7 Different Ways To Cook Corn on the Cob

I love the sweet and bright flavor that develops when grilling corn on the cob. However, a grill isn’t always an option. During the colder months, standing outside to grill isn’t ideal! That is why I love to have backup options for cooking corn on the cob, especially since corn is a great staple to eat on its own, in a salad or pasta dish, or as a side to your favorite main course.

If you’ve mastered grilling corn on the cob and are wondering how else you can cook it, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll share my favorite methods for cooking corn on the cob, no matter what cooking tools are at your disposal. From microwaving and air frying to boiling and steaming, we’ll cover it all.

How To Boil Corn on the Cob

Boiling corn on the cob may be the easiest way to preserve the sweet flavor of the corn. It takes just a few minutes to cook, and cleaning up is a breeze. Here’s how I like to boil corn on the cob.

1. Prepare the pot. Fill a large stock pot with water and place it on the stove to bring to a boil.
2. Add the corn. When the water is boiling, add the shucked corn and cover the pot with a lid.
3. Cook the corn. Let the corn cook in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until the corn is tender. If the corn is fresh, it will cook very fast.
4. Remove the corn. Once the kernels are tender and the corn is bright yellow in color, remove the corn from the water and allow the cobs to cool.

How To Cook Corn on the Cob in an Instant Pot

Save this method of cooking corn on the cob when you have a large crowd coming over. Cooking corn in the Instant Pot will save you time and free up your space in the kitchen. Here’s how to do it.

1. Prepare your corn. Shuck the corn and line the cobs up vertically in the Instant Pot.
2. Add water. Pour 1 cup of water into the pot.
3. Cook. Pressure cook the corn on high pressure for 2 minutes, and then do a quick-release.

How To Cook Corn on the Cob in a Crock Pot

A Crock Pot isn’t just for cooking soups, stews, and proteins. The slow cooker is also a secret weapon when it comes to cooking corn. Letting it cook low and slow allows it to develop a deep flavor. Here’s how to do it.

1. Cook. Cover the Crock Pot with a lid and allow the corn to cook for 2-3 hours until tender and bright yellow in color.
2. Prepare the corn. Shuck the corn and place the corn in the Crock Pot.
3. Add water. Add 1 cup of water, butter, and any additional herbs and spices to the Crock Pot.

How to Steam Corn on the Cob

Steaming corn is quick, easy, and a very healthy method. When steaming the corn, all the nutrients are preserved and not cooked out in the process. Learn how to do it below.

1. Cool. Remove the corn from the basket and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare. Prepare a steamer basket large enough for corn in a large stockpot. Then, fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
3. Add in corn. When the water is boiling, add the shucked corn cobs.
4. Steam. Cover the basket and let the corn steam for 4-6 minutes until the kernels are tender and bright yellow.

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

If you just need one or two cobs of corn, the microwave might be the best way to prepare the vegetable. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require any tools in the kitchen.

1. Cool. Unwrap the cob from the paper towel and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare. Shuck the corn and wrap each cob in a damp paper towel.
3. Cook. Microwave the corn on high for 3 minutes. You can microwave multiple cobs at once, but it may take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

How to Air Fry Corn on the Cob

Is there anything an Air Fryer can’t do? The nifty kitchen gadget will give you perfectly cooked corn in just ten minutes. You can even use this method with frozen corn right out of the freezer.

1. Cool. Remove the corn from the air fryer and allow the cobs to cool.
2. Prepare. Prepare the air fryer and set it to 400 degrees. Prepare the shucked corn with cooking spray and a light season of salt and pepper.
3. Cook. Place the corn in the basket of the air fryer and cook the corn for 10 minutes. Flip the ears of corn about halfway through. The kernels should be lightly charred, similar to a grilled texture.

How to Oven Roast Corn on the Cob

Roasting corn in the oven is similar to roasting most vegetables in the oven. If you are looking for a grilled texture, this is the closest you will come without grilling the corn itself. Here’s how to roast corn in the oven.

1. Cool. Remove the corn from the oven and allow to cool. When the foil is cool to the touch, unwrap the corn.
2. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Shuck the corn and wrap each ear of corn in foil. Before wrapping the foil, add oil or butter to the corn. Then, tightly wrap the foil around the corn.
3. Cook. Place the corn directly on the racks in the oven or on a baking sheet. Allow the corn to cook for 30-45 minutes, flipping about halfway through. The corn will be tender and bright yellow in color when ready.