Corn on the cob is a staple at summer barbecues and family gatherings. It’s simple, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. But let’s be honest, boiling corn on the cob can get a bit monotonous. Enter the air fryer! This magical kitchen appliance can transform your cooking routine, making it faster and more flavorful. Today, I’m excited to share a new way to cook corn on the cob using an air fryer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the old methods.
Ⅰ. Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The ingredients for air fryer corn on the cob are straightforward:
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt
- Optional: pepper, herbs, or spices for seasoning
Ⅱ. How to Prepare the Ingredients
Preparing the corn is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your corn ready for the air fryer:
1.Remove the husks and silks:
Start by peeling away the green husks and removing all the silky threads. This can be a bit tedious, but a corn silk remover can make the job easier.
2.Rinse the corn:
Give the ears a good rinse under cold water to wash away any remaining silks or dirt.
3.Pat dry:
Use a paper towel to pat the corn dry. This ensures that the oil or butter sticks to the corn, helping it to cook evenly.
4.Brush with oil or butter:
Brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted butter. This adds flavor and helps the corn develop a beautiful golden color.
5.Season:
Sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Ⅲ. How to Choose the Perfect Corn
Picking the right corn is crucial for this recipe. However, did you know that peeling back the husk to check the corn before buying is considered bad shopping etiquette? It shortens the shelf life of the corn, causing it to dry out faster and become unsellable. But don’t worry, you can still buy delicious corn without peeking. Here’s how to pick the perfect corn for your air fryer:
1.Corn Silks:
Check the corn silks, the long hair-like threads extending from the top. The silks should be brown and sticky. This indicates that the corn is still moist and hasn’t dried out. If the silks are dark brown, dry, or black, the corn is too old and should be avoided.
2.Corn Husks:
The green, leafy husks wrapping the corn should be bright green and free from many brown spots or small holes. Small holes might mean there are bugs inside. The husks should be tightly wrapped around the corn. If the husks are damp, it means the corn is fresh.
3.Squeeze Test:
Start at the bottom and slowly squeeze the cob. It should feel firm, and the kernels should feel plump. If kernels are missing or there are soft spots, avoid that ear of corn.
Ⅳ. How to Cook Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer
Now that you’ve selected the perfect corn and prepped it, it’s time to cook! Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked corn on the cob using your air fryer:
1.Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Preheating ensures that the corn cooks evenly from the start.
2.Arrange the corn:
Place the prepared corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the cobs are not touching to ensure even cooking.
3.Cook:
Cook the corn for 12-15 minutes. Turn the corn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.
4.Check for doneness:
Pierce a kernel with a fork to check for tenderness. The corn should be juicy and tender when done.
Ⅴ. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
To take your air fryer corn on the cob to the next level, here are some handy tips:
1.Wrap in Foil:
Wrap the corn in aluminum foil for a texture similar to boiled corn but without any charred spots. This method is great if you prefer your corn without the crispy edges.
2.Use a Corn Silk Remover:
A corn silk remover can help you easily get rid of the silks before cooking, saving you time and effort.
3.Use Fresh Sweet Corn:
Fresh sweet corn will give you the sweetest, most delicious results. The natural sugars in fresh corn caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
4.Enjoy Immediately or Store:
Enjoy your air-fried corn immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
5.Avoid Cooking with Husks:
Cooking the corn with the husks on in the air fryer is not recommended as the husks can burn.
6.Single Layer:
Always arrange the corn in a single layer in the air fryer so the cobs don’t touch, ensuring even heating.
