can use those directions in your Instant Pot, Mealthy or Crock Pot Express. 

• Only takes 3 minutes that way!
• Then you could put your cob in an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp.

I haven’t decided whether I like the previous method or this one better. I would say they are neck and neck but SO much better than heating up a bit pot of water on the stovetop.

Frozen Corn in Air Fryer

You could use either frozen or fresh for this. Cook time may have a difference of a minute or so but really isn’t a lot. A great option during the wintertime when you may not find fresh in season.

Here’s a quick step by step but I also have a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for your convenience. If you want to make this into more of a complete meal, follow our air fryer shrimp boil recipe. That uses corn, seafood and potatoes together!

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

When done mix the following 5 ingredients together and brush it on each one:

1. 1/4 c. mayonnaise & sour cream
2. 1/2 tsp chili powder
3. 1 tbsp. lime juice
4. 1/2 c. cotija cheese

Mix together the ingredients above well, and brush on each cob, enjoy!

Ninja Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Now first you’re going to want to remove the husk and silks. Yes you can pressure cook with them on but it takes longer and with air fryer corn you’ll need to remove them. BUT don’t throw them in the trash can!!

What can I do with corn husks?

Most people just throw these away but believe it or not there are many uses for them so maybe think twice, you could;

• We throw ours in our compost bin!!
  • They’re great for decomposition and creating nutrient rich soil to use in our vegetable garden.
• You can also use dried corn husks to make tamales!
• They’re great to make corn husk angels twisted and turned with twine held together for the holidays.
• Use them to wrap food for grilling or steaming. Similar concept as using banana leaves for cooking.
  • We keep them on when making smoked corn on the cob.

Allow them to dry out and use corn on the cob as fire starters!

Does corn have any nutritional value?

Of course any fresh fruit or vegetable has nutrients, this one is higher in carbs than others but still good for you.

• Sweet corn is also packed with fiber which is great if you have high cholesterol.
• It’s also low in fat and provides about 17% of Vitamin C for the day.
• Lower in protein it still is a healthy side dish I would say if you’re coming up with a summer menu.

Using your air fryer or pressure cooker will keep those vitamins in tact and takes a fraction of the time too! You figure it takes a good 15 minutes for a large pot of water to start to boil, then at least 15 minutes to soften the kernels.

Using either method here you’ll have perfect corn on the cob in about 10 minutes flat!

• This is how to cook fresh corn 4 other ways too. Roasted corn on the smoker is fun too with melted butter and salt on the top. Try them all y’all! 😉

We prefer these 2 methods vs. boiled corn because I questioned….. Other recipes you’ll love are these air fryer french fries and air fryer zucchini chips that are homemade and done in under 30 minutes!

Can you cook frozen corn in air fryer?

YES! Just cook for 12 minutes on 400 degrees and it should be perfect. Of course size is going to vary the timing but this is pretty good to go.

After this, give our air fryer eggplant a whirl and let us know which one you like best! Cooking corn has never been easier than this!! You will likely never make it another way again. It’s quick and easy + the texture is perfect. You no longer have to heat up the house on hot summer nights.

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