How to Cook Frozen Corn (on the Cob and Kernels)

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Learn how to cook frozen corn, either frozen corn on the cob or corn kernels. Instructions on how to boil, microwave, roast, grill, air fry them, and so on.

Cooking frozen corn is easy. There are many methods to do it; you can either cook the kernels or the whole ears of corn. Whatever you choose, the techniques are quick and straightforward. And the results are always delicious!

Corn is a popular side dish worldwide, so why only have it during the summer months? You can enjoy freezer corn whenever you like; it makes a perfect side for many dishes. And if you would like to know more about cooking frozen food, try Roasted Frozen Cauliflower, Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer, or Frozen Chicken Thighs. You can also learn How to Cook Frozen Sausages, How to Boil Frozen Chicken Breast, how to cook Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries or Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings.

Why should you eat more frozen corn?

• Quick and easy: The kernels are ready in a matter of minutes (unless roasted), and all the other methods take between 5- and 30-minutes tops.
• Always available: You can have it whenever you want, not only in season. It keeps for a long time in the freezer.
• Affordable: A cheap and tasty side dish.
• Nutritious: Freezing the corn directly after the harvest is the best way of keeping most of its vitamins and nutrients.

What do you need?

• Frozen corn, either kernels or whole ears of corn. The amount of sweetcorn is not so significant; cook as much as you need.
• Other ingredients: butter, fine sea salt or kosher salt, and pepper. You can use other spices as well, whatever you like. For instance, sweet or smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, spice blends, dried or fresh herbs, and so on.

How to cook frozen corn on the cob?

Boil

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil enough to cover the vegetables.
• Add salt, a knob of butter, and corn cobs (1).
• Continue to boil on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and tender (2).
• Variation: Replace ½ of the water with milk. Be careful; milk tends to cook over quicker than water.
• Serve with a knob of butter and seasoning.

Microwave

• Place the frozen cobs in a microwave-safe dish.
• Add water to the dish, about ½ inch/ 1.2 cm deep.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid.
• Cook on high for about 5-7 minutes.
• Check! Remove one kernel to see if it’s hot on the inside. If not, continue cooking, checking every minute.
• Serve with a knob of butter and seasoning.

Roast

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/ 180 degrees Celsius.
• Place the cobs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil or baking paper or roast them directly on the oven rack.
• Roast for 30 minutes, turning them halfway until heated through.
• Serve the roasted corn with a knob of butter and seasoning.

Grill

• Place the cobs on the medium-hot grill.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes or until charred to your liking, turning the ears with tongs a quarter turn every few minutes.
• Serve with a knob of butter and seasoning.
• Crockpot/ slow cooker:
• Place corn in the pot.
• Cover with water.
• Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1-2 vegetable stock or chicken bouillon cubes (or just 1 tablespoon kosher or fine sea salt).
• Cook on low for 6 hours or 4 hours on high. 
• Add more butter (if desired) and seasoning.

Instant Pot

• Pour 1 ½ cup water/ 350 ml water into the pot.
• Place corn pieces on the rack.
• Cook on high for 4 minutes.
• Release the steam and remove vegetables with tongs.
• Season and serve the hot corn with a knob of butter.

Air fryer

• Preheat the air fryer if required by the machine’s instructions.
• Place vegetable pieces in the basket in a single layer. They should not touch; the air needs space to circulate.
• Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit/ 180 degrees Celsius for 6 minutes.
• Turn, brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
• Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through.
• Brush with more butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

How to cook frozen corn kernels?

Add to the dish

• The easiest way is to add them directly to the dish.
• Place frozen kernels in a colander. Run under hot water until defrosted.
• Add directly to the corn recipe you are cooking, for instance, stir-fries, soups, stews, and so on.

Boil

• Measure out ½ cup/ 125 ml water for each cup of kernels (160 g).
• Place everything into a pot, add some butter (about 1 teaspoon per cup of corn) and some salt.
• Once the water starts to simmer, cook for 2-3 minutes or until the corn is done to your liking. Don’t overcook it. Drain.
• Add more butter (if desired) and seasoning.

Skillet

• Place kernels in a colander and rinse under cold water until no more ice is left on them. Drain well and pat a bit dry with a paper towel.
• Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan.
• Add kernels and 1 teaspoon sugar, stir to coat, and cook until starting to get brown about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Season with salt and fresh black pepper.

Microwave

• Place frozen kernels in a microwaveable bowl or dish.
• Add about 1/8 cup/ 30 ml water for each cup of corn (160 g) you are cooking. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid.
• Microwave on high for about 2 minutes.
• Stir and check. If not hot enough, give it another minute.
• Add butter and seasoning.

Roast

• Place kernels on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper in a single layer, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, about ¼ teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.
• Roast in the preheated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit/ 200 degrees Celsius) for 20-30 minutes until heated through done to your liking.
• You can add other spices like sweet or smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, coriander, and dried herbs. You can also add some Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of the roasting time.

Expert Tips and FAQ

You should start flavoring the corn during the cooking process; all you need is a little butter and salt. You can also add other spices if you like. Add more butter and seasoning to the hot vegetables before serving for the tastiest results.

Recipe FAQ

What to serve it with?

One of the most popular side dishes there is! It’s perfect with almost any main dish you can think of. How about serving it with Roasted Turkey or Roasted Chicken, Pork Chops and Potatoes, or Tagliata Steak?

More recipes using corn

• Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake (with Sweet Corn)
• Cheesy Corn Rice (with Turmeric)
• Mexican Bean Salad
• Corn in Coconut Milk
• Corn Tomato Salsa