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)
Let’s start with a few basic tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our InstaPot recipes page. We add new ones each week!
- Then LIKE our IP Facebook page for new ideas daily.
- This is a great InstaPot cookbook 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.
We will show you how here. Using a vegetable basket and a cup of water you can make kernels tender in just 2-3 minutes!
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.
You can use the one it comes with which is flat. OR use an “old fashioned” vegetable steamer basket that opens up.
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:
- 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 a quick release and carefully remove corn as it will be very hot.
- Add your butter and salt and enjoy!
Instant Pot 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
- Fresh corn on the cob – Place in vegetable steamer basket with 1.5 c. water = 2 minutes
- remove husks and silks
- Frozen corn on the cob – Place in vegetable steamer basket with 1.5 c. water = 3 minutes
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.
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.
If you love this you’ll love our other Instant Pot vegetable recipes
- Instant Pot corn casserole
- This creamed corn is creamy and yummy
- Buttery brussel sprouts
- Beets are fabulous too.
- Cheesy Instant Pot cauliflower
- 1 minute broccoli is always a winner!
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. Here is a printable version for frozen Instant Pot corn on the cob
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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 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.
Teodorova says
I made it,but you did not say what setting to cook it on.l used the steam setting.
Mommyof6 says
I’m trying this tonight! My stove takes forever to boil water!
Ryan says
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 says
Yes! ?
Renee Goerger says
I always make corn on the cob in my instant pot now that you’ve shown me how. Thanks so much!
Stef says
We use our Instant Pot for so many things, but never thought of cooking corn in it. Brilliant! This has been a life changer.
Rick says
Bought corn at the grocery store (probably not super fresh to start with) with intentions of making that night, things came up and 3 days later remembered the corn, (hmm really not fresh now) cooked it exactly as per your recipe and OMG it was absolutely delicious! This is the only way I will make corn on the cob again ( except for waiting as long to cook it after I purchase it lol) Thanks for sharing your recipes!
The Typical Mom says
Yeah!! Glad it is your go to now too!
Kalia says
Can you just use the trivet?
The Typical Mom says
Yes you could
Jenn says
OMG YES! Totally trying this tonight — I’m about to hit up the grocery store for some corn and I can’t wait to make this in my Instant Pot!
Shiho says
I just bought an instant pot. Good timing! I add this to my instant pot recipes. Thank you for the printable too. It is so handy.
The Typical Mom says
Enjoy!!