Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
on May 19, 2021, Updated Aug 06, 2025
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Craving sweet, tender corn 🌽 without the giant cauldron of boiling water splashing all over your stove? Well, my juicy, golden Air Fryer Corn on the Cob delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s ready in just 20-minutes, with perfect results. Every. 👏 Time. 👏 Not only is it hands-off, but it’s also completely customizable. It works with flavors like classic butter+parm, bold chili lime, and smoky Cajun spices. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side, a backyard BBQ, or a fun afternoon snack, you’ll reach for this recipe again and again 😉.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Fresh, simple ingredients join forces to create the perfect side in this Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe. Naturally sweet corn 🌽 is enhanced with a buttery golden finish, creating a versatile base for all your favorite toppings. Grated parmesan coats the corn in soft, salty goodness, while chopped parsley gives it bright flavor and a pop of color. It works as a quick side dish for weeknight dinners, and pairs perfectly with smoky grilled steak, summer salads, or even as a topping for grain bowls. Best of all? My foolproof air fryer method means you get crispy, juicy, savory, and sweet corn every time 👩🍳.
Ingredients
🌽 Fresh corn: I use two ears of fresh corn on the cob-shucked and silks removed-for the juiciest results. You can also cut your ears of corn in half if they won’t fit in your air fryer basket, or if you just want smaller portions. Additionally, you could use frozen corn in a pinch.
🥑 Avocado Oil: I use a clean, non-aerosol avocado oil spray to coat the corn before air frying to give it that crispy, golden glow. You could also brush on the oil if you don’t have spray.
🧈 Butter: Salted butter makes this recipe 🤌. I’ve started making my own Homemade Butter, which is PERFECT for infusing with garlic and herbs for next level flavor.
🌿 Parsley: Gives this recipe a hint of earthy flavor and gorgeous color.
🧀 Parmesan: When fresh grated, it adds a slightly salty, nutty flavor and a pillowy soft component.
Nonna’s Tip 🌽
Spray your corn with avocado oil before air frying for a golden, restaurant-style finish.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Flavor Combos
One of the best parts about air fryer corn on the cob is how easy it is to change up the flavors. Here are a few delicious ideas to try:
- Classic Butter & Sea Salt → Simple, timeless, and always a hit.
- Parmesan Herb → Toss with grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Chili Lime → Brush with melted butter, add chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Smoky BBQ → Dust with smoked paprika, a touch of brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
- Sweet Heat → Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cayenne for a spicy-sweet surprise.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Variations and Substitutions
- If fresh corn 🌽 isn’t available, then you can use frozen. You’ll just need to add 2-3 minutes to your cooking time.
- Swap butter for olive oil or your favorite vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Try different flavor profiles: Elotes, Hot Honey, Cajun, or classic Butter+Salt 🧈🧂.
- Instead of plain salted butter, try garlic herb butter for punched-up flavor.
- Make small portions by cutting your corn on the cob in half or thirds before air frying-perfect for appetizers and kiddos.
Best Served With
- A perfectly cooked Ribeye Steak 🥩 or Carne Asada.
- Grilled Chicken Thighs and a summery Burrata Tomato Peach Salad 🥗 at your next cookout.
- Elote-inspired air fryer corn, Easy Shrimp Tacos and Guacamole for Taco Night 🌮.
Similar Recipes
Mexican Street Corn
20 mins
Hot Honey Butter Corn
25 mins
Mexican Corn Salad
25 mins
Frito Corn Salad
10 mins
Common Questions
Of course! As long as you increase the cook time by 2-3 minutes to make sure it’s warmed through.
Simply pop it back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Additionally, you could also wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Certainly, swap butter for olive oil or your favorite vegan brand.
Of course, you can make mini cobs by cutting each ear of corn into two or three pieces-perfect for kids or appetizers!
This recipe is super versatile and easy to incorporate different flavors that complement your main dish. Try my butter+garlic+parm, Hot Honey, and Mexican Street Corn versions.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn (corn on the cob)
- avocado oil spray or any cooking oil spray
- butter
- fresh parsley
- grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Shuck your corn: peel off the outer leaves and silks. You can cut the corn in half crosswise, which allows you to fit more corn in the air fryer, or leave them whole.
- Place the corn in the air fryer basket and spray it all over with avocado spray. Cook at 370F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until some of the kernels turn golden and crispy. The timing will depend on the model of your air fryer and the size of your corn.
- While the corn cooks, melt some butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add some fresh parsley. When the corn is done cooking, brush each piece of corn with the herb butter and sprinkle on a little bit of freshly grated parm, if using. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
