Instant Pot Corn on the Cob in 3 Minutes

My Fastest Corn Trick

I love my Instant Pot. It saves so much time. This corn recipe is my new favorite. It takes only three minutes to cook.

You just add water and the corn. Then you press a button. It is so simple. I still laugh at how fast it is. Do you have a kitchen gadget you cannot live without?

A Little Story About Corn

When my grandson was little, he called corn “sunshine on a stick.” I thought that was so sweet. It made me see corn in a new way.

That is why this recipe matters. It helps you get a happy, healthy food on the table fast. No more waiting for a big pot of water to boil. This little trick gives you more time for fun.

How to Make It

First, put one cup of water in the pot. Then place your corn on the little rack inside. You can stack them like a little log cabin.

Close the lid and cook for three minutes. That is all. Use tongs to take the hot corn out. Be careful, it is steamy. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Make It Your Own

Now for the best part. Slather that hot corn with butter. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It is pure joy.

This is where you can have fun. What do you like on your corn? My neighbor uses a little chili powder. I would love to hear your favorite way to dress it up.

Save Some for Later

You can freeze this corn easily. Just cut the kernels off the cob. Put them in a freezer bag. It will taste like summer in the middle of winter.

*Fun fact*: A single ear of corn has about 800 kernels, always in an even number of rows. Isn’t that neat? Freezing food matters because it helps us waste less. That is good for our wallets and our planet.

Your Corn Questions

I love talking about food with friends. It is how we learn. What is your favorite summer vegetable?

Maybe you have a family food story like my grandson’s. Or a question about this recipe. Please share it with me. I always learn something new from you.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh corn	5-6 ears	Husks can be removed before or after cooking
Water	1 cup	For the Instant Pot
Butter, salt, pepper	To taste	For serving after cooking

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob in 3 Minutes

Oh, sweet corn always reminds me of summer evenings. My grandkids can eat five ears each! They used to wait forever for a big pot of water to boil. Not anymore. This little trick is our new favorite. It is so fast and the corn stays sweet and crunchy.

Let’s get your corn ready. You only need a few things for this. Grab your fresh corn and a cup of water. That’s it! I love simple recipes like this. They leave more time for eating and laughing.

• Step 1: First, put the trivet rack inside your Instant Pot. Pour in that one cup of water. My grandson calls the trivet the “little spider stand.” I think that’s a perfect name for it. It keeps your corn up out of the water.
• Step 2: Now, take the husks off your corn. You can leave them on if you like, but I find it easier to shuck them first. Place a few ears on the trivet. Then lay a few more on top, going the other way. It’s like building a little log cabin. (A hard-learned tip: If your corn is too tall, just cut the ears in half. They will fit perfectly!)
• Step 3: Put the lid on and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Now, cook on Manual High Pressure for just 3 minutes. It will beep so quickly! When it does, carefully turn the valve for a quick release. The steam is very hot, so stand back. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
• Step 4: Use tongs to take the hot corn out. Be careful, it will be steaming! I always set them on my big blue platter. Now, slather on some butter. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. What’s your favorite way to top your corn? Share below!

Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5-6 servings
Category: Side Dish

Three Fun Twists on Your Corn

Sometimes, we like to get a little fancy with our corn. It’s fun to try new flavors. These are three of my family’s favorites. They are all so easy to make. I still laugh at how my husband puts hot sauce on everything.

• Cheesy Chili Lime: Roll the hot corn in mayonnaise. Then sprinkle with chili powder and cotija cheese. A squeeze of lime juice makes it perfect.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Mix soft butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Slather it on the warm corn. It tastes like a fancy restaurant.
• Sweet Summer Glaze: Brush the corn with a little honey or maple syrup. Then give it a quick broil in the oven. It becomes sweet and sticky.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sweet Summer Corn

This corn is the star of any meal. I love to serve it with other summer favorites. It makes the whole plate look so cheerful. A simple dinner can feel like a celebration.

For a perfect plate, add some juicy grilled chicken or a hamburger. A fresh tomato salad is lovely on the side. Or just eat two ears of corn all by themselves. That is a perfect meal in my book.

To drink, I love a cold glass of iced tea with lemon. It is so refreshing. For a special treat, a crisp glass of chilled rosé wine is nice. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Summer Sweet All Year Long

You can keep that summer taste for months. Just freeze your corn after it cools. I love having sweet corn in the middle of winter. It feels like a little sunshine on a cold day.

For kernels, cut them off the cob into a freezer bag. Squeeze all the air out first. For whole cobs, wrap each one in tinfoil. This keeps them from getting freezer burn.

I remember my first time freezing corn. I forgot to label the bag. We had a mystery vegetable for weeks. Now I always write the date. Batch cooking saves you time on busy nights. It means a healthy meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Corn Troubles

Sometimes corn can be tough or watery. Do not worry. These problems are easy to fix. If your corn is hard, it did not cook long enough. Just put it back for one more minute.

If it is watery, you might have used too much water. Remember, you only need one cup. I once flooded my pot. The corn tasted more like soup. Getting the water right makes the flavor perfect.

If the corn does not fit, just cut the cobs in half. This simple trick saves a lot of frustration. Fixing small issues makes you a more confident cook. Good food should be easy and fun. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Corn Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, corn is naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can cook it a day early. Reheat it with a little butter.

Q: What can I use instead of butter?
A: A little olive oil is a tasty swap. Sprinkle some herbs on top.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just do not fill the pot past the max line.

Q: Any extra tips?
A: A pinch of salt in the cooking water adds flavor. Fun fact: Corn has more sugar when it is fresh. That is why it tastes so sweet! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is a simple way to enjoy a summer favorite. Cooking should be easy and fill your home with good smells.

I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes me feel like we are cooking together. Please share your photos with me. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.