Juicy fresh corn, coated with just the right amount of spice and citrus to bring out its natural sweetness, is the ultimate summer side. 15 minutes in the Air Fryer yields perfectly cooked, roasty-toasty corn on the cob without turning on the grill or heating up the whole kitchen. Once you try this recipe inspired by Indian Street Corn, you will be hooked!
Bhutta Corn or Street Corn in India is an iconic sight, smell, and taste! Fresh sweet corn is roasted by hand directly on burning charcoal being turned quickly and constantly to get that even char all over without burning. Then a lime half is dipped in spices and rubbed all over the hot corn--a clever and useful way to distribute the spice evenly while also adding the bright tart flavor from the lime. A very clever and useful trick that we’ll use for our Air Fryer method too!
My Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is so simple and so easy, yet the flavors are big and memorable. Mild Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, and lime are all you'll need to make THE BEST corn on the cob.
Why Air Frying Is My Go-To For Corn On The Cob
- Corn stays juicy while also developing those deeper lightly charred flavors.
- Cooks up much quicker than grilling or oven roasting which can take more than 30 minutes plus the time to preheat the grill or oven.
- Perfect for a quick family meal of 4 servings any night of the week.
- Neat and clean! Corn is husked and silked is removed all in the beginning. No fussing with scorching husks on the grill, pre-soaking, wrapping in foil, or any of the other tricks to keep the corn from drying out while cooking.
Few things are as synonymous with summer as heaping piles of fresh sweet corn adorning farmer’s market tables and popping up in abundance at grocery stores!
Here is how to pick out good ears of corn
They should feel firm all over and also somewhat heavy for their weight. Sometimes I peel back a bit of the husk on top and peek inside. Kernels should look plump and bright, not mushy, brownish, or missing like something has been nibbling on them.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Sweet Corn -- at its peak in summer, but can be found fresh into the early fall. Taste and sweetness are determined by the variety of corn rather than the color. Corn is an excellent source of insoluble fiber which promotes healthy digestion and may help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance. It also contains potassium and B vitamins, including folate. Yellow and bi-color corn have carotenoids that convert to Vitamin A in the body.
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder -- has a brilliant red hue, mild heat, and smoky flavor. When substituting other chili powder for Kashmiri red chili be mindful of the heat level.
- Lime -- high levels of Vitamin C which is necessary for a well-functioning immune system and antioxidants which protect cells from aging and certain chronic illnesses.
Instructions
Here is a quick step-by-step on how to air fry corn on the cob. A printable recipe card
- Preheat the air fryer as you are shucking the corn, trim the ends.
- Place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 F for 12 minutes, turning the corn half way through.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes for more brown spots or if the corn is thicker.
- Take out the corn and place on a platter. Mix chili powder and salt in a bowl. Dip the lime wedges in the chili and salt mixture. Rub the lime wedge on the corn to evenly apply the spices all over the corn. Squeeze some lime juice over and enjoy hot.
Serving
What to serve spicy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob With
Fresh corn was made for burgers! Try the Masala Chicken, Spicy Salmon, or Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burger recipes and pair them with Flavorful Cabbage Salad for the perfect meal.
Did you enjoy this easy air fryer side dish? Here are some of our other go-to healthy recipes:
New to Air Frying? Check out my Beginners guide to air frying where I explain which air fryer to buy, how to use an air fryer, cooking tips, cleaning and commonly asked questions.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (less if using other variety)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 lime cut into 4 wedges
Optional toppings
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Husk and remove the silk from the corn. Trim the top and bottom so they fit the air fryer basket. (You can also cut them in half if your air fryer basket is too small to fit whole corn. Also the perfect size for younger kids)
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes.
- Line the corn in a single layer and lightly brush with oil.
- Air fry at 380 F for 12 minutes, turning the corn halfway through. Add an extra 2 to 5 minutes of cook time for more brown spots or if the corn is thicker. Take out the corn and place it on a platter.
- Mix chili powder and salt in a bowl. Dip the lime wedges in the chili and salt mixture. Rub the lime wedge on the corn to evenly apply the spices all over the corn. Squeeze some lime juice over and enjoy hot!
Video
Notes
- For younger kids, butter the corn first and then apply a lighter coat of spice mix.
- Sprinkle some cotija cheese on top for a Mexican street corn flavor.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is smaller. Do not overcrowd
- Add more time if needed and to get the desired browning
Nutrition
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Deb says
Thank you for the recipe! The corn was taking forever to cook in the air fryer for me so I put it in the IP steamer basket for 3 mins and QR and then brushed it with oil/spices and in the air fryer at 425 for 5 mins turning mid way. It was perfect and also locked in the moisture!
Archana says
Thank you for the feedback Deb. I agree if the corn is not tender it can take longer time in the air fryer. Love your idea of cooking it in the Instant Pot first.