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There’s something irresistible about corn when it’s dressed up with bold spices and a touch of buttery richness. This Cajun Corn recipe takes sweet corn on the cob, roasts it in the air fryer until perfectly golden, and coats it in a homemade Cajun butter that’s smoky, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with simple prep.
- Crispy and golden: The air fryer gives the corn that perfect roasted flavor without the fuss of grilling.
- Flavor-packed: A homemade Cajun seasoning blend transforms basic corn into something unforgettable.
- Customizable heat: Add more cayenne pepper if you like it hot, or keep it mild for a family-friendly version.
Ingredients
Corn:
- 4–6 fresh ears of corn
For the Cajun Butter:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see below)
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Husk and thoroughly clean each ear of corn. Cut into 3–4 bite-sized sections, about 1 ½ inches each.
Step 2: Air Fry the Corn
Arrange the corn pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, spray the other side, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Continue flipping as needed until the corn is golden brown, usually 13–14 minutes total.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Butter
In a large bowl, microwave butter until mostly melted (10–15 seconds).
Whisk in the Cajun seasoning until smooth.
Step 4: Toss the Corn
Transfer the hot corn directly from the air fryer into the seasoned butter. Toss until every piece is coated. For extra coverage, use a basting brush to get into the crevices.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Cajun Corn warm. It pairs wonderfully with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Variations to Try
- Grilled Cajun Corn: Instead of using the air fryer, grill corn on the cob until charred, then toss in Cajun butter.
- Parmesan Twist: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the coated corn for a savory finish.
- Creamy Cajun Corn: Mix the Cajun butter with a little mayonnaise for a creamier coating.
- Sweet Heat: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the Cajun butter for a sweet-and-spicy version.
What to Serve With Cajun Corn
This Cajun Corn pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or ribs
- Shrimp boils and seafood feasts
- Burgers and hot dogs at a cookout
- A fresh garden salad for balance
- Southern classics like jambalaya or gumbo
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Cajun Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or warm in a skillet with a little extra butter.
Tips for Success
- Cut the corn evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen corn on the cob works in a pinch (just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Frozen corn on the cob works well, but you may need to increase cooking time slightly.
Do I have to cut the corn into small pieces?
Not at all. You can cook full ears of corn in the air fryer, but you’ll need to increase the cook time by a few minutes.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Cajun Corn?
Ranch dressing is classic, but you could also try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or even a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Cajun Corn (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- Corn:
- 4 –6 fresh ears of corn
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Cajun Butter:
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning optional:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice level
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Husk and clean corn; cut into 3–4 bite-sized sections (about 1 ½ inches each).
- Place corn in air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
- Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes. Continue flipping until golden, about 13–14 minutes total.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with Cajun seasoning.
- Toss hot corn in the butter mixture until well coated. Use a spoon or brush to get into the crevices.
- Serve warm, with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
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