How to Reheat Corn On the Cob: Easy and Effective Ways

Have you ever wanted to eat a delicious, juicy ear of corn on the cob from your fridge but didn’t know how to reheat it?

I’ll reveal how to reheat corn on the cob quickly so you can return to enjoying its crunchy, sweet goodness. 

A Quick Note on Methods of Reheating Corn on the Cob

I tried reheating corn on the cob in 5 different ways to find the best method for you.

In less than 10 minutes, you can reheat corn on the cob using these methods! 

The methods I used were:

1. Reheating corn on the cob in the oven (Good result, slow method).
2. Reheating corn on the cob in the microwave (Time efficient, can become dry).
3. Reheating corn on the cob on the stove (Easy method, removes seasonings).
4. Reheating corn on the cob in an air fryer (Healthy method, can get the corn dry).
5. Reheating corn on the cob in the grill (Adds flavor, burns easily).

I have personally experienced the upsides and downsides of each approach. We’ll discuss that in more detail later.

Writer’s Note: In my experience, it’s hard to stick to just one way to reheat corn on the cob because there are many good ways to do it. The corn came out excellent and managed to keep its structure, avoiding turning mushy, when reheated in multiple methods like in the oven, stovetop, and microwave.

Watch this video to have a visual experience.

How to Reheat Corn on the Cob (All Methods)

Reheat corn on the cob, prepared in several ways, retains all of its deliciousness and taste. 

In every method I used, reheating leftovers to their original deliciousness only requires a few easy steps. 

Let’s go through each process one at a time. 

1. How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Oven

This can be your go-to method for warming up leftover corn on the cob. The corn is cooked uniformly and is not dried out by the oven’s mild heat. 

In fact, the oven is relatively slower than the other options here at all. The corn must only be reheated, as it is fully cooked.

Instructions

1. Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the corn cobs in a baking dish and sprinkle the bottom with 2 tablespoons of water. 
3. Use aluminum foil to cover the dish.
4. Heat the corn cobs for about 5 minutes in the oven.
5. Serve with optional garnishes.

Pros

• Easy method
• Adds additional flavor
• A good method for a big crowd

Cons

• This process is slow

Pro Tip: Wrap the corn in foil firmly enough so that steam may build up inside while it cooks, preventing it from drying out.

2. How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

As long as you turn the corn halfway through cooking, microwaving is time and effort-efficient. Remember that my technique generates steam within the plate and will grow hotter. If you’re uncovering corn, proceed with caution.

Put a wet paper towel over a microwave-safe dish and add one or two ears of corn. Corn should be heated during 15-second bursts. After each time, check the temperature to see if you need to continue. 

Instructions

1. Corn cobs should be placed inside a microwave-safe baking sheet, and 2 tablespoons of water should be added to the dish’s base.
2. We recommend covering the plate with a moist towel (to prevent the corn from drying out) during cooking.
3. Put the microwave on high for 30 seconds.
4. Toss the corn and return to the microwave for 30 seconds.
5. Gently remove the towel and wait 30 seconds to see if it’s done.
6. Brush some butter on top, serve, and enjoy!

Pros

• Time efficient
• Takes less effort
• Great result

Cons

• This can result in dry corn

3. How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in Stovetop

You probably want to turn on the oven only if you have leftover corn on the cob because it’s summer and you’re trying to conserve energy.

Corn on the cob can be reheated on the stove in a saucepan of water. Cobs should be added to the boiling water. To reheat, place in a pot of boiling water for a minute or two. Corn cobs should be served after being drained and dried.

Instructions

1. Put enough water in a pot to completely cover the corn.
2. Start the water boiling, then add the cobs.
3. Prepare them by heating them for a minute or two.
4. Before serving, drain the water from the cobs and pat them dry.

Pros

• An easy and quick method

Cons

• Can wash off the flavor of the corn

4. How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer

An air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating corn on the cob using minimal or no oil. As a result of the air fryer’s convection heating system, the food will be ready a little earlier than in the oven. 

Instructions

1. Get the air fryer ready at 350 degrees.
2. Arrange the corn cobs on individual pieces of aluminum foil.
3. Put a drop of water on each cob with a teaspoon.
4. Wrap the corn in aluminum foil and twist or crimp the ends to seal in the steam.
5. Heat the corn in an air fryer for three to four minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Pros

• A healthy method as it requires less oil
• Corn reheats quickly

Cons

• The high heat can make corn on the cob dry 

5. How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Grill

The grill adds a smoky, grilled flavor to the leftover corn, which takes only a few minutes. A gas grill makes rapid work of this procedure because of the speed with which it reaches cooking temperature.

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill for ten to fifteen minutes with the cover closed on medium heat.
2. Add oil or butter to each cob and throw them on the grill.
3. Flip after 30 seconds on the grill to evenly heat the meat for 2 minutes.

Pros

• Tastes good
• Adds additional flavor

Cons

• The corn can get burnt

Related Post: How to Reheat General Tso Chicken

How to Store Corn on the Cob

Keeping your corn on the cob as fresh and delicious as possible requires proper storage. Follow these guidelines to ensure your corn is kept safely.

Make sure the corn is completely dry before putting it away. It will quickly spoil if it gets wet. Corn can be air-dried or dried with a paper towel.

Corn can be refrigerated after being dried in a ziplock bag. Keep moisture out by sealing the bag tightly. This method will extend the corn’s shelf life by roughly five days to a week. 

The corn can be blanched and frozen if you wish to keep it longer. Put the corn on the cob in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Put in an ice bath after boiling for three to four minutes. When the corn has cooled, remove it off the cob and store it in a sealed plastic bag. The contents of the bag can be kept fresh for up to three months if frozen.

The corn on the cob can be kept in the pantry as well. Two weeks in a cool, dry pantry is how long corn on the cob will keep. Light can hasten spoilage, so keep it in a cool, dark place.

Corn on the cob can also be dried. Keep the husks on the corn and hang it in a cool, dark spot with plenty of airflows. Corn should be dried until it is firm. Corn can be stored in a cool, dry place once the husks have been removed.

Corn on the cob will retain its freshness and flavor for as long as possible if stored properly. You can keep your corn fresh for weeks with these easy storage methods.

How Long Does Corn on the Cob Last?

Corn on the cob is a delicious summertime food that can be cooked and reheated in many ways. But how long does it last?

Let’s take a look!

In Room Temperature

Corn on the cob will stay fresh for a few hours at room temperature. You can keep it at room temperature briefly if you just cooked it and plan to eat it soon. For the best taste, it’s best to eat it within two hours of cooking is best. But if you want to eat it later, put it in the refrigerator or freezer.

In Refrigerator

Corn on the cob will stay fresh in the fridge for about four days. Ensure to put it in a container with a damp paper towel that doesn’t let air in. This will help keep the corn from drying out. It’s also a good idea to quickly shake the container every few days to keep it from getting foggy.

In Freezer

Corn on the cob can be frozen for up to six months. To freeze the corn, boil it for two minutes in boiling water and then put it in an ice bath. Once the corn has cooled down, dry it and wrap it in a zip-lock bag. Then put the corn in a bag or container that can be frozen and put it in the freezer.

Conclusion

Reheating corn on the cob is a great way to enjoy the taste of freshly cooked corn even after it has been stored away. It can be done quickly and easily, with few ingredients and tools, and in just a few simple steps.

When you know how to reheat corn on the cob, you can change the taste by adding different spices and sauces to get the desired flavor. This is a terrific way to consume corn on the cob without starting from scratch, whether reheating leftovers or trying something new. So get yourself some corn and start cooking!