Air Fryer Corn on the Cob gets brushed with herb butter, then cooks until tender and golden. It’s ready in 15 minutes, with way less mess than boiling a big pot of water. If your crew loves corn, try my Elote Salad (Mexican Street Corn Salad) or Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn on the Cob.
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Why this Recipe is a Keeper
This corn comes out tender and buttery without heating up the whole kitchen. Here’s why it’s worth making all summer.
- 15-Minute Side: Just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the air fryer.
- Easy Ingredients: Corn, butter, and a couple of seasonings are all you need.
- Family Friendly: Buttery, herby corn is an easy sell for the whole table.
- No Big Pot Needed: Skip boiling water on the stove entirely.
How Do I Air Fry Corn Well?
Air fried corn turns out crispy and juicy, similar to oven-roasted corn, but in a fraction of the time. Most air fryer baskets fit two to three halved ears at once.
If you’re using frozen corn, add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. Shake or turn the basket about halfway through so the corn cooks evenly on all sides.
Pro Tip
Choose corn with kernels that look plump and bright and feel firm. Corn that’s starting to dry out may have dents and feel tough.
Ingredient Notes
A couple of ingredient choices affect how this corn turns out.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Fresh or Frozen Corn: Fresh corn from a farmers market tends to have the best flavor, though frozen works in a pinch.
- Lemon Herb Seasoning: This adds brightness to the butter mixture along with the All Purpose Seasoning Blend.
Variations and Substitutions
This corn is easy to dress up depending on your mood.
➡️ Add Garlic and Parmesan: Stir minced garlic and grated parmesan into the butter mixture.
➡️ Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend over the corn right after air frying.
➡️ Go Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter.
➡️ Try Different Herbs: Swap the parsley for fresh cilantro or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Special Equipment Needed To Make It Easier
An air fryer is what makes this recipe so quick.
- Air Fryer: The air fryer roasts the corn in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.
How to Make the Recipe
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep the corn by shucking it and cutting it in half.
- Mix melted butter with seasoning and parsley.
- Coat the corn in the butter mixture.
- Air Fry until tender and golden, then brush with more butter.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips
A little prep ahead makes dinner come together faster.
➡️ Prep the Corn Early: Shuck and halve the corn earlier in the day and keep it chilled.
➡️ Mix the Butter Ahead: Make the herb butter a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
➡️ Use Frozen Corn: Keep a bag on hand for a shortcut when fresh corn isn’t in season.
Alternate Cooking Methods
No air fryer? Boiling works in a pinch.
- Boiling: Boil the corn in a large pot of water for five to seven minutes, then brush with the butter mixture.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, aluminum foil is safe to use in most air fryers. Just avoid letting it block the airflow vents or touch the heating element.
If you’re reheating leftover corn, skip the foil in the microwave, since metal isn’t microwave-safe. A paper towel works better for that instead.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Keep leftover corn in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes, or wrap in a paper towel and microwave in short bursts.
- Using Leftovers: Cut leftover corn off the cob and stir it into Cream Style Corn. Or try Honey Butter Skillet Corn for another easy corn side.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
➡️ Choose Plump Kernels: Firm, bright kernels mean fresher, sweeter corn.
➡️ Turn the Corn: Rotating it partway through helps it brown evenly on all sides.
➡️ Brush Twice: Adding butter before and after cooking gives the best flavor.
➡️ Try Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle adds a smoky finish that pairs well with the herb butter.
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry Brush
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Ingredients
- 6 ears Fresh corn, husked and halved
- 1 stick Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Lemon herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Trim the ends from the corn, remove the husks and silk, then cut each ear in half.
- Melt the butter in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir the Lemon Herb Seasoning, All Purpose Seasoning Blend, and parsley into the melted butter until well combined.
- Brush or roll each piece of corn in the herb butter until evenly coated.
- Arrange the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket, standing the pieces upright if space allows. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until the corn is tender and lightly browned.
- Brush the corn with any remaining herb butter and serve immediately.
Christina’s Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary so the hot air can circulate around each piece of corn.
- Frozen Corn Works Too: Add 2 to 4 extra minutes of cooking time if using frozen corn.
- Check for Doneness: The corn should be fork tender with lightly browned kernels.
- Make Ahead: Mix the herb butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Melt it before brushing onto the corn.
- Storage: Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.