Parmesan corn on the cob is one of the recipes that turns a plain side dish into something everyone reaches for first. This is the best corn on the cob recipe I make on repeat, and the air fryer corn on the cob method below is the easiest version yet.
Corn takes me straight back to my childhood. My family and I traveled through Hungary almost every summer, and I remember staring out the car window at fields of corn that seemed to stretch on forever.
We would stop, buy corn straight off a stand, and cook it as soon as we got where we were going. No butter, no cheese, just corn on its own. And it was so delicious.
These days I still love corn, plain as it is. But adding butter, some herbs, and a good handful of parmesan, will turn it into something that feels like a special treat without any real effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shows you how the air fryer gets a nice char in under 10 minutes, no grill needed. Also, herb butter and parmesan turn a simple side dish into something everyone asks for again. It works as a snack, a side dish, and leftovers are easy to store and just as good the next day.
What You’ll Need
Fresh corn – The base of the whole recipe. Husk it and it is ready to go.
Butter – The butter melts into the corn and carries the herbs. I like keeping a batch of herb butter handy will be very helpful.
Parmesan – Grated parmesan gives the corn a salty, savory finish. Freshly grated melts a little better, but the dry parmesan works well too.
Rosemary or thyme – Fresh herbs add a fresh note that pairs so well with butter and cheese. Use whichever you have on hand. My favourite are these two.
Salt and black pepper – Always season to taste.
The Best Corn on the Cob Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes10
minutes120
kcal15
minutesButtered parmesan corn on the cob made in the air fryer. Easy, delicious and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
4 fresh corn, husked
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary or thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Buttered Parmesan Corn on the Cob (Air Fryer Method)
- Cut the corn cobs in half and arrange them in the air fryer basket.
- Set to 400°F and cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the corn chars a bit.
- While the corn cooks, mix the butter with the chopped rosemary or thyme. If you keep herb butter on hand, this step is done in seconds. If not, a quick mix works just as well.
- Take the cobs out of the basket and set them on a plate. Use a brush to coat them with the herb butter.
- Sprinkle it with salt and black pepper.
- Finish with the grated parmesan and serve warm. Feel free to sprinkle some extra chopped rosemary or thyme.
Notes
- You can also cook the corn in salted boiling water on roast on the grill. Check below for more.
How to Serve Parmesan Corn
This is one of my favourite sides for roasted meat, and it makes a delicious, easy weekend meal when the whole family is around the table. It is also just as good served on its own as a snack. How about adding it on a party tray? Your guests can only be amazed.
If you are planning a weekend spread, this corn is great with something off the grill. I have a whole collection of grilled meat recipes on the blog that go perfectly alongside it, from simple marinades to weeknight-friendly skewers.
How to Store the Parmesan Corn
If you have leftovers, one way to handle them is to use a knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Store them in the fridge in airtight container for up to 3 days and toss them into salads or protein bowls.
You can also store the whole cob in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it back up in the air fryer for about 2 minutes and it will be ready to go.
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Grilled or Boiled Corn?
Want to skip the air fryer? You can use the same butter and parmesan, just change how you cook the corn.
On the grill: Follow the same steps, but transfer the corn to a hot grill instead of the air fryer. Grill for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
Boiled: Add the corn to salted boiling water and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Remove, then brush with butter before sprinkling with the parmesan and seasoning.
However you cook it, this corn always turns out delicious.
Parmesan Corn FAQ
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, I do it often. Cook it about 2 minutes less than fresh corn, since freezing already softens it up.
Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, and I actually highly recommend that. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer so this recipe comes together even faster on a busy night.
What can I serve this with?
It is one of my go-to sides for grilled meat, especially for a relaxed weekend meal. Check out my grilled meat recipes on the blog for pairing ideas.
Do I have to use parmesan?
No, but I highly recommend it. It adds a salty, savory finish that makes this corn feel so special.
Give this parmesan corn on the cob a try and let me know how it turns out for you. It is one of those recipes that always disappears fast at my table.
