Love vegetable air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer cauliflower, air fryer mushrooms, air fryer baked sweet potato, and air fryer smashed potatoes next. If you’re brand new here, hi, I’m Arman, and I’m obsessed with my air fryer. Granted, I do cook with other methods, but when I need an easy side dish, I always pull out the air fryer. Tender kernels of corn are quickly air-fried and brushed with butter and flaky salt, giving them a flavor like they just came off the grill.
Why I love this recipe
Made with 3 ingredients. Count them up, and you’ll see. All you need is corn, butter, and salt. Ready in minutes. Just pop the corn in the air fryer, cook it, then serve with butter and salt. That’s all there is to it. No mess. The only dish that gets used is your air fryer basket, meaning prep time and clean-up is a breeze. Fun to customize. I kept this corn cob recipe simple, but there are plenty of ways to spice it up, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
How to make corn on the cob in the air fryer
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. “Just made this, and it was so fast, juicy, and EASY! I’m obsessed.” – Olga
Arman’s recipe tips
Split the ears. If the corn cobs are too big to fit in an even layer in your air fryer basket, cut them in half and work in batches. If you forget to preheat the air fryer, just know the cooking time will need to increase by 1-2 minutes. Make flavored butter. Garlic butter, ranch butter, chipotle lime butter, and chili butter are easy to make and instantly elevate this humble side dish. Make Mexican street corn. Top the warm corn with Mexican crema (or mayonnaise), cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder. Top with cheese and fresh herbs. A little parmesan cheese and fresh basil is quick and adds so much flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. All the grilling favorites are my MVP pairings:
Grilled Huli Huli chicken Lamb burgers Grilled flat iron steak Air fryer ribs Grilled bavette steak
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled corn in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Let the frozen corn thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time. To reheat: Wrap the corn in a lightly wet paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals, or wrap the corn in foil and heat in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes or until warm.
Frequently asked questions
More healthy air fryer sides
Air fryer okra Air fryer pickles Air fryer buffalo cauliflower Air fryer home fries Air fryer frozen green beans Air fryer butternut squash
