Once you try Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, you will never boil it on the stove again! Perfectly juicy, sweet corn in 10 minutes for a simple year round side dish.

Looking for more side dishes? You might like my Instant Pot potato salad and Instant Pot refried beans.

Instant Pot corn on the cob with a pat of butter on top.

Why You Will Love This Method

Corn on the cob is a summertime staple! Whether it’s grilled, boiled, or this Instant Pot corn on the cob, who doesn’t love the sweet, tender, and juicy bite of corn?!

Well, let me tell you, corn on the cob cooked in Instant Pot blows all other methods out of the water! Even corn on the cob in crock pot, however it is great for “set and forget” situation.

  • It is totally hands-off method.
  • No more waiting for a big pot of water to boil!
  • Cook time is 2 minutes.
  • Perfect results every time!

I grew up in Ukraine and our corn took 2 hours to cook and cool. Not sure why, but I remember grandma’s kitchen getting so hot and us kids having to wait so long to sink our teeth into juicy corn.

No more. Corn on the cob cooked in Instant Pot is one of Instant Pot recipes I make most often!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

To make Instant Pot corn on the cob, you need just corn on the cob and cold water.

Three ears of corn in a package and a bowl with water.
  • Corn on the cob: Fresh corn in a husk or already peeled.
  • Cold water: Be sure to use cold water because hot water will reduce the pressure cooking time resulting in undercooked corn.

How to Make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Here is a quick overview how to make Instant Pot corn on the cob. Full recipe card is located below.

Person showing step by step how to cook corn on the cob in Instant Pot.
  • Add water and trivet: To any size Instant Pot, add 1 cup of cold water and place trivet inside.
  • Add corn: Add as many corn on the cob to the Instant Pot as you can fit.
  • Pressure cook corn on the cob: Close the lid, set valve to Sealing position and press Pressure Cook on High pressure or Manual button for 2 minutes. Instant Pot will take about 5 minutes to come to pressure.
  • Do Quick Release: After turn the venting knob to Venting position right after cook time is up. That’s it!

How Many Cobs of Corn Can I Cook at Once?

How many cobs of corn will fit into your Instant Pot depends on its size. You can add as many corns as you can fit as there will be enough space in between them to allow pressure build up. So you don’t have to worry about PC Max Line.

About 5 full ears of corn will fit into 8 quart Instant Pot easily (pictured). You can snap ears of corn in halves to fit smaller 6 quart Instant Pot and 3 quart Instant Pot models.

Tips for Best Results

Here are my top tips for the best Instant Pot corn on the cob results.

  • Remove husk from corn before cooking if you’d prefer, but it still works when you keep it on. Just add 1 minute to cook time.
  • Snap corn in halves to fit more into the pressure cooker, especially for 3 quart Instant Pot and if making lots of corn for a crowd.
  • Set Instant Pot outside to cook and vent to keep the kitchen cool in summer.
  • Keep corn warm all day in Instant Pot with Keep Warm feature as nobody likes cold corn. Keep a pair of tongs handy and everyone can serve themselves. This is my favorite function for this recipe because it takes no time or effort!

Toppings for Corn

  • Butter and salt: As you rub a slice of butter on a hot ear of corn, just watch it melt. If it is salted butter you don’t even have to sprinkle corn with salt. This is my favorite!
  • Feta and garlic: If you rub a hot ear of corn with freshly grated garlic and then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese, it will melt and turn into delicious garlic cheese sauce. A version of Mexican street corn salad.
  • Butter, chili powder or cayenne pepper and lime
  • Mayonnaise and smoked paprika
  • Goat cheese and fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, chives and parsley
  • Pesto

What to Serve Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with?

Instant Pot corn on the cob goes well with:

Ways to Use Leftover Cooked Corn

Use cooked corn on the cob in Instant Pot to make salads, soups, casseroles, you name it!

Make avocado corn salad aka summer in a bowl or chicken and corn 20 minute skillet dinner. Make healthy white chicken chili or Instant Pot white chicken chili with it. Black bean and corn salsa is a great summer appetizer.

How to Store It

Store: Leftover Instant Pot corn on the cob will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it in foil or plastic wrap or refrigerate in an airtight bag or container.

Freeze: Remove kernels from the cob and freeze in an airtight container. These will last well up to a year! Stock up in the summertime and have frozen corn on hand throughout the year.

No more canned corn! Frozen corn can be used from frozen, most of the time, depending on the recipe.

Reheat: The reheating method is totally up to you. If you’re just reheating one cob, toss it in the microwave. If you have a bunch, you can reheat them in the oven, steamed or boiled on the stovetop, or warm them back up in the Instant Pot.

FAQs

How to buy the best corn on the cob?

There’s nothing difficult about picking the perfect corn. You’ll probably be able to tell very quickly whether or not it’s fresh based on appearance and smell! Look for corn that is wrapped tightly in its green husks. It’s OK if it feels a bit moist. Silk should be soft, perky, and moist. Not sticky, brown, and going bad. Peel the husk a bit and choose corn with white kernels or yellow kernels in tight rows that are plump.

Do I need to add salt to the water?

No! Not only because the water never actually touches the corn but it can also cause the corn to toughen up.

Can I make Instant Pot corn on the cob without a trivet?

Yes. I have made corn on the cob in Instant Pot without a trivet or steamer basket numerous times and corn comes out perfect without a Burn warning.

Can I pressure cook frozen corn on the cob?

Yes, you can make frozen corn on the cob in Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 4 minutes instead of 2 minutes.

More Instant Pot Recipes to Try

Need more Instant Pot inspiration? Browse summer Instant Pot recipes or this collection of 45 healthy Instant Pot recipes is for you.

Cooked corn on the cob inside instant pot.
Instant Pot corn on the cob with a pat of butter on top.

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Once you try Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, you will never boil it on the stove again! Perfectly juicy, sweet corn in 10 minutes.
5 from 18 votes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 52
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1-8 ears of corn

Instructions 

  • To any size Instant pot, add water and place trivet inside. Add as many ears of corn as you can fit. Snap in halves if too long.
  • Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cook on High or Manual for 2 minutes.
  • When Instant Pot says Off or switches to Keep Warm mode, turn sealing valve to Venting position until the pin drops down. Open the lid and your corn on the cob is ready!
  • Serve with butter and salt. And my other favorite part – keep corn warm all day in Instant Pot with Keep Warm feature as nobody likes cold corn.

Notes

  • Store: Leftover corn will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. 
  • Freeze: Remove kernels from the cob and freeze in an airtight container. These will last well up to a year! 
  • Reheat: Reheat one cob, toss it in the microwave. If you have a bunch, reheat them in the oven, steamed or boiled on the stovetop, or warm them back up in the Instant Pot. Kernels can be tossed in from frozen, most of the time, depending on the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ear of corn | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: North American
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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