The Ultimate Guide to Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob: Crispy & Flavorful
There are some culinary combinations that just make perfect sense, and bacon-wrapped anything often tops that list. But when you combine the smoky, salty crispness of bacon with the sweet, tender bite of fresh corn on the cob, and then cook it to perfection in an air fryer? You’ve just unlocked a side dish that’s truly in a league of its own. It’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser that delivers immense flavor with surprising ease.
My journey to discovering this incredible recipe began quite serendipitously. A recent visit to a local meat sale turned into a fantastic opportunity to stock up on essentials, especially bacon. We typically go through at least a pound of bacon each week, so finding it at such great prices was a win. As I was checking out, the cashier, noticing my generous bacon haul, casually mentioned how much she loves bacon-wrapped corn on the cob. Her offhand comment immediately sparked an idea: “Could I achieve that same deliciousness in my air fryer?”
The answer, to my delight and yours, is a resounding YES! Not only is it possible, but making air fryer bacon (and subsequently, bacon-wrapped corn) has quickly become my absolute preferred method. The air fryer excels at cooking bacon, containing all the grease in its basket and preventing those annoying splatters that usually make a mess of your stovetop. This means less cleanup and a much more enjoyable cooking experience.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Bacon?
If you’ve ever cooked bacon on the stovetop, you know the struggle: grease popping everywhere, uneven cooking, and the constant need to monitor to prevent burning. The air fryer eliminates these headaches, offering several distinct advantages:
- **Minimal Mess:** The enclosed design of the air fryer keeps grease contained within the basket, sparing your countertops and stove from splatters. Many models also come with drip trays or can be lined with foil for even easier cleanup.
- **Even Crispness:** The circulating hot air ensures that every part of the bacon gets consistently crispy, delivering that perfect crunch without dry or burnt edges.
- **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once you set the temperature and time, the air fryer largely takes care of itself. There’s no need for constant flipping, allowing you to focus on other meal preparations.
- **Speed and Efficiency:** Air fryers heat up quickly and cook bacon faster than a traditional oven, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick, satisfying side.
Perfecting Air Fryer Bacon: A Quick Guide
Before we dive into wrapping, let’s ensure your bacon cooking technique is flawless:
- **Prepare Your Basket:** Always line your air fryer basket with a piece of foil. This is crucial for catching grease and making cleanup incredibly simple. Make sure the foil doesn’t block air circulation too much, especially on the sides.
- **Arrange the Bacon:** Lay bacon slices in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. If you need to cook more, do it in batches.
- **Set the Temperature & Time:** Cook bacon at 355°F (179°C) for approximately 10 minutes. However, cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon.
- **Flip for Uniformity:** For perfectly even crispiness on both sides, it’s a good idea to flip the bacon about halfway through the cooking time.
- **Monitor Closely:** Keep an eye on the bacon during the last few minutes. It can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly. Adjust cooking time as needed until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
It’s really that simple! And a huge bonus for me? I’m notorious for forgetting food in the oven, leading to overcooked or burnt dishes. With the air fryer, I can set it and often forget about it (within reason, of course) because many models have automatic shut-off features, safeguarding my bacon from an untimely demise. This mom definitely doesn’t burn the bacon when it’s air-fried!
Choosing Your Air Fryer
Currently, I’m using a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, which I highly recommend for its versatility and performance. However, there’s a wide range of fantastic air fryers available on the market. If you’re looking to purchase one or upgrade, you might find my detailed guide on How to Choose the Right Air Fryer incredibly helpful. It covers different types, features, and what to consider for your specific needs.
Crafting Your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Now that you’re an air fryer bacon pro, let’s elevate that skill to create this unforgettable side dish. The method for bacon-wrapped corn is similar to cooking plain bacon in the air fryer, but with the added (and most exciting) step of wrapping the corn.
Selecting and Preparing Your Corn
The foundation of a great dish is quality ingredients. For bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, fresh, in-season corn makes all the difference. Look for corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks and silk that is slightly damp and golden brown. Gently pull back a small section of the husk to check the kernels – they should be plump, milky, and free from any blemishes.
Before wrapping, you’ll need to trim your corn on the cob. If you’re using corn with husks, remove them completely along with the silk. Then, trim off any excess stem or uneven ends to make a neat cob. This ensures even cooking and easier handling.
