The Best Ways to Reheat Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat, but leftovers can lose their appeal after a day or two in the fridge. Reheating corn properly is key to preserving its sweet flavor and crisp texture. This guide will walk you through the best methods for reheating corn on the cob using the microwave, oven, stove, and air fryer.

Reheating Corn in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat corn on the cob. Follow these simple steps:

• Remove husks and silks from corn if still attached.
• Place corn in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon or two of water to help prevent drying out.
• Cover dish with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel to trap steam.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Check periodically and add more time if needed.
• Let corn rest 1-2 minutes before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking it.
• Add butter, salt, pepper, or any other toppings. Enjoy!

Reheating Corn in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat several ears of corn at once. Use this method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Remove husks and silks if needed. Place corn directly on oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• For crispier corn, brush with oil or butter before baking.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning ears halfway through.
• Increase time for more ears of corn, checking periodically.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Parmesan, or any other additions after baking.

Reheating Corn on the Stove

The stovetop allows you to reheat corn in boiling water or steam it. Here’s how:

Boiling Method:

• Bring a pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt.
• Carefully place corn in boiling water. Cover and return to a boil.
• Boil for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Remove corn with tongs and serve.

Steaming Method:

• Add 1 inch of water to a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Bring water to a boil.
• Add corn to basket, cover, and steam for 7-10 minutes.
• Check kernels for doneness before removing. Serve immediately.

Reheating Corn in an Air Fryer

An air fryer makes corn crispier than other methods. Follow these tips:

• Remove husks and silks from corn if still attached.
• Brush corn lightly with oil or spray with oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 4-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Check for doneness. Kernels should be hot with brown spots appearing.
• Season with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese or any other additions.

Tips

• When microwaving, use a wide shallow dish so corn cooks evenly. Cut corn in half if needed to fit dish.
• Leftover grilled corn tastes great brushed with a spice butter before reheating. Try chili powder, lime juice or Mexican blend seasonings.
• To avoid dried out kernels, reheat corn in covered dishes or wrapped in damp paper towels to retain moisture.
• Undercook corn slightly when initially cooking it to account for reheating time.
• For even heating, remove corn from the cob before reheating loose kernels either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little liquid to prevent drying out.
• If corn has been boiled and refrigerated with the cob on, reuse the pot of cooking liquid to reheat the corn by simmering for 4-5 minutes.
• If you want to save oven space, reheat corn under the broiler for quick crisping, about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• To boost flavor, coat reheated corn with spices and herbs like chili powder, cayenne, parsley, cilantro or a Mexican blend. Brush with flavored butter too.
• If you have a convection setting on your oven, use it for crisper reheated corn. The fan circulates heat better.
• When microwaving, rearrange corn in the dish halfway through and cover again for more even heating.
• Corn reheats best directly from refrigerator temperature. Don’t let it sit at room temp before reheating.
• Cut off any dried, overcooked tips of corn before reheating. This prevents tough spots.
• Wrap ears of corn individually in foil when reheating in the oven to steam kernels and retain moisture.
• For grilling, soak corn still in husks beforehand. Grill for added steam and use the husks as handles to turn the ears.

Recipes

Baked Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:
4 ears corn, husks removed
2 tbsp butter, melted
1⁄4 tsp chili powder
1⁄4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush corn with melted butter and place directly on oven rack.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until hot and browned in spots.
3. Remove from oven and brush with more butter. Sprinkle with chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Ingredients:
2 cups corn kernels (cooked/leftover)
1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1⁄4 cup cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse corn kernels into smaller pieces.
2. Add mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice and chili powder. Pulse briefly to combine.
3. Fold in chopped cilantro.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or refrigerate until ready to use.

FAQs

How do you reheat corn on the cob to keep it moist?

The best way is to reheat in the microwave with a little water or butter added. You can also steam corn to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Wrapping the corn in damp paper towels or foil helps trap moisture too.

What’s the best way to reheat corn on the cob for a crowd or large dinner?

For larger amounts, reheating corn in the oven is effective. Place the corn directly on the oven racks or on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Turn the ears halfway for even reheating.

Can you reheat corn on the cob on a grill?

Yes, grilling is a great way to reheat corn and add flavor. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with a little oil or butter to prevent drying out.

Is it better to reheat corn on the cob with or without the husk?

It’s generally better to remove the husks before reheating. The husks can steam and cook the corn unevenly. If you do reheat with husks on, be sure to pull back the husks to allow steam to escape.

How do you know when reheated corn on the cob is done?

Check for heated through kernels. They should be hot to the touch all the way around the cob. Kernels should retain a little crunch but not be dried out. Buttery, softened kernels are a good sign it’s ready.

Can you reheat corn that has already been removed from the cob?

Yes, cut kernels can be reheated. Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to corn kernels and reheat in the microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring between. You can also sauté kernels in butter to reheat.

What’s the best way to reheat grilled corn so it stays crispy?

Grilled corn crisps up best in a hot oven or back on the grill. Oven roast at 450°F or grill over medium high, turning frequently, until heated through and lightly charred in spots.

Here are some recommended appliances for reheating corn on the cob:

Microwaves:

• Panasonic NN-SD945S – 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, Inverter turbo defrost, 1200W
• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1000W, mute function
• Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.1 cu. ft, 10 power levels, 34L capacity

Ovens:

• LG LDE4415ST – Double electric oven, 6.3 cu. ft. capacity, convection conversion
• Frigidaire FFET2726TS – Electric single wall oven, convection bake, self-cleaning
• Bosch HBL5751UC – Electric single wall oven, 5.1 cu. ft., convection technology

Stovetops:

• Samsung NX58K9500WG – 5 burners, dual-zone heating, 22,000 BTU power burner
• GE Adora JGBS86SPSS – 5 sealed burners, 18,000 BTU tri-ring burner, convection boil
• Whirlpool WFG540H0ES – 5 elements, AccuSimmer burner, FlexHeat dual-ring burner

Air Fryers:

• Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 – 10qt capacity, 95°F – 400°F temperature range
• Ninja AF101 – 4qt capacity, multi-layer rack, dehydrate function
• Dash Tasti Crisp – 3qt capacity, auto shut off, cool touch housing

Reheating and enjoying leftover corn on the cob can be simple and delicious when done properly. Following the techniques for the microwave, oven, stovetop, air fryer or grill will ensure your corn comes out hot, flavorful, and crisp. Keep moisture in the kernels by using steam, broth or butter. Avoid overcooking with short cooking times and frequent checking. Now you have all the tools to revive that leftover corn with textures ranging from tender to crispy crunchy. With the right reheating method for your preferences, you can continue enjoying summer’s sweet corn goodness all season long.