Air Fryer Mexican Corn on the Cob (skinny version)
Air fryer corn on the cob is the quickest and most delicious airfryer recipes to date. The airfryer quickly roasts the sweet corn, fresh or frozen, into an irresistible side dish!
Add a few select toppings and you suddenly have a lightened version of fried Mexican Street corn! You are going to love this air fried corn on the cob!
Let’s note and get this out of the way…right out of the gate. Skinny is a term that we use in this recipe to indicate that we made it “lighter” than the original type of recipe. While it may still have calories from the cheese…it is lighter than the versions using mayo, sour cream and other cheeses 🙂 Its all perspective 🙂
Air fryers have been one of those appliances that have been on my wish list for a while. I’d heard amazing things about them, reading about how they can take away the grease use and cut the fat calories from food, all with ease. Eating healthy with ease? Yes, please!
Needless to say, I was pretty excited when my mom got our family an air fryer for Christmas a couple of years back. It was something I had been wanting to experiment with ever since I’d first heard about it.
WHAT CAN YOU ACTUALLY COOK IN AN AIR FRYER?
The options of what you can cook in this amazing appliance are truly endless! We’ve cooked tofu, potatoes, french fries, Brussel sprouts and more! Anything that your taste buds want to try straight out of the air fryer, give it a go!
But one of my most favorite food items to make in the air fryer? CORN! This is a very quick and easy way to quick corn! And not to mention, they make the perfect side dish.
HOW EASY IS IT TO USE THE AIR FRYER?
When I say it’s super simple, it’s simple. You literally set the temp, figure out the time, and wait for that food to be done.
Is there any other appliance out there that is as simple as that? And clean-up? A total breeze.
AIR FRYER SUCCESS EACH AND EVERY TIME
I’ve owned my air fryer now for a while, and I have to be honest…I’ve yet to find a recipe that I don’t love. And did I mention how simple it is?
To say I’m a creature of habit is an understatement. I love being able to cook a meal and know with confidence that it’s going to taste amazing each and every time.
With the Air Fryer, I absolutely have no doubts. I know that from the moment I press start, to the moment that I remove the food from the machine, it will be cooked to perfection each and every time. Wanting crispy corn in an air fryer? We have got you covered with this air fried corn on the cob recipe!
And trust me when I say that once you try corn on the cob in the Air Fryer, you will never want to go back to any other method.
Corn Facts
Corn is actually a grain plant that originated in southern Mexico. (Hello Mexican street corn on the cob!) The seeds or the kernels of the corn are the parts that hold the majority of the nutrients. That’s a good thing since that is the part that we consume. It is reported that corn is a good source of vitamin A, B, E and is high in fiber.
Corn on the cob in an air fryer
You do not need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe. Air fryers generally come up to heat very quickly with the air that circulates in a small space. No need to preheat. If you are a lover of fried food, you are going to like this recipe!
Can I use frozen corn in my air fryer?
Frozen corn in air fryer? This is a great question. I have used half ears of frozen corn in my air fryer. I let the corn thaw at least 30 minutes. I adjusted the timing of my recipe by adding 3 more minutes.
Roasted Corn on the Cob
Truly, you can cook corn on the cob a whole bunch of ways. You can boil it. There are even multiple ways to boil corn! The best method that I’ve found is to boil the water, insert the corn, cover and turn out off. Wait for 10 minutes and the corn is cooked nicely.
You can roast your corn in the oven or on the grill. You can grill the corn in the husks or you can remove the husks. The ways to cook corn, are pretty much endless!
For us, we love to use our Power AirFryer XL (affiliate ad link) to cook our corn on the cob!
Corn Airfryer Details
So basically here are the details. Things you won’t need for this recipe: a baking sheet (for oven roasted corn) or large pot of water! Ha! And of course the water to cover the ears of corn! No water needed for this recipe.
I used 2 ears of fresh corn. I removed the husk and silk, then I cut them in half, rubbed them with oil and seasoned them with salt and black pepper. Then I placed them in the air fryer basket. No need to cover the corn with anything, just place in the basket.
As for cooking time, it is pretty easy. You can have some delicious corn in under 15 minutes, from start to finish!
When the corn is finished you are going to lightly garnish with some parmesan cheese, lime juice and cilantro!
Hungry for more? You are going to love these airfryer cooking recipes! Our list of delicious recipes is growing! Check them out!
What is Mexican street corn or Elote?
Basically ELOTE is a street food in Mexico that is very popular. The is cooked. Whether boiled, grilled or in our case the air fryer! Generally though, it is prepared with the husk on. In the air fryer, we are removing the husk and silk.
Classic Mexican Street Corn or Elote is coated in some tasty things such as: salt, chili powder, butter, lime juice, mayo and a type of cheese. (many times sour cream or cotija cheese)
While this classic is delicious, we wanted a light and easy corn. So we opted to remove the heavier cheese and the mayo!
Air Fryer Recipes:
My sweet friend Amanda from My Gluten Free Miami has made Gluten Free Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks and I think you need to check them out!
We truly adore how easy this recipe is. I wouldn’t have thought about corn on the cob in an air fryer, but the concept is actually pretty neat. I can quickly cook this on the counter while freeing up space on my stove to cook other things! That is a WIN!
(And while I’m crazy over my Air Fryer, I’m also just as crazy about my Instant Pot as well. I love gadgets, what can I say? If you are looking for a few instant recipes or easy instant pot recipes, you can check out our instant pot stuffed peppers, instant pot taco soup, instant pot cheesy potato leek soup, instant pot black beans and instant pot leek soup.) Oh yes and we will have a recipe coming out soon that tells you how to make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob!
Air fryer corn on the cob is the quickest and most delicious airfryer recipes to date. The airfryer quickly roasts the sweet corn, fresh or frozen, into an irresistible side dish!
Add a few select toppings and you suddenly have a lightened version of fried Mexican Street corn! You are going to love this air fried corn on the cob!
- 2 ears of fresh corn husk and silk removed, halved
- 1 T oil
- 1/2 t chili powder
- 1 t lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro diced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
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Cut corn in half so you have four pieces.
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Gently pour 1 T of oil over corn and rub in with your hands. Place corn halves into the air fryer basket.
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Turn the air fryer on to 380 degrees F and cook for 8 minutes. At the four minute mark, remove basket, shake and return to cooking.
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When air fryer stops, remove corn carefully from basket (it will be HOT!) Top with cheese, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro. You can adjust quantities to your taste.
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ENJOY!
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to snap a picture and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #VegetarianMamma! I love seeing our recipes being recreated!Let’s talk! Leave me a comment below telling me if you are a corn lover! Do you love your air fryer? Or are you dreaming of getting one?
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camila says
Wow that corn looks super delicious!! I absolutely love corn on the cob!!!
Michelle Blackwood says
Wow now I want to get an air fryer, I have been hearing great things about it but now I’m convinced that it is a needed appliance in my kitchen. I have yet to make Mexican Street Corn and I really love your healthier version.
Tisha says
Never thought of doing these in the airfryer! So creative
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
This looks so delicious- and using an air fryer- what a great idea!
Natalie says
I love corn on a cob! Looks so delicious and perfect for BBQ season and summer. YUM ♥