Instant Pot Corn on Cob

Nothing says summer like Instant Pot corn on the cob that is juicy crisp and on the table in minutes. Getting that fresh-from-the-farm taste is now possible even on busy weeknights thanks to this easy pressure cooker method. I reach for this any time I crave sweet corn that is nearly hands off but never bland or soggy.

What Makes It Special

• Uses just four ingredients you probably have at home
• Beautifully cooks corn in just a couple of minutes
• Perfect foolproof results every time
• No boiling huge pots of water or babysitting the stove

My kids cheer when I make this because the corn comes out just the way they love it every single time. It is my favorite kitchen party trick in the summer.

What You’ll Need

• Fresh corn on the cob: The sweetest flavor comes from really fresh ears Try to pick corn with bright green husks and still-moist silk
• Water: Keeps the steam flowing in your pressure cooker Helps corn cook evenly without burning The cleaner your water the better your corn tastes
• Kosher salt: Highlights the natural sweetness and adds a gentle pop of flavor Over the years I found flakier salts melt better here
• Butter: Finishes the corn with rich creamy notes Use a good quality butter for the most luscious finish

Let’s Cook This Together

Add Water to the Pot:

Pour one cup of water right into the bottom of your Instant Pot You want it to come up just below the trivet Insert the trivet itself for proper steam circulation

Stack the Corn:

Shuck your corn then set the ears right on the trivet You can cut them in half to fit more if you like Make sure nothing is touching the water below

Pressure Cook:

Seal your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure Cook the corn for exactly two minutes This timing gives tender juicy kernels that pop when you bite in

Release and Remove:

When the timer ends use a towel or oven mitt to carefully perform a quick steam release Open the pot and use tongs to lift out each ear nice and gently Steam is hot so take care

Butter and Season:

Arrange all the warm corn in a big bowl Drop in your butter and sprinkle the salt Let the heat of the corn melt the butter fully Toss around so every kernel gets coated and seasoned then serve right away while piping hot

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Good to Know

• Corn is high in fiber and essential vitamins
• This method keeps corn vivid yellow and never waterlogged
• Works with as many ears as fit in your pot

My favorite part is swirling the butter at the end—the aroma alone gets everyone running to the table I still remember corn feasts on the porch every summer and sharing sticky buttery fingers with the kids brings me right back

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers wrap your corn in foil and keep it in the fridge Reheat gently in the microwave or oven so the kernels stay tender Leftover corn is just as tasty for up to three days and it is great sliced off the cob for salads or salsas

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to use salted butter if that is what you have or try a plant based version for a dairy free spin You can also finish with your favorite spice blend from smoked paprika to a little grated cheese Lime juice squeezed on at the end adds zing

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How to Serve It Right

Serve your corn on a large platter with extra butter and flaky salt so folks can help themselves Fresh limes on the side never hurt For a picnic try cutting cobs in half so kids can grab with smaller hands

Behind the Dish

Farmers market corn always inspires but this Instant Pot trick means you never have to wait for festival season again I learned this shortcut after another overcooked stovetop attempt and have never gone back The combo of pressure and steam always brings out the best in even supermarket corn

Kitchen Wisdom

• Never overfill your pressure cooker to keep steam circulating well
• Let the butter come to room temperature for faster melting over hot corn
• If your cobs are extra large add thirty seconds to the pressure cook time

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does corn take in the Instant Pot?

Cooking corn on high pressure only takes 2 minutes, followed by a quick steam release for best results.

→ Do I need to shuck the corn first?

Yes, it's best to remove the husks and silk before placing the ears in the pressure cooker for even steaming.

→ Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely, you can sprinkle herbs, chili powder, or grated cheese over the corn after adding butter.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place cooled corn in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days for easy reheating.

→ Is a trivet necessary?

A trivet lifts the corn above the water, ensuring even cooking and preventing it from becoming soggy.