Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

This Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe will change the way you look at corn on the cob!

One of the joys of summer is a fresh ear of corn cooked to perfection. Over the years, I’ve gone from boiling corn which is ok, to grilling in foil packets which is great, to now religiously using my Instant Pot to make corn on the cob. The Instant Pot method makes the juiciest, sweetest, and maybe healthiest version of this recipe! Believe me, once you have made the switch, you will never want to boil another ear of corn again! It is that good!!

Is Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Healthier?

The process of cooking corn on the cob in the instant pot is accomplished by steaming the corn under pressure. When using steam rather than boiling the corn, you are able to retain more of the nutrients in the corn making it a healthier side dish for your dinner. Plus, it just tastes better!

How to Steam Corn in the Instant Pot

To prepare the instant pot, insert a small rack into the instant pot and pour in 2 C. of water. I am using an 8 qt Instant Pot. If yours is smaller, you might be able to get away with 1 1/2 cups–just consult your manual for the minimum amount of liquid needed. (If you put more than the minimum in there, it won’t hurt as long as the corn isn’t sitting in the water.)

Then, to prepare the corn: Shuck the ears (remove the husks and silks from the corn), cut off the ends, and then place as many as you can fit below the max fill line in your instant pot. If you want small ears, you can cut them in half. (The length of the ears will not change the cooking time.)

Two ears of corn on the cob on a metal rack in an Instant Pot

Your corn can be laid on its side or stood up on end… either way works. I put mine on its side, though, because I then add a small amount of butter on top of the ears of corn. Who doesn’t like butter melted over the top and infused into their corn?!?

Four halves of Corn on the Cob with butter smothered on top.  Corn in on a metal rack in an instant pot.

Once the corn, water, and butter are in the the instant pot, put the lid on, make sure it is set to sealing, and set the instant pot to pressure cook on HIGH for 2 minutes for regular sized ears or 3 minutes for thicker ears of corn. Once the corn has cooked, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then release the remaining steam, and enjoy!! It really is that simple!!

What is the Best Way to Store Corn on the Cob?

Before cooking the corn, I always store it husk and all in the refrigerator in a produce bag until I am ready to use it. They generally last 3 in the refrigerator this way before they start to shrivel. If you don’t think you will get to it before that time, then you might want to freeze your corn.

After cooking, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the frig for a few days. You can also cut the kernels off and store the corn that way to use in a another dish later in the week. Fresh cooked corn is great added to salsas, salads, tacos, you name it!

How to Freeze Corn

As mentioned earlier, you can always freeze your corn for later use. Just remove the husks and silks, blanch in hot water for 3-4 minutes and freeze until you are ready to use it.

Can I Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot?

Yes! If you only have frozen corn on the cob, you can cook it the same way as described above. The only change is you will cook it on HIGH for 4 minutes (instead of 2-3 minutes) and will do the same 10 minute natural release before releasing the rest of the steam.

4 small ears of instant pot corn on the cob on a white plate next to several springs of parsley.  Above the plate is a brown salt keeper with salt in it, then a white plate with a stick of butter on it, then 4 corn on the cob holders.

Other Recipes Paired with Corn on the Cob

Looking for something to pair with this delicious corn on the cob recipe? Try our Southern Style Green Beans recipe or our Incredible Baby Back Ribs recipe–or both! Or if you are looking for another great instant pot recipe, this Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe or our Instant Pot Jasmine Rice recipe!

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Instant Pot Corn on the cob stacked on a white plate with springs of parsley next to it and corn cob holders in the ends of one ear.

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob will change how you cook corn!

Ingredients

  • 4 Ears of Corn
  • 2 T. Butter
  • 2 C. Water

Instructions

  1. Place a small rack in the bottom of the instant pot.
  2. Pour in 2 C. Water.
  3. Clean the corn. Cut off ends, and cut in half if desired.
  4. Place Corn on the rack in the instant pot.
  5. Smear butter on top of the ears of corn.
  6. Place the lid on the instant pot, set to sealing, pressure cook on HIGH for 2-3 minutes (the thicker your ears of corn, the more time).
  7. Once corn has cooked, allow the instant pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes.
  8. Release the rest of the steam.
  9. Take the lid off, and enjoy!

Notes

* If using frozen corn, cook for 4 minutes

* Regular sized ears of fresh corn will cook on HIGH for 2 minutes.

* For Thicker sized ears of fresh corn, cook on HIGH for 3 minutes.

* top with salt and more butter if desired.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
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