How to cook corn on the cob in 6 simple ways

As lovers of all things food, of course we have tried many different ways of cooking corn on the cob. Whether it's boiled, roasted, microwaved, or even air-fried, we have experimented with all methods. Most people will choose how to cook corn on the cob depending on what is most practical, how many people are being served, and the desired flavour profile. The most convenient ways to feed a crowd while enhancing flavour are grilling and oven roasting. Similar textures are produced by microwaving, steaming, boiling, and pressure cooking, which yields plump and juicy kernels. 

In this article, we are going to share with you all of these methods for cooking corn on the cob, including pressure cooking. We will also give you an indication of how long to cook corn on the cob with each method, and some tips for seasoning it.

Let’s get started by learning how long to cook corn on the cob with each method. This will help you to choose a method looking at the amount of time you have to cook it. 

How long to cook corn on the cob

The cooking time for corn on the cob depends on the method you choose. 

1. Boiling takes about 8-10 minutes, 
2. Grilling takes 10-15 minutes, 
3. Roasting in the oven takes 20-25 minutes, 
4. Microwaving takes 3-5 minutes, 
5. Air frying takes 10-12 minutes,
6. And the pressure cooker method takes 3-4 minutes on high (also depends on number of cobs and type of pressure cooker you have).

So, now that you can gauge time, let’s get cooking.

To shuck or not to shuck corn on the cob?

When it comes to cooking corn on the cob, the age-old question is whether or not to shuck the corn first. While some people prefer to shuck the corn to remove the husks and silk, others prefer to leave the husks on and cook the corn inside them. Both methods have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the cooking method being used.

Shucking corn:

Pro: removes the husks and silk, making it easier to clean and prepare for cooking.
Con: exposes the corn to direct heat, which can cause it to dry out and lose some of its natural sweetness and flavour.

Not shucking corn:

Pro: keeps the corn moist and juicy as it steams inside the husks, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product
Con: can be more difficult to clean and prepare, and may require more time to cook thoroughly.

So, there you have it, you decide, to shuck or not to shuck! Our methods below however, are skewed towards shucking.  

1. Boiling corn on the cob

Boiling is one of the most popular ways to cook corn on the cob. It is the easiest way for cooking corn on the cob on the stove. To start, shuck the corn and place it in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Add salt and butter to taste. You can enjoy your cob as is, or you can add it as a side to yummy chicken kabobs and enjoy a quick and easy Friday night meal.

2. Roasting corn on the cob in the oven

Roasting corn on the cob in the oven is a great option for adding some smoky flavour. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your shucked corn cobs and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place them in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Once done, add butter and salt to taste. Grilled corn is a great snack to enjoy after dinner.

3. Grilling corn on the cob

Similar to roasting corn in the oven, grilling corn on the cob also give it a nice smoky flavour. To grill corn on the cob on a charcoal grill, start by building a fire in the grill and allowing the coals to burn until they're covered with a layer of white ash. As usual, remove the husks and silk from the corn, then brush the cobs with a bit of oil or butter. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook.

Turn the cobs occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. It hold take about 10-15 minutes. Serve the grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lime juice, butter, or your favourite seasoning. Enjoy!

4. Microwaving corn on the cob

If you're in a hurry, microwaving corn on the cob is the quickest option. Take your corn cobs and place them in a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Add butter and seasoning to taste.

Cooking frozen corn on the cob

Frozen corn on the cob is a great option for when fresh corn isn't available. Just place the frozen corn on the cob in boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Add butter and salt to taste, and it’s done.

5. Air frying corn on the cob

Air frying corn on the cob is a newer method that has become increasingly popular. Go on and preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Remove the husks and silk from the corn and brush with butter. Place the corn on the cob in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender.

6. Cooking corn on the cob in a pressure cooker

First, shuck the corn and remove the silk. Place the corn in the pressure cooker and add enough water to cover the corn halfway. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes. Release the pressure using the quick-release valve and carefully remove the corn with tongs. Slather on some butter and salt, and you're good to go! It's quick, easy, and the corn comes out super juicy and delicious!

5 more ways to enjoy corn

So now you know that corn is a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. It's packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, thiamin, and folate. Did you know that corn also contains antioxidants that help protect against disease? Plus, it's low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for weight management. So, whether you're enjoying it fresh, grilled, or in a dish, corn is a healthy and tasty choice. 

We present you with more ways to enjoy corn!

Homemade Corn nuts or Peruvian Canchita recipe

Love snacking on crunchy corn nuts? Learn how to make your own homemade version with this simple Peruvian Canchita recipe. All you need is some dried corn kernels, oil, and salt. Heat them up in a pan or in the oven, and voila! You've got a delicious and addictive snack that's perfect for parties or movie nights at home.

Easy Corn and Tomato Coleslaw

Now this is a fresh and easy side dish to bring to your next BBQ or picnic. All you need is some fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, cabbage, and a few simple dressing ingredients like mayo, vinegar, and sugar. Mix it all together and you've got a colourful and flavourful coleslaw that's sure to be a hit! 

Homemade Creamed Corn

For a creamy and comforting side dish, try making homemade creamed corn! All you need is some fresh corn on the cob, butter, flour, milk, and a touch of sugar. Cut the corn off the cob and cook it with the other ingredients until it's thick and creamy. It's a perfect dish for any family gathering or quick dinner, and it's easy to make from scratch!

Healthy and tasty corn salad recipe 

For a light and flavourful salad, try making this healthy corn salad recipe! Just mix together some fresh corn kernels, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, red onion, and lime juice. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and you've got a delicious and nutritious side dish. It's perfect for summer barbecues or as a side to any main course. Plus, it's a great way to use up that fresh corn from the farmer's market!

Cheesy Ham & Corn Muffins Recipe

These cheesy ham and corn muffins are the perfect savoury snack! Mix flour, ham, corn, cheese, and spices into muffin mix, then bake to golden perfection. The gooey cheese and sweet corn make each bite irresistible. Great for breakfast or a snack on-the-go!