Wrapping the Corn with Bacon
For each trimmed ear of corn on the cob, I typically use two slices of regular-cut bacon. If you’re using thin-cut bacon, you might opt for three slices for more coverage and flavor. For thick-cut bacon, two slices should be plenty. The key is to wrap the bacon securely around the entire length of the corn, ensuring there are no large gaps.
Start at one end of the corn and tightly wrap a slice of bacon around it in a spiral pattern, slightly overlapping as you go. Once you reach the end, take your second slice and continue the wrapping from where the first left off, or start from the other end and meet in the middle, ensuring the entire cob is covered. If you find the bacon isn’t staying put, especially at the ends, you can secure it with a toothpick. However, often the air fryer’s heat will cause the bacon to shrink and adhere to the corn as it cooks.
Air Frying for Perfection
Once your corn is beautifully wrapped, it’s time for the air fryer magic. Place your bacon-wrapped corn on the cob into the air fryer basket, again lined with foil. I typically cook them at 355°F (179°C). The initial cooking time will be around 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes on the other side, or until the bacon is crispy and the corn is tender. The total cooking time can be anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your corn cobs and the specific model of your air fryer.
It’s essential to carefully monitor the cooking process, especially if you’re trying this recipe for the first time or are unfamiliar with how quickly your air fryer heats up and cooks. Different air fryer models can have slight variations in temperature and cooking efficiency. Watch for the bacon to turn a rich golden brown and become perfectly crispy, while the corn should be cooked through and tender, but not mushy.
No Butter Needed!
One of the best parts about this dish? In my opinion, it doesn’t even need butter! The natural grease that renders from the bacon during the cooking process is perfectly absorbed by the corn, infusing it with an incredible savory flavor and adding a luscious richness that makes it super delicious all on its own. My kids absolutely raved about this recipe and were incredibly thankful for that cashier’s genius suggestion!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob: Step-by-Step Recipe
- **Preparation is Key:** Start by placing a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of your air fryer basket. This will catch any bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze.
- **Wrap it Up:** Take each trimmed ear of corn on the cob and wrap two slices of bacon tightly around its entire surface, spiraling from one end to the other.
- **Arrange in Air Fryer:** Carefully place the bacon-wrapped corn cobs into the prepared basket. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- **Cook to Crispy Perfection:** Set your air fryer to 355°F (179°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip each cob over and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the corn is tender.
- **Serve Hot:** Enjoy this delightful side dish immediately while it’s warm and the bacon is at its crispiest.
Flavor Variations and Enhancements
While the basic bacon-wrapped corn is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings to elevate the flavor:
- **Sweet & Smoky:** Before wrapping, sprinkle the corn with a pinch of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- **Spicy Kick:** Add a dash of chili powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the bacon before wrapping for a subtle heat.
- **Herbaceous Goodness:** A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives after cooking can add a fresh, aromatic finish.
- **Cheesy Delight:** For an extra layer of indulgence, once cooked, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or crumbled cotija cheese. The residual heat will melt it slightly.
- **BBQ Flair:** Brush the bacon with a thin layer of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a tangy, caramelized glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish makes an excellent side for a variety of meals. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Summer salads and other picnic favorites
It’s a perfect addition to any backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or even a holiday spread when you want something uniquely delicious and impressive with minimal effort.
Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a truly tasty treat tonight? Add this easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob to your meal plan. It’s a simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor and enjoyment!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try:
If you’re loving the convenience and results of air frying, be sure to explore more recipes that utilize this fantastic kitchen appliance. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Air Fryer Indian Tacos
Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
Unlock Even More Air Fryer Favorites!
For those who want a treasure trove of quick and easy air fryer meals at their fingertips, I highly recommend grabbing my exclusive e-book. It features 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes, perfect for expanding your repertoire and making mealtime a breeze!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob
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Ingredients
- 4 Trimmed Corn on the Cob
- 8 Slices of Bacon
Instructions
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Place foil in the basket of the air fryer for easier cleanup.
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Wrap two slices of bacon tightly around each trimmed ear of corn on the cob. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
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Carefully place the wrapped corn into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
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Cook at 355°F (179°C) for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes on the other side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the corn is tender.
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Serve immediately and enjoy this savory, crispy, and sweet delight!