Fresh or Frozen Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Instant Pot corn is the only way to go! Using your pressure cooker is the easiest way to steam frozen corn on the cob or fresh cobs to perfection every time. A healthy side dish that is family friendly and cheap.

Ninja Foodi Corn on the Cob

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. Our Crockpot Express works great as well. Just a few minutes to tender kernels, butter with salt and you’re ready with an inexpensive and healthy side dish.

Heck, you can even make pressure cooker 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.

Corn on the Cob Instant Pot

I am sure you have had this for years. Your mom waited 20ish minutes for water on the stove for it to reach a rolling boil. Then after another 10 it was the right texture to eat. I mean that works just fine but not only is this way faster but you don’t lose nutritional value either. You want to steam vegetables in Instant Pot, not submerge in water ideally.

Instant Pot Frozen Corn

I talk all about how to cook frozen corn on the cob in a machine like this, boiled, in the air fryer or otherwise. 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.

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.

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

Remember, it doesn’t matter what brand you are using. Just use the high pressure function or button to get this one done. The bit of water underneath will heat up very quickly and pressure will tenderize each kernel and/or bite.

• 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 in Instant Pot

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.

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Cook Time

Here are quick instructions but there is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First you will put a trivet or vegetable steamer basket in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour your water into your pot.

Corn on the Cob Instant Pot

1. 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.
2. Place your frozen or fresh corn in the cobs (ours were cut in half) into your pot and close lid and steam valve.
3. Place your frozen or fresh corn in the cobs (ours were cut in half) into your pot and close lid and steam valve.
4. 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. 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. 😉

After you fall in love love with this you’ll love our other Instant Pot vegetable recipes

• This Instant Pot creamed corn is creamy and yummy
  • Instant Pot beets in a Ninja Foodi or IP are fabulous too.
• Cheesy Instant Pot cauliflower is keto friendly
• 1 minute broccoli in Instant Pot is always a winner!

Have a Foodi?? Then you can try our air fryer beets recipe too. You will get a very different texture this way with their air crisp function.

How long do you steam an ear of corn?

If you’re looking to cook this perfect other ways there are tips here. There are ways outside your pressure cooker here too. We have tips for the oven and stovetop too.

• 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.

Here is a printable version for fresh or frozen Instant Pot corn on the cob