🌽 Air Fryer Toasted Corn (15 min) – Quick Recipe:
For golden-brown corn on the cob, just like you'd get at the barbecue but without the smoke: brush your corn with a mixture of melted butter, smoked paprika, and garlic. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes , turning halfway through. Serve with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra enjoyment! 🔥
💡 Why cook your corn in an Air Fryer?
Corn is the undisputed star of warm weather. But firing up the barbecue or boiling a large pot of water just for two ears of corn is often daunting. That's where this air fryer recipe becomes your best friend.
The intense circulating heat of the Air Fryer roasts the kernels: they become sweet and juicy inside, and lightly charred outside, just like on a grill. All in under 15 minutes and with much less oil. Once you've tasted air-fried corn, you'll never go back to boiling!
Are you a beginner? Check out our complete Air Fryer Guide to understand everything.
🌽 Ingredients for perfect ears of corn
Preparation: 5 min • Cooking: 12 min
- 2 Ears of corn (fresh)
- 30 g Melted butter
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 Salt & Pepper
- 1/2 Lime (serve)
- 1 tbsp Feta or Cotija
- 1 tsp Fresh coriander
Protect your basket with our specially designed baking papers!
👩🍳 Recipe steps
Preparing the ears of corn
ExpressRemove the husks and silks (the small threads) from your corn cobs. If your cobs are too large to fit in your air fryer basket, feel free to cut them in half. Rinse them quickly and dry them thoroughly.
The magic butter
Taste !In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each ear of corn on all sides. This will give it that beautiful golden color.
Golden cooking
12-15 minPlace the ears of corn in the basket (without stacking them). Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, turn them over so they roast evenly. They are ready when the kernels are tender and lightly browned in places.
🔥 3 Tips for Unforgettable Corn
- 🌽 Freshness is key: The fresher the corn, the sweeter it is. Avoid pre-cooked vacuum-packed corn for this recipe; the result with fresh corn is incomparable.
- 🇲🇽 "Street Corn" style: For a Mexican version (Elotes), once cooked, brush the corn with a little mayonnaise, roll it in cheese (feta or cotija) and sprinkle with chili and coriander.
- 📏 Adjust the size: If you have a small Air Fryer model, cutting the ears into 4-5 cm pieces allows you to fit more and create perfect "bites" for appetizers.
Looking for more original ideas? Explore our Air Fryer recipe blog 🍽️.
🎨 Gourmet Variations
Corn is a blank canvas. Try these variations:
- 🍯 Honey & Butter: For those with a sweet tooth, add a spoonful of honey to your melted butter before brushing. It caramelizes beautifully!
- 🌶️ Cajun Spicy: Replace the paprika with a blend of Cajun spices for a Louisiana-style kick.
- 🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Corn: Wrap a thin slice of bacon around the ear of corn before cooking. The bacon fat will baste the corn... absolutely delicious (but not exactly light!).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can frozen corn be used?
Yes, it's possible! Use whole frozen ears of corn. Increase the cooking time to 18-20 minutes. Brush them with butter after the first 5 minutes of defrosting.
How can I tell if it's cooked?
Pierce a grain with the tip of a knife. If the liquid runs out easily and the grain is tender, it's ready. It should look bright yellow with some charring.
Should we put water at the bottom?
No, it's not necessary for roasting. The natural steam from the corn is enough to cook it through while the hot air grills the outside.
