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Looking for a quick and delicious way to cook frozen corn kernels? This air fryer frozen corn recipe is the easiest way to get perfectly crispy and flavorful corn straight from the freezer—no defrosting needed! Whether you’re craving a simple side dish or a tasty snack, this method delivers juicy corn kernels with a golden, roasted texture in just minutes.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Corn Kernels

It’s quick and effortless!: You don’t need to thaw the corn—just toss it in the air fryer straight from the freezer. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a hot and delicious side dish ready to enjoy. This is perfect for busy days when you want something fast but still tasty. You’ll love how simple and hands-off this recipe is!
Amazing crispy texture every time!: The air fryer makes the corn slightly crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy and tender inside. Unlike microwaving, which can make corn soggy, air frying gives you that roasted flavor without any effort. If you love roasted veggies, you’ll be obsessed with this air-fried version of frozen corn. It’s a game-changer for frozen veggies!
Totally customizable with your favorite flavors!: After cooking, you can season the corn any way you like—think butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes, or Parmesan cheese. This makes it super easy to pair with any meal or enjoy as a flavorful snack. Whether you like it simple or bold, this corn can fit any craving. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for snacks or side dishes!: Air fryer frozen corn is great on its own as a quick snack, or you can serve it alongside chicken, steak, fish, or plant-based meals. It’s a versatile dish that complements so many entrees. Plus, kids and adults alike love it—making it a win for family dinners. You’ll want to make this all the time!
Healthier than traditional methods!: Since you don’t need any oil to air fry frozen corn, this is a healthier option compared to sautéing or frying. You can add a bit of butter for flavor if you’d like, but it’s completely optional. This makes it perfect for anyone watching their calories or wanting a light veggie dish. Healthy, easy, and delicious—what more could you ask for?

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Corn

Frozen corn kernels – The star of the recipe! You don’t need to thaw it—just use it straight from the freezer for a quick and easy dish.
Optional seasonings and toppings – Add melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, or any of your favorite spices to customize the flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools

Air fryer – The key tool that cooks the frozen corn to crispy perfection without needing any oil.

How To Cook Frozen Corn Kernels In The Air Fryer

Pour the frozen corn directly into the air fryer basket—no need to thaw it first!
Spread the corn out so it’s in a single layer for even cooking.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7 minutes.
Halfway through, take out the basket and shake it to help the corn cook evenly on all sides.
Once the time is up, check to make sure the corn is golden and crisp to your liking.
If you want extra crispy corn, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Season with butter, salt, pepper, or any other favorite seasonings before serving.
Enjoy right away while it’s warm and crispy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a quick and easy side dish with grilled chicken thighs, juicy t-bone steak, or baked lemon sole.
Add it to Jamaican jerk chicken tacos, burrito rice bowls, or BBQ baby back ribs for a fun and flavorful twist.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or chili powder for an extra burst of flavor.
Toss with lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty option.
Enjoy as a simple snack on its own, seasoned with your favorite spices!

Tips For Success

Cook straight from frozen: Don’t defrost the corn before air frying. Cooking it straight from frozen helps achieve that perfectly crispy texture without getting soggy.
Spread corn in a single layer: Make sure to spread the corn evenly in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook all the kernels evenly.
Shake the basket halfway through: Give the basket a good shake about halfway through cooking. This helps ensure that all the corn cooks and browns evenly.
Season right after cooking: Add butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite spices while the corn is still hot. This helps the seasonings stick better and adds lots of flavor.
Adjust cook time for extra crispiness: If you want crunchier corn, add an extra 1–2 minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on it toward the end so it doesn’t overcook or dry out.

