Corn on the cob cooking times
How long to cook corn on the cob: 4–6 min boiled, 6–8 min steamed, 3–4 min in the microwave and 25–30 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan). Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook corn on the cob
Times are for 4 cobs.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil | 4–6 min | in boiling unsalted water | Salt toughens the kernels; season afterwards. Frozen cobs take 8–10 minutes. |
| Steam | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| Microwave | 3–4 min | on full power | Per cob, in its husk or wrapped in damp kitchen paper. Add 2 minutes for each extra cob. |
| Oven | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wrapped in foil with butter. |
| Air fryer | 10–12 min | 200°C (400°F) | Brushed with butter or oil; turn halfway. |
| Grill | 10–12 min | under a hot grill | Brush with butter and turn every few minutes. |
| Barbecue | 10–15 min | over medium direct heat | Turn every few minutes until charred in places. In the husk, soak for 10 minutes first and allow 15–20 minutes. |
Before you start
Pull off the husk and silky threads, unless you’re cooking it in the husk. Frozen cobs can be cooked from frozen.
How to tell it’s done
The kernels are bright yellow, plump and tender when pressed.
Questions
How long to boil corn on the cob?
4–6 min in boiling unsalted water. Salt toughens the kernels; season afterwards. Frozen cobs take 8–10 minutes.
How long to steam corn on the cob?
6–8 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave corn on the cob?
3–4 min on full power. Per cob, in its husk or wrapped in damp kitchen paper. Add 2 minutes for each extra cob.
How long to cook corn on the cob in the oven?
25–30 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Wrapped in foil with butter.
How long to cook corn on the cob in an air fryer?
10–12 min at 200°C (400°F). Brushed with butter or oil; turn halfway.
How long to grill corn on the cob?
10–12 min under a hot grill. Brush with butter and turn every few minutes.
How long to barbecue corn on the cob?
10–15 min over medium direct heat. Turn every few minutes until charred in places. In the husk, soak for 10 minutes first and allow 15–20 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.