Instant Pot corn is the only way to go! Using your pressure cooker is the easiest way to steam frozen corn on the cob to perfection every time.
To make Instant Pot corn you just throw it in add 1 cup water, set the time on high pressure and when it beeps you’ve got the perfect corn side dish! For more easy Instant Pot recipes we have over 100+ here. (originally published 11/18, affiliate links present)
You can use your Ninja Foodi or any brand of pressure cooker to make corn on the cob this way. There is no difference in the instructions so use what you have.
Heck, you can even make pressure cooker corn casserole which is our favorite side dish ever in it now.
Ninja Foodi Corn on the Cob
Let’s start with a few basic tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our InstaPot recipes page. We add new ones each week!
- Then PRINT this —–> Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet that will help you understand how long meat, vegetables and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
- This is a great InstaPot cookbook and set of wooden utensils are great to grab too.
- I HIGHLY recommend you buy this non stick pot. It is easier to clean and will avoid the burn message too.
For reference, this is the pressure cooker I have and use for all recipe creations.
- 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……
Corn on the cob in the Instant Pot
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.
How do you steam corn in an Instant Pot?
We will show you how here. Using a vegetable basket and a cup of water you can make kernels tender in just 3 minutes!
What happens if you cook corn too long?
1. You will lose the natural sweetness.
2. 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.
What is a trivet for an Instant Pot?
You can use the one it comes with which is flat. OR use an “old fashioned” vegetable steamer basket that opens up.
How do you steam corn in Ninja Foodi?
Directions are the same no matter what brand of pressure cooker you have. BUT with this you could air crisp it as an alternative too which is fabulous.
I will explain how to cook all kinds of Instant Pot corn but this is the one I am showing you in the pictures here as an example.
- These are the basic steps to making pressure cooker corn, our favorite Instant Pot side dish:
Corn in Ninja Foodi
- If using fresh whole cobs I like to cut the ends off like you see here.
- Then remove husks and silks.
- Pour water into your pot with 1-2 cups of water.
- Place fresh or frozen cobs into a vegetable steamer or on a rack so they don’t touch the water.
- If cooking just kernels you will not sure a rack of any kind.
Then close the lid and steam valve.
- Setting valve to venting will not work.
- When done do allow to naturally release steam for 1 minute, then quick release
- Carefully remove corn as it will be very hot.
Add your butter and salt and enjoy with your meal.
Boiling Frozen Corn on the Cob
How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob
Timing for all different types:
- Fresh kernels – Use enough water to cover kernels, at least 2 cups = 1 minute
- Frozen kernels – Use enough water to cover frozen corn kernels, at least 2 cups = 2 minutes
- Corn on the cob, fresh – Place in vegetable steamer basket with 1.5 c. water = 2 minutes
- remove husks and silks
- Corn on the cob, frozen – Place in vegetable steamer basket with 1.5 c. water = 3 minutes
Instant Pot corn on the cob
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.
Here are quick instructions but there is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Time needed: 3 minutes.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Add water
Put a trivet or vegetable steamer basket in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour your water into your pot.
- Remove husks
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.
- Add ingredients
Place your frozen or fresh corn in the cobs (ours were cut in half) into your pot and close lid and steam valve.
- Cook
Close lid and vent to closed. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes for whole cobs of frozen corn on the cob or 2 minutes for fresh corn on the cob. Do a natural release for 1 minute, then a quick release when done and serve immediately for best results.
Corn on the Cob Instant Pot
If you love this you’ll love our other Instant Pot vegetable recipes
- This Instant Pot creamed corn is creamy and yummy
- Buttery brussel sprouts
- Beets in a Ninja Foodi or IP are fabulous too.
- Cheesy Instant Pot cauliflower is keto friendly
- 1 minute broccoli is always a winner!
If you have a Foodi you can try our air fryer beets recipe too.
If you’re looking to cooking perfect corn on the cob outside your pressure cooker we have tips for the oven and stovetop too.
How long do you steam an ear of corn?
- About 15 minutes once the water comes to a boil.
- This method takes about 10 minutes total
- which means it’s a time saver
- and it’s kinda’ a set it and go method
** Note – 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.
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Here is a printable version for fresh or frozen Instant Pot corn on the cob
Instant Pot Corn
Ingredients
- 4-6 corn on the cob fresh or frozen with husk removed
- 1.5 c water
Instructions
- Put a trivet or vegetable steamer basket in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Pour your water into your pot.
- Place your frozen or fresh corn in the cobs (ours were cut in half) into your pot and close lid and steam valve.
- Set to pressure high for 3 minutes for fresh or frozen, ours were cut in half and frozen. Do a natural release for 1 minute, then a quick release when done and serve immediately for best results.
Donna
Sunday 4th of July 2021
This is the only way to make corn on the cob now. It comes out perfect all the time. We buy fresh and I break them in half. That is ho we like them.
The Typical Mom
Monday 5th of July 2021
So good right???
Brandy Jones
Wednesday 9th of June 2021
Tried this tonight, so easy and so good. Thank you!
The Typical Mom
Thursday 10th of June 2021
Oh yay!
Teodorova
Saturday 2nd of May 2020
I made it,but you did not say what setting to cook it on.l used the steam setting.
Mommyof6
Thursday 9th of January 2020
I'm trying this tonight! My stove takes forever to boil water!
Ryan
Saturday 17th of August 2019
I have the frozen half ears like yours. I’m confused on the cook time. Is it the same cook time as listed in the recipe for whole ears of frozen corn? Three minutes? Thank you.
justine
Saturday 17th of August 2019
Yes! ?