If you haven’t tried Instant Pot Corn on the Cob yet, prepare to have your mind (and tastebuds) blown! This recipe highlights all the sweet, buttery flavor and juicy crunch of farm-fresh corn, but with basically zero fuss and no waiting on a pot of water to boil. It’s quick, almost effortless, and guarantees perfect corn every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Speed: Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is ready in just minutes, freeing up your stove and your evening!
- Flavorful Every Time: Steaming under pressure locks in the corn’s natural sweetness for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
- No-Mess, No-Fuss: With minimal prep and easy clean-up, you can focus on enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pots.
- Adaptable for Any Occasion: Dress it up or keep it simple — this recipe is a classic base for picnics, BBQs, or lazy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to make magic with just a handful of kitchen staples? Each ingredient plays its own unique role in ensuring your Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is bursting with flavor and perfectly tender with every bite.
- 1 cup water: This is the key to steaming the corn—just enough to create plenty of steam without boiling away flavor.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Helps season both the corn and the cooking water, enhancing that naturally sweet taste.
- 4–6 husked corn on the cob: Fresh is best, but even store-bought corn turns out juicy and vibrant in the Instant Pot.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Butter infuses the ears as they cook, giving them that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Variations
The beauty of Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is how wildly customizable it is! Don’t be afraid to experiment—these variations make it easy to cater to your cravings, the season, or whatever you have on hand.
- Mexican-Style: Brush the hot corn with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro for a classic elote touch.
- Herb-Lovers’ Delight: Swap the plain butter for garlic or herbed butter to add a fragrant, savory layer.
- Lemon-Pepper Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a few cracks of black pepper for a zesty, fresh kick.
- Dairy-Free: Simply use vegan butter or a drizzle of olive oil to keep this dish plant-based and still delicious.
How to Make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Prep the Pot and Corn
Pour the water and sprinkle the kosher salt directly into your Instant Pot liner. This simple combo creates the steam that cooks the corn evenly throughout, while seasoning every bite. Husk your corn and snap the ears in half if needed to fit into your pot—a snug fit is totally fine.
Step 2: Add Corn and Butter
Layer the husked corn cobs in the liner. Scatter the butter cubes over the top—this gives them time to melt gently and seep into all those corn kernels as it cooks, so every ear is coated in buttery goodness by the time you lift the lid.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Use the manual/high pressure setting, selecting 4 minutes on the timer. It really is that speedy! As soon as it’s done, do a quick release by carefully switching the valve to open so the steam whooshes right out.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pressure has fully released and the lid unlocks, your Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is ready to shine. Serve hot with extra butter, an extra dash of salt, or any fun toppings you love.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Corn Selection Secrets: Look for ears with bright green husks and moist, golden silks for the juiciest results. Older corn can turn out chewy!
- Stacking Smarts: Don’t worry if your corn isn’t in a single layer—stack them up! The Instant Pot’s steam will cook every ear evenly.
- Pressure Release Timing: A quick release keeps the corn crisp-tender. Letting it sit too long can slightly overcook the kernels.
- Infuse with Flavors: Try tucking in a garlic clove or fresh herb sprigs with the corn for a subtle flavor boost during cooking.
How to Serve Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Garnishes
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is a canvas for so many tasty garnishes! Go traditional and slather with more melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt, or venture out with a dusting of smoked paprika, parmesan cheese, or even a squeeze of lime. Chopped herbs or a little crumbled feta also add a splash of color and sophisticated flavor.
Side Dishes
This corn absolutely shines alongside summer classics like grilled chicken, burgers, or steak, but don’t stop there. Pair it with a fresh garden salad, creamy potato salad, or a big bowl of chili for an upgrade to any meal. The juicy, sweet kernels are happy next to just about anything on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the cooked corn into mini “coblets” for easy sharing. Skewer them on sticks for little ones, or pile them high on a big platter lined with fresh herbs. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with gourmet compound butters or a zig-zag of spicy aioli—you’ll steal the show at any picnic or BBQ!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, let the ears cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll stay sweet and tender for up to 3 days—ready for a quick snack or side at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your cooked corn! Simply cool, cut the kernels from the cobs, and pack them into freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep their flavor and color for up to 2–3 months, making it easy to enjoy summer corn flavor all year long.
Reheating
To reheat, either warm the cob in the microwave with a damp paper towel or return the corn to your Instant Pot with a splash of water and heat on the “Steam” setting for a minute or two. The kernels will plump right back up, as if freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen corn on the cob in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply add an extra minute to the cooking time (5 minutes at high pressure) and proceed with the recipe as written. No need to thaw first—the Instant Pot will bring frozen corn back to life beautifully.
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Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely. You can fit as many corn cobs as you like in the Instant Pot (stack them if necessary). The water and salt can stay the same, but don’t exceed the “max fill” line. Halving works just as easily by simply reducing the number of ears—no change to timing necessary!
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Why is my corn tough or chewy?
If your corn turns out a bit chewy, the ears may be older or overcooked. Always use the freshest corn you can find, and make sure to quick release the pressure right away so it doesn’t continue to steam inside the pot.
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What other seasonings work well with Instant Pot Corn on the Cob?
Besides classic butter and salt, try seasoning with smoked paprika, everything bagel spice, grated parmesan, Cajun seasoning, or a squeeze of lime. The Instant Pot locks in whatever flavors you want, so get creative!
Final Thoughts
Once you experience how easy—and downright delicious—Instant Pot Corn on the Cob turns out, you’ll never want to fuss with a big steam pot again. Give it a try, make it your own, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe all season long!
Print
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe yields perfectly cooked corn with minimal effort. Tender corn on the cob infused with buttery goodness, a simple and delicious side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4–6 husked corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Add water and salt to the Instant Pot liner. Pour in the water and sprinkle the salt into the pot.
- Add in the corn, and place the butter cubes on top. Arrange the husked corn in the pot and distribute the butter cubes on top of the corn.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Select manual mode, set the timer for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once done, switch the valve to open to release all of the pressure. Quick release the pressure by carefully turning the valve to the open position.
- Once all the pressure has released, remove the lid from the Instant Pot. Open the lid carefully and remove it from the pot.
- Serve the corn with additional butter and salt, or other toppings as desired. Enjoy the corn on the cob with extra butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
