Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

This is how to cook fresh or frozen Instant Pot corn on the cob without the husk to tender in just minutes! It’s an easy healthy side dish you can serve with dinner that is family friendly and cheap.

To make Instant Pot corn you just throw it into your steamer basket with some water, set the time on high pressure and when it beeps you’ve got the perfect corn side dish! It is just one of the many Instant Pot recipes we make on a weekly basis.

Heck, you can even make Instant Pot corn casserole which is our favorite side dish ever in it now. A fun one that won’t take up room in your oven during the holidays. A great way to “bake” too if you haven’t tried that yet.

You may have only boiled these kernels but you need to STOP that. Not only do you lose nutrients submerged in hot water but the texture gets mushy. Steamed in a pressure cooker not only preserves the vitamins but keeps the kernels crisp in just a few minutes. This is going to rock your world friends!

How Long to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in Instant Pot

I talk all about of how to cook frozen corn on the cob but in a machine like this it is really fast at 3 minutes (the same for fresh or frozen friends). I’ll say this maintains the most flavor and nutrition steaming to tender. If fresh corn on the cob isn’t in season I opt for something like this. Mini ears of corn in the freezer section are super cheap and are the perfect size for little hands.

I will say I prefer fresh, of course, but we live in an area where it snows so during the Winter time they can be expensive. AND let’s just say I am frugal…… The biggest surprise when experimenting with these too is that the timing doesn’t really change!! The same with other foods too, you can use either and get the same results.

Should you pressure cook corn on the cob without the husk?

Yes, I highly suggest that you cook without the husk. If you buy it frozen you won’t have that option anyway but if you did use fresh then I would remove before cooking as it takes longer for the steam to permeate it and doesn’t benefit the outcome.

How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob in Ninja Foodi

You can use your Ninja Foodi or any brand of pressure cooker to make corn on the cob this way too. There is no difference in the instructions so use what you have other than with this pot but just remember you will use the lid that is not attached for these directions.

What happens if you cook corn on the cob too long?

You will lose the natural sweetness and it will become mushy. You just want to warm it and soften the kernels. Cooking cobs in their freshest state is ideal, right after picking is best. These are the basic steps to making pressure cooker corn, our favorite Instant Pot side dish

How Long to Cook a Bag of Frozen Corn in Instant Pot

If you are adding frozen kernels covered with broth or water to cover it which is typically 2 cups worth and cook on high for 2 minutes with a natural release for both. With fresh kernels cut off of the cob you would use enough water to cover kernels, at least 2 cups = 1 minute on high pressure for tender.

Now keep in mind times depend on how many kernels or cobs you put into your Instant Pot. Also longer times mean softer kernels so it depends on your preference.  This is how to cook fresh corn 4 other ways too.

Tips

You need some liquid to steam and a way to keep the food out of the water below. Any type of liquid works though for steaming. If not already done, remove corn husks and silks. It is easier if you set each one on it’s side, cut off open end and stalk hard end. Then peel them away over a trash can.

Do a natural release for 1 minute for the best tender texture, then a quick release when done and serve immediately. The added time at the end will allow it to continue to steam as it sits in there. I have actually forgotten about them for up to 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the steam and they were just as good. 😉

** Note – Just like with Corn on the Cob in the Oven, cook times may vary very slightly if you are cooking very large cobs that are frozen.  Otherwise this should turn out perfect every time using these times. You can also make air fryer corn which is a close second to how well this turns out.

Is it better to steam or boil corn on the cob??

Steaming is always best, that’s why this method is perfect. Boiling any vegetable means you’re losing nutrients when you submerge them into very hot water that sucks them right out.

Add your butter and salt and enjoy with your meal. This and our Cheesy Instant Pot cauliflower are keto friendly, cheap and delish.

Have a Foodi?? You have both functions with that which means you can make 1 minute broccoli in Instant Pot which is always a winner! Then you can try our air fryer beets recipe too. You will get a very different texture this way with their air crisp function.

After you fall in love love with this you’ll love our other Instant Pot vegetable recipes like our Instant Pot creamed corn which is creamy and yummy. Here is a printable version for fresh or frozen Instant Pot corn on the cob