Make hands-free Instant Pot corn on the cob in minutes! Perfectly juicy, tender-crisp corn goes with every family dinner and summer cookout.
Why we love this pressure cooker method
If you haven't tried Instant Pot corn on the cob, you are missing out! There's no more filling a giant pot of water and waiting for it to boil. You'll also love removing the guesswork of when the corn is done. Ultimately, this means you can say goodbye to overcooked corn on the cob because the Instant Pot cooks it perfectly every time.
This method is so easy, I hardly think of it as a recipe. In fact, it's as simple as setting the corn in the pressure cooker, adding water, and pressing a button. This results in super juicy, tender, perfect corn – and you barely worked for it!
Ingredient notes
- corn on the cob - Use fresh corn with or without husks, or frozen corn. If you pressure cook corn with husks on, wait until they're cool to the touch before attempting to remove the husks. Frozen corn on the cob can also be used as indicated in the recipe below.
- water - You can use chicken broth in place of water to enhance the flavor of corn on the cob in the Instant Pot.
How to make pressure cooker corn
When making Instant Pot corn on the cob, you can either shuck the corn or leave the husks in place. I'm showing both options in this recipe.
Stack corn ears in the pressure cooker and add liquid. You can use a trivet if you like, but it's not required. The corn will be delicious either way.
Secure the lid, close the pressure valve, and pressure cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes (shucked corn) or 4 minutes (corn with husks) or for frozen corn.
Then, let the Instant Pot sit for a 10 minute natural pressure release. Carefully turn pressure release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam. Use tongs to safely transfer corn on the cob from the pressure cooker.
Serve corn on the cob topped with butter or olive oil, and devour! See below for topping ideas.
Keep warm option: Make sure the Instant Pot "keep warm" function is activated to keep corn on the cob warm until you're ready to serve.
Topping ideas
- butter and salt
- Mexican street corn (elote) - mayonnaise, crema, chili powder, cilantro, lime, and Cotija cheese
- olive oil and Parmesan cheese
- goat cheese and fresh herbs (oregano, chives, parsley)
- butter, chili powder and lime
Serving ideas
Fish: Grilled Salmon, Broiled Salmon
Chicken and pork: Air Fryer Chicken, juicy Pork Tenderloin, Pan Fried Pork Chops, Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Beef: corned beef, easy stroganoff
Frequently asked questions
It's up to you! I find no difference in flavor or texture, so it's really a matter of personal preference. If you pressure cook corn with husks on, wait to shuck them until they're cool to the touch to prevent burning your fingers.
Yes! Use the same recipe instructions with frozen corn, but set the Instant Pot for 4 minutes on high pressure instead of 2 minutes.
It takes 15 minutes from start to finish using a 2 minute HIGH pressure cook time with a natural steam release.
A trivet is not required, but it does elevate the corn above the water line in the Instant Pot which helps the whole corn evenly steam instead of boiling any portion of it.
Recommended Instant Pot sides
- Instant Pot Artichokes
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Beets
- Instant Pot Green Beans
Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
INGREDIENTS
- 1-6 ears Corn on the Cob, fresh or frozen
- 1-2 cups Water, or broth
Instructions
Prep
- If cooking with husks on: trim silk and stem, leaving husks in place.If cooking with husks off, remove silk, husk, and trim the stem.No prep is needed for frozen corn on the cob.
Pressure cook
- Place trivet in the cooker and place CORN on the trivet. NOTE: Cook as few as 1 or as many as will fit.
- Pour WATER into the cooker.Note: Use 1 cup liquid for the 6 quart cooker or 2 cups for larger cookers.
- Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Turn the pressure release valve to "sealing" position.
- Pressure cook on HIGH for 2 minutes for shucked corn OR 4 minutes for corn with husks or frozen corn.
- When cook cycle ends, let the pot sit undisturbed for a 10-minute natural pressure release. Carefully turn pressure release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam.
Serve
- Open the lid and transfer corn to a serving platter. Serve warm with desired toppings.
Equipment
- 6 quart Instant Pot or other size
- trivet for Instant Pot optional
- kitchen sheers to trim husks
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Teri says
Your instructions at the top say quick release but in the actual recipe you say 10 min natural release. Which should it be?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hiya Teri, I fixed it. 10 min natural release but honestly quick release works if you like corn more firm 🙂 Thanks so much! Enjoy!
Angela says
I am constantly amazed at how quick and easy the Instant Pot makes meal prep! Thanks for the great recipe.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Angela! Right there with you. Instant Pot corn on the cob is...game changing
Romina says
I had no idea I could make corn on the cob in the instant pot! And this is so simple!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Romina! Yes, so glad you're enjoying it. It's crazy simple! 🙂
Suzy says
Comes out perfect every single time! Love that I don't have to hang out over a pot of boiling water!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Suzy! I'm with you on skipping that boiling water LOL. Instant pot corn on the cob is my go-to for good!
Carrie Robinson says
So smart to make corn on the cob in the instant pot! 🙂
The Kitchen Girl says
Omgosh...I'll never make corn on the cob any other way 🙂 Thanks, Carrie!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Shadi! So glad you're enjoying it 🙂
Kushigalu says
I have never tried corn on the cob in the IP. adding it to my to do list. So delicious
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Kushigalu! Instant Pot corn on the cob is my favorite way to make it 🙂 You'll love how easy it is...enjoy!
cyndy says
Love this recipe - just made it for a lunch BBQ and it made it so easy - thank you! Will be making corn this way from now on!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Cyndy! So glad you're loving it. It's the only way I want to make corn on the cob LOL
Liz says
There's no better summer recipe than corn on the cob!! I had no idea you could make it in an instant pot. thanks for sharing!
The Kitchen Girl says
Haha you're so welcome, Liz! Instant Pot corn on the cob is the only way to make corn on the cob imo
Lisa Huff says
Corn in 15 minutes?! Perfect! Great for summer parties!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yep, it's insane how perfect and quick Instant Pot corn on the cob is. No heating up the kitchen for those summer parties 🙂 Enjoy!!
Amy says
Love that you've used the instant pot for this, I need to try it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Amy! Instant Pot corn on the cob is my favorite way to make it (next to grilled, of course)