Variations And Substitutions

Add spices for flavor: You can easily change the flavor of your air fryer corn by adding different seasonings. Try garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning for a bold and spicy kick. If you want a more savory taste, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese or onion powder after cooking.
Make it buttery and rich: Toss the corn with melted butter right after cooking for a rich, classic flavor. You can also use olive oil or vegan butter if you prefer dairy-free options. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also brighten up the flavor and add a fresh twist.
Add herbs for freshness: After cooking, toss the corn with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. This adds color and fresh flavor, making it a great option for summer meals or BBQs.
Make it a spicy snack: If you love heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chipotle powder. Toss the corn well to coat it evenly in the spicy seasoning for a fun, bold snack.
Turn it into a salad or side dish: Use the air-fried corn as a base for a corn salad. Add chopped tomatoes, onions, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick and easy salad. You can also toss it into rice bowls, pasta dishes, or use it as a topping for tacos and nachos.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Let the corn cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating in the air fryer: To bring back that crispy texture, reheat the corn in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3–4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Reheating in the microwave: If you prefer, you can also microwave the corn for 1–2 minutes, but keep in mind it may be softer and lose some of its crispiness.
Freezing leftovers: If you want to freeze the cooked corn, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen corn in the air fryer?

Frozen corn works best for this recipe because it holds up well to the high heat of the air fryer and gets that nice crispy texture. Canned corn is usually softer and contains added liquid, which can make it soggy when air fried. If you do want to try canned corn, make sure to drain and dry it very well before air frying, but keep in mind it may not get as crispy as frozen corn.

Do I need to add oil to cook frozen corn in the air fryer?

No oil is needed to air fry frozen corn! The hot circulating air in the air fryer crisps up the corn beautifully without any added oil. However, if you want a richer flavor or extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the corn with cooking spray or toss it with a tiny bit of oil before air frying. This is completely optional.

What temperature is best for cooking frozen corn in the air fryer?

Cooking frozen corn at 400°F is the perfect temperature to get that delicious crispy texture. Lower temperatures might not give you the browning and crispiness that make this recipe so good. Sticking with 400°F ensures that the corn cooks quickly and evenly.

How do I make air fryer frozen corn extra crispy?

To make your air fryer frozen corn even crispier, you can add an extra 1–2 minutes to the cooking time. Just be sure to check on it near the end so it doesn’t burn. Also, spreading the corn in a single layer and shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps all the kernels crisp up nicely.

Can I double the recipe if I’m feeding a crowd?

Yes, you can double the amount of frozen corn, but it’s best to cook it in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, and the corn may not get as crispy. If you need to cook a large batch, simply do it in two rounds for the best results.

What are some good seasonings to use on air fryer frozen corn?

You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top after cooking. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro also make great toppings for a fresh and zesty twist.

Is air fryer frozen corn healthy?

Yes! Since no oil is required to cook frozen corn in the air fryer, it’s a lighter and healthier option than sautéing or frying. Corn itself is a naturally gluten-free vegetable that’s high in fiber and nutrients. You can keep it simple for a low-calorie snack or add butter and cheese for a richer treat.

Other Easy Corn Recipes

Air Fryer Frozen Corn On The Cob – How to cook the whole corn on the cob in the air fryer, so delicious!

Foil-Wrapped Grilled Corn On The Cob – Tender, juicy corn on the cob grilled to perfection in foil with butter and seasonings for an easy summer side dish.

Easy Canned Corn Recipe – A quick and delicious way to transform canned corn into a flavorful side dish with simple seasonings and butter.

Cheesy Cornbread Bake – This cheesy cornbread casserole is soft, moist, and packed with corn and melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn – Light, crunchy popcorn coated with rich melted chocolate for a sweet and salty snack everyone will love.

Spicy Black Bean Corn Dip – A zesty and colorful dip made with black beans, corn, and spicy seasonings—perfect for parties or game day!

Pressure Cooker Corn On The Cob – Quick and easy corn on the cob cooked in the pressure cooker until perfectly tender and ready to serve.

Chicken Corn Tomato Soup Recipe – A hearty and flavorful soup filled with juicy chicken, sweet corn, and tomatoes for a comforting meal in one bowl.

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Cooked frozen corn in an air fryer basket, showing the crispy, golden result of this easy air fryer frozen corn recipe.

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