Go Back
Air Fryer Roasted Corn On The Cob: Quick & Perfectly Charred Every Time

Air Fryer Roasted Corn On The Cob

Air Fryer Roasted Corn On The Cob delivers sweet, caramelized kernels with a smoky char in just minutes. This foolproof method uses circulating hot air to create perfectly roasted corn that’s juicy inside with beautiful browning outside—no grill required.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears of fresh corn husks and silk removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: additional butter fresh herbs (cilantro, chives, parsley), lime wedges, chili powder, or grated parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you add the corn.
  • Prepare the corn by removing husks and silk completely. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  • Brush each ear of corn evenly with olive oil or melted butter. Make sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor development.
  • Season the corn with salt and pepper, rotating to distribute the seasonings evenly around each ear.
  • Place the corn in the air fryer basket, arranging in a single layer with space between each ear for proper air circulation. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the corn halfway through cooking time. Look for golden brown spots developing across the kernels.
  • Check for doneness by piercing a kernel with a knife tip—it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  • Remove carefully using tongs and transfer to a serving platter.
  • Add your favorite toppings while the corn is still hot, allowing butter to melt beautifully into the kernels.

Notes

  • For maximum flavor, choose the freshest corn possible with bright green husks and moist, silky tassels.
  • Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket—the corn needs air circulation to roast properly rather than steam.
  • Smaller air fryers may require cooking in batches of 2 ears at a time.
  • The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the corn.
  • For Mexican-inspired elote, have mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime ready to dress the corn immediately after cooking.
  • This method works year-round, even with less-than-perfect out-of-season corn, as the roasting intensifies natural sweetness.