Make perfectly charred and flavorful corn on the cob with this easy air fryer recipe. Enjoy a quicker version of this classic summer side dish with a bold flavor using this recipe! {Vegan, Gluten-Free}
Corn on the cob is a summer staple that never goes out of style. Whether you’re grilling for a barbecue or just craving a quick, delicious side dish, corn on the cob always hits the spot. Lately my go-to method for making corn on the cob is using the air fryer. With this handy kitchen gadget, you can achieve perfectly cooked, golden-brown corn on the cob in just minutes. No more boiling water or heating up the grill or oven — just pure corn bliss with minimal effort.
Today I want to share my favorite air fryer corn on the cob recipe with a bold spice mix that is addictively tasty.
Benefits of cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer
Using an air fryer to cook corn on the cob has several benefits:
- Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer can cook your corn in as little as 12 minutes, compared to up to 30 minutes of oven baking time.
- Even Cooking: The hot air circulation ensures that your corn is evenly cooked on all sides, giving it a perfect char.
- Less Mess: No need to worry about boiling water or dealing with a hot grill—just pop the corn in the air fryer, and you’re good to go!
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires less oil than traditional methods, so you can enjoy your corn with fewer calories.
Air fryer corn on the cob ingredients
Cooking corn on the cob in the air fryer only requires the corn, oil spray, and the seasoning of your choice.
My recipe uses a spice mix that is inspired by Xinjiang cuisine, using chili flakes, cumin powder, paprika, five spice and salt. This delicious savory seasoning is full of umami, paired very well with the sweet corn.
How to make air fryer corn on the cob
Making air fryer corn on the cob is super easy:
- Spray the corn with a thin layer of oil
- Air fry until the corn is lightly browned and cooked through
- Spray with oil again and sprinkle with the spice mix
- Air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, to cook the spice mix
At the end of the cooking, you will get lightly charred corn with a very flavorful spice mix that goes perfectly with any type of main dish, or just to snack on.
One word on the air fryer
I use a Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven currently and so far it’s my favorite air fryer. It is very powerful, and it offers more cooking space than the typical air fryer.
I have to admit that I rarely turn on my big oven since I got the air fryer toaster oven. It heats up and cooks so much faster, and does not heat up my room.
Depending on the type of air fryer you use, you might find the cooking time varies slightly. My air fryer is quite powerful and sometimes it needs less time. When you’re using an air fryer recipe, always check on your food a few times during cooking, and adjust the cooking time according to the actual progress to get the best result.
How to serve air fryer corn on the cob
Air fryer corn on the cob is perfect for a quick snack any time of the day. It’s also a side dish that pairs well with all kinds of dishes.
For example, serve it alongside your summer grilled meats, such as Chinese dry rub ribs, Chinese BBQ pork, and lamb skewers.
It’s also great with a cold noodle dish such as sesame noodles and cold chicken noodle.
Air fryer corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. It’s quick, mess-free, and the results are always impressive. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a summer cookout or just a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and let us know how you like it!
Other delicious air fryer recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Wings with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant
- Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans
- Air Fryer Garlic Ribs (蒜香排骨)
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob , cut to size to fit in your air fryer if needed
- Oil spray (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons Chinese chili flakes (or 1 teaspoon for a less spicy dish)
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon five spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), for 10 minutes or so.
- While the air fryer is heating up, spray or brush each ear of corn a thin layer of oil. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry for 12 minutes, or until the corn is lightly charred. Check the corn from time to time. You might want to rotate the corn once to cook more evenly.
- Mix the chili flakes, cumin powder, paprika, five spice, and salt together in a small bowl. (*Footnote 1)
- After the corn is cooked, transfer the corn onto a large tray or plate. Spray or brush with a thin layer of oil, so the spice mix sticks to the corn better. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the corn, sparsely for a mild taste, thinly and fully covered for a balanced flavor, or heavily covered for a bold seasoning . Return it to the air fryer to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the spices are lightly toasted.
- Once done, remove the corn to cool off slightly. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- The recipe creates more spice mix than you might need. I usually use two thirds of the spice mix for a rich taste without overpowering the flavor of the corn. You might want to use more or less depending on your preference.
