Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a game-changer for cooking corn. It’s incredibly fast, yields tender results, and brings out that deliciously roasted corn flavor. Finished with a drizzle of zesty and garlicky lime butter sauce, this corn is an irresistible summer favorite!

Three ears of air fryer corn arranged on a serving plate.

What could be more perfect than fresh corn on the cob, especially when it’s in season? Buttery, crunchy, sweet, yet salty, this wonderful summer treat makes for a perfect side dish or even a snack.

Typically, corn on the cob is cooked briefly in boiling water before serving with melted butter and a sprinkling of salt. It’s truly great that way, but this easy roasting method for air fryer corn on the cob is a bit more special. Thanks to the incredible convection power of air-frying, this dish is incredibly quick and so simple to make. It’s even simpler than my Grilled Corn On The Cob.

Up close shot of corn on the cob sprinkled with chopped green herbs.

What You’ll Need

Air fryer corn is quick and simple, requiring just a handful of pantry ingredients. All the detailed measurements and directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Corn: Prep fresh corn by removing the husks and silks.
Oil: Any high-heat cooking oil is fine.
Salt: Half a teaspoon, or to taste.

For the Butter Sauce

Butter: Melt the butter before using it.
Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves, or press them with a garlic press.
Lime Zest and Juice: If you prefer, you can just use the juice and leave out the zest, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.
Seasonings: Chili powder, salt, and pepper add the perfect trio of flavors to the sauce.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro is the perfect garnish – unless you don’t like cilantro! In that case, feel free to leave it out, or substitute fresh parsley or chives.
Lime Wedges: For serving.

How To Make Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Here is my easy cooking method for air-frying whole ears of corn. I guarantee that if you give it a shot, you’ll find yourself making this repeatedly! You can choose to make just the corn or the corn and the butter sauce as well.

Black air fryer basket with three ears of raw corn arranged inside it.

Overhead shot of a small glass mixing bowl with melted butter and chili powder mixed inside it.

Prep. To begin, preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Some cooks skip the preheating step, but I think it really helps with most air-fryer recipes. While it preheats, rub each ear of corn with oil and sprinkle all over with salt.
Air-Fry the Corn. Line up the corn in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of the corn and the air fryer, you may be able to fit 2 to 4 ears at a time. Mine fits 3. Just don’t crowd the corn, and be ready to cook in batches if needed. Cook the corn for about 14 minutes total, stopping halfway through to flip it over.
Make the Sauce. While the corn is cooking, make the butter sauce (if you’re using it). Melt the butter and add the remaining sauce ingredients to the bowl. Whisk well to combine.
Serve. When the corn and butter sauce are ready, take the corn out of the air fryer and put it on a serving plate. Brush with the butter sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Overhead shot of a black air fryer basket with three ears of corn arranged inside it.

Brushing corn on the cob with butter sauce.

How To Pick Corn

Choosing fresh corn is very easy, once you understand what to look for. If buying fresh corn is new to you, check out these helpful tips for finding the best ears available.

The Husk: Also known as the “shuck,” this is the outer, leafy “wrapping” around each ear of corn. The freshest corn will still have green husks tight against the ear itself. If the husk is yellowing, faded, spotted, or loosened, it’s not as fresh.
The Tassel: The strands of cornsilk poking out of the tip of the corn should feel fresh and range in color from yellow to brown. Dry, black tassels are a signal that the corn is not very fresh. If the tassel seems spoiled (has a bad smell or squishy texture), avoid that ear of corn.
The Feel: A good ear of corn is firm, with no soft spots or vacant areas with missing kernels.

Recipe Tips

This easy side dish is a fantastic way to use fresh, in-season corn and get the most out of your air fryer. These handy tips will ensure that it turns out tip-top every time.

Cook in Batches, as Needed. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the pieces of food in your air fryer aren’t touching when they cook. They need a little space between them for even, crispy cooking. If you can’t get everything into the basket without crowding, it’s best to cook in two (or more) separate batches.
Check the Time. Since every air fryer is a little different, make sure to keep an eye on your corn (and anything else you cook in the air fryer). It may need a little extra time, or it may get done faster than the recipe suggests.
Using Frozen Corn. Fresh corn will give the best result, but frozen is also good if you thaw it, pat it dry, and follow the recipe as written. If you cook it from frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Corn is always welcome at my house; it goes with almost anything, especially barbecue classics. Try these Easy Baby Back BBQ Ribs and watch your family devour them. A colorful pasta salad is filling and easy to put together. This Potluck Pasta Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is a light favorite. If you love baked beans like me, this Quick Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage recipe delivers a perfectly balanced version of classic baked beans in less time.

If you prefer not to eat corn directly off the cob, no problem! Simply slice off the kernels and enjoy them as a side dish or in recipes – think Zucchini Corn Fritters, Fiesta Rice, or Shrimp Corn Chowder.

Three ears of corn arranged on a white serving plate.

Storing and Reheating

To Store: Leftover corn can be stored on or off the cob. Either way, place it in an airtight container or food storage bag, and keep it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
To Reheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Add in the corn, and cook it for three minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave if desired.
To Freeze: Cut the kernels off the cob. Pro tip: place the corn on top of the hole of a Bundt pan, and cut all around with a sharp knife. The Bundt pan will catch the kernels as they fall. Place the corn kernels in a freezer bag and seal it. Freeze the corn for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob