Air fryer Caribbean roast corn on the cob

A Caribbean street food favorite, done with a twist. I’m showing you how to get delicious roasted corn (roast corn) made in the air fryer. Quick, and easy to share with your family without all the work.

I am a corn lover. In fact, we Caribbean people are corn lovers and use them in all kinds of ways, so when corn season comes around I am in my glee.

Roast corn (roasted corn) is one of the ever-popular street foods you can find on just about any of the islands.

Fresh corn roasted over an open flame is the perfect marriage of sweet corn and grilled smoke. I just love biting in and getting that crunch on the outside and then the sweet corn juice popping out.

It is normally done on a gas or open charcoal grill outside but we all don’t have that luxury, or just want something with a little less work.

This air fryer corn recipe gives allows you to have this treat without the work of smoke and can still have all the fixings.

A great snack option just like these crispy banana chips in the air fryer.

What is Caribbean-style roasted corn?

Roasted corn, Caribbean style, is basically roasting corn on an open flame.

This gets the kernels grilled to a crusty, ashy color, but the inside of the roasted corn kernels are still sweet and juicy.

This is a popular street food across all the islands.

Originally we don’t have any extras with our roasted corn. Just served hot off the grill in a corn husk or paper towel. But don’t be surprised now if you are offered additional seasonings to coat this deliciousness.

Can corn be roasted in the air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely air fry corn and get that roasted feel.

I remember when I first told my mom I was going to try it, she said “that is NOT going to work”. As I mentioned, this Caribbean-style corn is usually done over an open flame. So she had no faith that I would be able to get the same thing in my electric gadget.

But I did!!

I was able to get varying levels of roast in there and the roasted corn flavor. From simple roasted to the dark roast by leaving it in there for longer periods.

The best type of corn to roast

The best type of corn to use to roast would be sweet corn. This is the juicy corn.

This is the vibrant yellow corn that at its freshest has a nice firm and plump kernels.

We want to use fresh corn that we find in the fresh produce area. Look for ones that are bright and green and then it’s tightly wrapped around the cob. Try to avoid those that may have brown holes as that usually means insects are in them.

Get more guidance on picking the perfect corn cobs from Audrey over at Self.com.

How to make air fryer roasted corn

Ingredients

This is a simple recipe. There are no exact amounts. You are free to adjust the corn to the number of people you are serving or if you are like me, how much you want to eat.

• Ears of corn
• Butter (optional) – butter cooking spray and melted butter

Equipment: Air fryer (I have the ninja foodi)

Instructions

This is a great “set it and forget it”.

1. Take your fresh corn and clean it of any silk or corn husk. These burn easily in the fryer. You can twist the corn ears in your hand and that will help to get the silk off.

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you can put the ear of corn cobs in as a whole piece or you can cut them up into smaller pieces.

If you want to use butter you can add butter here. Spray the corn with cooking spray all over. You do not have to use butter. See my notes below about the difference butter makes.

2. Set the temperature to 390 degrees and time for 35 minutes.

3. Now let them roast.

4. About halfway through you can take a look just to see how roasted they are. You do not HAVE to rotate the corn cob, but it will not hurt if you do.

If you like very burnt corn then add more time to suit if, in the end, it is not as crispy as you like.

More butter can be added here along with additional seasonings of your choice.

Tips

• Do not layer corn in the basket, it needs to be on one single layer so that the air can circulate properly.
• Cook times may vary depending on your brand of the fryer. It won’t be less than 20 minutes to be cooked. Just add additional time as needed after that to get to the roast you like. I would do it in spurts of 8 – 10 minutes.
• You want to use butter. When I tested with butter on, it took longer for the roast to affect the kernels. I preferred without butter or adding seasoned butter after roasting.

Seasoning options

I know some people want some additional flavor.

If you have seen Mexican street corn anywhere, you know they add a set of additional flavors. I like my roast corn plain and simple, but if you want to add some of your favorite seasonings, here are some suggestions that you can sprinkle on:

• Tajin
• Garlic salt
• Melted butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Chopped parsley
• Chopped chadon beni

You can take melted butter and season it up with your spices, then you can baste the corn with the butter mixture on the hot corn.

Storage

This does not store that great at all. This is something you want to eat hot and right away.

If you do have left over, place it in an air tight container. It can be reheated in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

This is the perfect side dish. I can eat this all by itself. But it’s also great on your plate.

But if you want to make this a side dish for a fancy meal, pair this with some Guinness lamb stew, and okra and rice. For memorial day I had it along with all my hotdogs and burgers and salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe