Growing up on a farm, it’s no wonder that one of my favorite foods is sweet corn. However, there’s only a short season to enjoy it. During those months it isn’t around, I switch to frozen instead. Let me tell you, this air fryer frozen corn on the cob really satisfies that craving!
Frozen corn on the cob means you can enjoy the summertime favorite year round. Plus, there’s no shucking required!
These mini corn cobs are already perfectly cleaned and cut before freezing, so they can go directly into the air fryer and be ready to eat in under 15 minutes.
That’s quicker than the oven, requires less pots than the stove, and doesn’t take up space on the grill. You can even use this method to make corn all summer long!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
12-count frozen sweet corn on the cob (such as Green Giant or Bird’s Eye)
The frozen mini corn cobs fit better in the air fryer, so this is equivalent to about 6 regular ears. However, you can easily scale up or down to make more or less if desired
You may swap olive oil or ghee for the butter if you prefer
Any seasoning works fine. You can use just plain salt and pepper, or add paprika, garlic powder, barbecue, chile lime, garlic and herb, southwest, or any other seasonings you like instead. Also feel free to omit entirely and make plain corn!
Garnishes are completely optional, but you can top your corn with additional butter, parmesan cheese, other crumbled cheeses, or go Mexican street corn style with mayo, cilantro, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice
How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Place the frozen corn cobs into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes, pausing halfway to flip the corn over
While the corn is cooking, combine the melted butter and seasoning in a small bowl
After the 10 minutes have elapsed, use a brush to coat the corn in the seasoned butter mixture on both sides (you will have some leftover butter)
Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until desired level of browning is achieved
Top corn with remaining butter and any garnishes desired, then serve warm
What to Serve With Corn on the Cob
Barbecue ribs
Pork chops
Pulled pork
Steak
Grilled chicken
Fried chicken
Hot dogs
Sausages
Hamburgers
Meatloaf
Shrimp
Crab
Green salad
Edamame
Potato salad
Macaroni salad
Pasta salad
Coleslaw
Cucumber salad
French fries
Fruit salad
Peach cobbler
There are so many great main dishes, sides, and even desserts you can serve with corn on the cob.
Can You Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen ears of corn in an air fryer. They may be cooked directly from frozen, with no defrosting required.
The air fryer cooking method works for both full sized and mini frozen corn cobs.
How Long to Cook Frozen Corn in an Air Fryer?
On average, frozen corn on the cob takes between 10-15 minutes in an air fryer. The specific time depends on your air fryer, as well as the thickness and size of your frozen corn.
The cooking time doesn’t vary much between full sized and mini ears, so it should fall within this range regardless.
Should I Thaw Frozen Corn on the Cob Before Cooking?
No, there is no need to thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking.
It only adds a couple minutes to cooking time to account for frozen, and the additional moisture presence is actually beneficial to the corn.
How Do You Know When Frozen Corn on the Cob is Done?
Frozen corn on the cob is done when the kernels are hot to the touch. The kernels will also be plump, firm, and a slightly darker yellow color than when you started.
If your kernels begin to wrinkle and shrivel, then your corn is overcooked.
What Temperature Do You Air Fry Corn on the Cob?
Generally, you use a temperature of 360°F-400°F to air fry corn on the cob. This depends on your air fryer’s available settings, as well as personal preference.
Lower temperatures take a few minutes longer, but won’t brown the corn. If you like a slightly browned ear, then use a higher temperature.
Recipe Pro Tips
I have an 8-qt Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and can fit 6 frozen mini corn cobs or 3 full size in each basket (for a total of 12 and 6 at a time, respectively). Other air fryers may vary, so you may need to cook in batches
I highly recommend a pair of kitchen tongs to aid you in flipping and removing the corn cobs from the air fryer
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover corn in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It may be stored on the cob (wrapped in foil or in a zippered bag) or cut off the cob. Do not refreeze frozen corn once it has been cooked
Making air fryer frozen corn on the cob allows you to enjoy this great summer side all year round. Plus, it frees up the stove and oven for other items, so I use this method even during the summer season.
You can season your frozen corn in the air fryer any way you like, from simple salt and pepper to a Mexican street corn style. Since it’s so easy to make, experiment with new flavor combinations and find your favorite!
It’s ready in 15 minutes or less with little tending (and no shucking) required!
Seasoned Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob (Mini)
Cook up frozen mini corn on the cob in the air fryer. It only takes about 15 minutes for perfectly cooked seasoned corn that’s a versatile side dish.
12Countfrozen mini sweet corn on the cob (such as Green Giant or Bird’s Eye)
2Tbspbuttermelted
2Tspseasoning for corn(such as Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Place the frozen corn cobs into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
12 Count frozen mini sweet corn on the cob
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes, pausing halfway to flip the corn over using tongs
While the corn is cooking, combine the melted butter and seasoning in a small bowl
2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tsp seasoning for corn
After the 10 minutes have elapsed, use a brush to coat the corn in the seasoned butter mixture on both sides (you will have some leftover butter)
Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until desired level of browning is achieved
Top corn with remaining butter and any garnishes desired, then serve warm
Notes
The frozen mini corn cobs fit better in the air fryer, so this is equivalent to about 6 regular ears. However, you can easily scale up or down to make more or less if desired
You may swap olive oil or ghee for the butter if you prefer
Any seasoning works fine. You can use just plain salt and pepper, or add paprika, garlic powder, barbecue, chile lime, garlic and herb, southwest, or any other seasonings you like instead. Also feel free to omit entirely and make plain corn!
Garnishes are completely optional, but you can top your corn with additional butter, parmesan cheese, other crumbled cheeses, or go Mexican street corn style with mayo, cilantro, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice
I have an 8-qt Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and can fit 6 frozen mini corn cobs or 3 full size in each basket (for a total of 12 and 6 at a time, respectively). Other air fryers may vary, so you may need to cook in batches
Store leftover corn in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It may be stored on the cob (wrapped in foil or in a zippered bag) or cut off the cob. Do not refreeze frozen corn once it has been cooked
Reheat frozen corn in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Top with extra butter or seasonings
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, seasonings and toppings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
