Updated: Feb. 13, 2024
Did you end up with leftover corn on the cob after your last barbecue? Don't throw it away! Here's how to reheat corn on cob using five easy methods (plus a bonus off-the-cob method).
Few things scream summer like fresh corn. I always know when summer’s vegetable bounty has arrived when the grocery store rolls out those gigantic bins of crushed ice, filled to the brim with corn husks. Even better when the roadside stands start to pop up with “Sweet Corn” signs in tow!
Sweet corn turns out juicy and crisp when cooked on the cob, and it’s a crowd pleaser at any backyard gathering or barbecue. A good rule of thumb is to prepare one cob per person, but sometimes you end up with leftovers anyway. While it’s easy enough to reheat, there’s nothing worse than biting into a reheated cob that’s hot on one side and still cold on the other, or overheating it and ending up with dry, chewy bites. So we determined how to reheat corn using these five methods.
How Long Is Corn Good For?
Before we get into reheating corn, let’s talk about how long you can keep it. Fresh corn is only good for one to three days, when stored properly. But you have a little more leeway with leftover corn on the cob, which is good in the fridge for about five days. You’ll know it’s past its prime when the kernels begin to shrink and lose their juiciness.
How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
The microwave isn’t always our favorite way to reheat food, since it tends to do it unevenly. That said, it’s one of the most convenient methods on this list, and it’s extremely easy as long as you flip the corn as it cooks. Keep in mind that our method creates steam inside the plate—and it gets really hot in there! So be careful as you uncover the corn.
- Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add two tablespoons of water to the plate and cover it with a second plate or a damp kitchen towel.
- Microwave the corn on high for 20 seconds.
- Flip the corn over and microwave for an additional 20 seconds.
- Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, flipping each time, until the corn is heated through.
You can cook fresh corn in the microwave, too.
How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Oven
This is our favorite way to reheat corn on the cob. The oven’s gentle heat surrounds the corn, cooking it evenly and without drying it out. Surprisingly, the oven doesn’t even take that much longer than other methods on this list. Since the corn is already cooked through, all you need to do is warm it through.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place each corn on the cob on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a teaspoon of water over the top of each cob. If desired, add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt, pepper or other seasonings. Wrap the aluminum foil tightly around the corn, twisting or crimping the ends to prevent steam from escaping.
- Position the wrapped corn directly on the rack and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the corn is heated through.
How to Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a fantastic way to reheat corn on the cob with little or no added oil. It’s basically a countertop convection oven, so it works just as well as the oven for reheating corn. Since air fryers run on convection heat, this method will finish a little quicker than the oven.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°.
- Place each corn on the cob on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a teaspoon of water over the top of each cob. Wrap the aluminum foil tightly around the corn, twisting or crimping the ends to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the corn in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the corn is heated through.
You can cook fresh corn on the cob in the air fryer, too.
How to Reheat Corn on the Cob on the Grill
We love using this method if you’re using leftover cooked corn on the cob as a vegetable component to a grilled meal. It’s so quick and easy, and the grill makes the leftover corn more flavorful by adding grill marks and a little char. This method is especially easy if you’re using a gas grill because they heat up so quickly.
- Set the grill for medium heat and let it heat, with the lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bush each cob with butter or oil and place them on the grill grates.
- Grill, flipping every 30 seconds, until all sides are warmed through, about 2 minutes.
How to Reheat Corn on the Cob on the Stovetop
TMB Studio
This method is a sure-fire way to create juicy reheated corn because you’re heating the cobs in boiling water! It’s best when reheating corn that isn’t heavily seasoned, because the water will remove all the seasonings.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the corn into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 5 minutes, until the corn is heated through.
- Remove the corn with a pair of tongs and pat the corn dry. Re-season, as desired.
Bonus: How to Reheat Corn Off the Cob in a Skillet
If you want to completely transform your leftover corn on the cob, take it off the cob and toss it into a skillet. You can also freeze the corn kernels after taking them off the cob and use the same method to reheat the frozen corn. No thawing necessary!
- Place a small bowl upside-down inside a large bowl. (Optional: You can also use a cutting board, but this technique is great for catching errant corn kernels.)
- Position a cob on the flat side of the upside-down bowl with the fat end down.
- Using a sharp knife, run the blade along the side of the corn, removing the kernels into the large bowl. Turn the cob and continue to cut until all the kernels are removed from the cob.
- Meanwhile, preheat a large skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter.
- Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly browned.
- Season as desired.
Of course, you don’t have to reheat leftover corn on the cob, either. It’s fully cooked, so you can remove it from the cob and use it to make your favorite corn salad, like one of these:
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Jalapeno Popper Corn SaladI created this recipe for a wedding I was catering, and it's a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn't stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
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Barley Corn SaladA terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
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Layered Garden Bean SaladFor easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Next, try this Mexican street corn salad.
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Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo SaladThe heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
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Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn SaladWith ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Vegan Taco SaladThe best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you'll love the crunch of the tortilla chips mixed with the sweet, crisp lettuce and "meaty" crumble mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta SaladI'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Jicama and Black Bean SaladThere are so many colorful items in this black bean salad, there is no need for a garnish. The jicama adds a surprising crunch. —Jeanette Marks, Ashland, Kentucky
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Cherry Tomato Corn SaladBrighten a picnic lunch or backyard barbecue with this cheerful, fresh-tasting salad. If you use want to use sweet corn off the cob, saute the corn for 5 minutes in a skillet before adding to the salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Summertime Tomato SaladMy crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey
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For a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it's delectable served right away, too. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
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Sweet Corn-Tomato SaladI always make this for family events and parties. It reminds me of all the fun barbecues and picnics over the years. Fresh corn and basil make a huge difference in this recipe. —Jessica Kleinbaum, Plant City, Florida
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Corn Pasta SaladAfter tasting this cool salad at a family reunion, I immediately asked for the recipe. It has tricolor pasta, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes and crunchy peppers to make it pretty and tasty. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
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Pesto Corn Salad with ShrimpThis recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
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Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Southern Cornbread Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Southern Cornbread SaladTo feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
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