Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

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Instant Pot Corn on the Cob comes out tender and juicy in no time! All you need is fresh corn and water for this recipe, then slather the kernels in all your favorite toppings. Make a whole batch of pressure cooker corn on the cob in just 25 minutes!

titled: Instant Pot Corn on the Cob


 

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Summer is the perfect time for fresh corn on the cob, and there are so many ways to make it — in the oven or crockpot, on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even smoked in the husks!

But one of the fastest ways to make a big batch has got to be Instant Pot corn on the cob.

It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe that you can make while you’re working on the main course.

I always grab ears of corn by the armful when they’re on sale. Cook some fresh, then freeze the rest to cook during the winter months!

ears of corn in varying stages of being shucked

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Fresh Corn on the Cob – Look for husks (the outer leaves) that are bright green in color.

    Peel them back from the top to check the kernels — they should be plump and brightly colored, not hard and shriveled.

    The silk (the “hairy” strands sticking out of the top) should be soft and moist, not brown and dry.

Best Toppings for Corn on the Cob

  • Butter and sea salt
  • Chili powder
  • Cilantro and lime
  • Bacon and basil
  • Greek yogurt and herbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Butter, honey, and cayenne
  • Olive oil and lemon juice
  • Italian seasoning
  • Mayonnaise
pouring water into Instant Pot with trivet in the bottom

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot

  • Make adjustments so everything fits.

Remove the very tip of the corn, along with the stalky handle on the bottom, so they fit better inside the pot.

If your ears are too long, you can also cut them in half — and you might be able to fit even more corn on cob in an Instant Pot this way!

  • Use the trivet.

This is the metal “tray” that comes with your pressure cooker. Place it in the bottom of the pot before adding the corn to prevent burning.

I’ve found that I can make a larger batch of instapot corn on the cob with the trivet than if I use a steamer basket.

  • Always use a quick release.

This means that as soon as the timer is up, (carefully) open the vent valve to release the pressure.

Once the pin drops, you can remove the lid and serve up your pressure cooker corn on the cob.

  • Include other veggies if you’d like!

Sometimes I’ll add fresh green beans or bell pepper strips underneath the trivet and cook them at the same time.

ears of corn stacked in instant pot

Prep Ahead

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Instant Pot – This is the one I use.
  • Tongs – I love this set of 3, and I use every pair of them. They are so handy and grip amazingly well!
cooked corn on cob in instant pot

Serving Suggestions

Instapot corn on the cob is the perfect side for backyard feasts and holiday favorites!

Pair it with grilled burgers and hot dogs or pulled pork sandwiches. It’s also delicious with roasted chicken or prime rib.

You can even cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot until tender, then char it real quick on the grill for elote.

Corn on Cob Instant Pot FAQ

How long do you steam corn on the cob in Instant Pot?

The corn cooks for 2 minutes on HIGH. If you are cooking Instant Pot corn on the cob with the husks on, you will need to add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

However, allow for 20-25 minutes total for your pressure cooker corn on the cob to be done. That includes about 15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure, then the cooking and release time.

Do I need to wrap the corn in foil?

No, you don’t need to wrap the ears of corn in foil when you use the Instant Pot. Foil is only needed on the grill to prevent the kernels from getting too dark.

How many ears of corn fit in a 6-quart pressure cooker?

A lot will depend on the size of the corn cobs. But, you should be able to easily fit 5 to 6 ears of corn.

If you want to fit more than that, you can try standing the ears on their end rather than layering them. Or, use an 8-quart Instant Pot for corn on the cob.

Can I cook frozen corn on cob in Instant Pot?

Fresh corn on the cob is so much better than frozen. But, you can cook frozen corn using this method as well!

Place the frozen corn cobs on the trivet and cook for 4 minutes on HIGH. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, follow up with a quick release.

close up: pressure cooked corn on the cob

Enjoy!
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platter of corn on the cob with butter and fresh parsley

instant pot corn on the cob with butter and parsley

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Donna Elick
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is tender and juicy, and you can make a whole batch in 25 minutes or less! Perfect for cookouts and holidays.
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Method Instant Pot
Servings 6

Ingredients
 

  • 6 ears Corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions
 

  • Pour water into the Instant Pot.
  • Place the trivet into the pot.
  • Add corn on top of the trivet, stacking
  • Close lid and set to HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes.
  • It will take about 15 minutes to pressurize before it starts to cook.
  • When done cooking, immediately release the pressure.
  • Carefully open the lid and remove corn.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Donna’s Notes

When buying corn, look for husks that are bright green in color with kernels that are plump and brightly colored. The silk should be soft and moist, not brown. Never buy corn that is brown or looks dried out.
Remove the ends of the corn so you can fit more ears in your Instant Pot. 
If they are too long, you can cut them in half so they fit inside more easily.
You can place fresh green beans or another vegetable underneath the rack and cook them at the same time.
Using a trivet will allow you to put more ears of corn in your Instant Pot than if you use a steamer basket.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 77cal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled image (and shown): instant pot corn on the cob

Originally published August 2020, updated and republished July 2024

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