Crispy, buttery, and zesty, this Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a quick, flavor-packed side dish that delivers the perfect char and tangy spice in every bite—finished with a creamy drizzle and grated cheese for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer corn on the cob recipe is a game-changer for your side dish lineup. It’s incredibly fast to prepare, needing just 17 minutes from start to finish. The combination of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and melted butter creates a tangy and savory coating, while the air fryer ensures a crisp, slightly charred texture without the need for a grill. Topped with creamy mayonnaise or sour cream and grated Parmesan, it takes on a street food-style appeal. Whether served at a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 ears corn, husked and cut into halves or thirds
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream (for drizzling)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush each piece of corn thoroughly with the seasoned butter mixture.
- Arrange the corn pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn is slightly charred and crisp on the edges.
- Remove the corn from the air fryer. Drizzle with mayonnaise or sour cream, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, vegan mayonnaise, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the butter mixture.
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Swap lemon pepper for chili powder and lime juice, and top with Cotija cheese.
- Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter for an earthy twist.
- Grill Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can also be made on a grill or under a broiler.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the corn back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave for about 1 minute, though it may lose some crispness. This recipe is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the corn may become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn on the cob for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying.
Is there a substitute for lemon pepper seasoning?
You can combine freshly cracked black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor.
What type of corn works best—white or yellow?
Either white or yellow corn will work well, though yellow corn tends to be sweeter and more flavorful.
Can I make this without the mayonnaise or sour cream drizzle?
Yes, the drizzle is optional. The corn will still be delicious with just the butter seasoning and Parmesan.
Do I need to pre-cook the corn before air frying?
No pre-cooking is necessary; the air fryer cooks the corn thoroughly while giving it a nice char.
How do I know when the corn is done cooking?
The kernels will look slightly golden or charred and be tender to the touch when pierced with a fork.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning labels to be certain.
Can I prepare the butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can make the butter mixture up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect crispness.
What can I serve with this corn on the cob?
This side pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or other summer favorites like potato salad or coleslaw.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is an easy yet indulgent side dish that captures the bold flavors of summer with minimal effort. The air fryer delivers the ideal texture—tender with a touch of crisp—while lemon, garlic, and butter provide a flavorful coating. Finished with creamy toppings and cheese, this dish offers a satisfying balance of tangy, savory, and rich flavors. It’s a must-try for air fryer enthusiasts and anyone looking to elevate their corn game.
PrintLemon Pepper Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Crispy, buttery, and zesty, this Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a quick, flavor-packed side dish that delivers the perfect char and tangy spice in every bite—finished with a creamy drizzle and grated cheese for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn, husked and cut into halves or thirds
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream (for drizzling)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the seasoned butter mixture generously over each piece of corn.
- Arrange corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until slightly charred and crisp on the edges.
- Remove and drizzle with mayonnaise or sour cream, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use vegan butter and plant-based mayo for a dairy-free version.
- Great for summer cookouts or BBQ sides.
- Adjust lemon pepper and garlic powder to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg