Air Fried Corn On The Cob (Bhutta)

Air Fried Corn On The Cob has been a game changer for my family and myself! I love grilled corn or as we Pakistanis call it, Bhutta! The slightly charred sweet corn, doused with salt, chili powder and lime juice brings back memories of Pakistan. However, grilling corn can be time consuming and not something that's easy to do frequently. The air fryer method is so easy and quick that I can whip this up as a side or a snack in no time!

The History

Grilled corn was first domesticated by indigenous Mexicans around 6600 BCE per bonappetit.com. The magazine goes on to describe how various countries, from Mexico to Japan, Taiwan, India and Pakistan all have their own version of corn as street food.

The Mexican Elote is world famous. Taiwanese corn is served covered in a garlicky soy paste and sweet chilli sauce. The Japanese have a complex seasoning blend they use for their street corn. Here in the US we love eating it doused with melted butter, added to salads, cooked as corn bread and popped as popcorn amongst many other things!

My Story

Bhutta, as we call grilled corn on the cob in Pakistan, makes my mouth water every time I think about it. Sold on rolling street carts called "Thelas" in the midst of every Bazaar, this was a frequent treat for me when out shopping.

Grilled over hot coals in a small container on a rolling cart, the corn is then sprinkled with salt, red chili powder and lime juice. Simple yet fresh, warm and delicious it always hits the spot! I still treat myself to it when I visit and its as delicious as I remember it from my childhood.

My kids favor the salt, chili, lime seasoning with their grilled corn. SInce we've started using this Air Fried Corn On The Cob recipe I have a salt and chili blend permanently prepared and stored in a small tupperware container.

Try the recipe below, it's so easy your kids can make it on their own. Ready in about 10 minutes it's a fairly healthy snack and feeds those constant summer cravings. I usually make this as a side when I make my grilled tandoori lamb chops. Add it to your menu this Fourth of July and don't forget to rate the recipe!

Air Fried Corn On The Cob (Bhutta)

Nosheen Babar

An easy recipe for one of Pakistan's favorite street food! Bhutta! Air Fried Corn On The Cob is smothered with salt, chillies and lime!

4.41 from 5 votes

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 79 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 ears corn
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 lime

Instructions

 

• Clean the corn, removing all husks and removing ends if you need to make it fit in your air fryer basket.
• Rub the olive oil on the corn
• Place the corn in the air fryer basket and set the temperature at 400°F
• Cook for 10 minutes, turning halfway through to brown evenly
• Remove the corn
• Mix the salt and chili powder in a bowl, cut the lime in half, dip it in the bowl and rub it generously all over the corn and enjoy!

Notes

Fresh Corn - It's always best to buy fresh corn and grill it the same day. The husk should be green and moist. If for some reason you cannot grill the corn the same day you can refrigerate it for upto 3-5 days. However, the sooner you use it the better.

Oil - I use olive oil but you can use any type you have on hand. Butter is not recommended as it will burn in the air fryer. If you wish to add butter, melt it and add it on top after the corn is ready.

Cooking -  Air fryers can be different as are ovens and stoves. So cooking times and temps may be off by a bit. Check on the corn at around 8 minutes to make sure it doesn't overcook. Also be prepared to leave it in for a few minutes extra if needed. 

Toppings - If you're not a fan of chillies you can go with a traditional melted butter, salt and pepper topping or a mayonnaise, lime and herb topping, similar to an elote. let your imagination run wild and your taste buds dictate how to eat your corn!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 3554mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1197IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Keyword air fryer corn, bbq sides, bhutta, corn on the cob, grilled corn

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