Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with Fresh or Frozen Corn

As a midwestern girl, nothing says summer quite like corn on the cob! The store-bought stuff just pales in comparison to ears plucked straight from the field!

Naturally, I've eaten my weight in corn on the cob over the years, which also means I've tried just about every cooking method imaginable! Boiled, microwaved, grilled, the list goes on. Cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot is the end-all-be-all method for cooking those tender ears of corn!

Corn on the cob makes the perfect side dish all on it's own, but if you love corn, check out some more of my corn recipes! Like roasted corn salsa recipe, just like Chipotle! This gluten-free cornbread recipe is just like Jiffy. Gluten-free corn casserole is a hearty and warm side dish!

Why You'll Love This Method

The wonder of the Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) will never cease to amaze me. Between mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot, crispy gluten-free chicken wings, and now Instant Pot sweet corn, the list is growing of things I will never make any other way.

Sure, putting corn in a pot of boiling water doesn't seem much different, but trust me, it is.

• This method is so very easy. Likely the easiest method for cooking corn on the cob.
• With the instant pot you can set it and forget it. When you're ready, open the pot to perfectly cooked corn every time! No watching for water to boil or stirring around the cobs to make sure all sides cook evenly.
• Make it Ahead. Let the Instant Pot keep your corn warm until you're ready to serve.
• Needs only 1 cup of water, compared to much more when boiling.
• No mess! Everything is contained, there’s no worry of a pot boiling over or water dripping everywhere when it’s finished.

How to Pick the Perfect Ear of Corn

When looking for the perfect ear of corn, fresh is best. If you can get your hands on corn soon after it was harvested, that will be the best of the best. Here's what to look for to get the perfect corn on the cob!

• Inspect the husks. The husks and silks look fresh and moist. The husks should also appear vibrant bright green. Avoid ears with husks that look dull, brown, or dried out, those have likely been sitting around for too long.
• Peel back the top of the husks and look at the corn inside. The kernels should look bright yellow (or yellow and white, depending on the variety) and plump, not shriveled, dry, or brown.
• While you have the corn partially shucked, look for bugs. Sometimes there are little black bugs or worms inside the husks. This can be normal, especially if the farm doesn't use a lot of pesticides. You can avoid those ears or plan to cut off any sections that have been eaten by bugs.

Fresh Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot

1. Put corn cobs in the instant pot, with or without a trivet, however they will fit. Cut cobs in half if they are too big.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water.
3. Set the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) to Manual - High Pressure for 2 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release.

Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot

1. Put corn cobs in the instant pot, with or without a trivet, however they will fit. Cut cobs in half if they are too big.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water.
3. Set the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) to Manual - High Pressure for 3 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release.

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob in the Husk

You can even cook unshucked corn in the instant pot. The method is similar to shucked corn, just add a minute of cook time.

1. Put corn cobs in the instant pot, with or without a trivet, however they will fit.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water.
3. Set the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) to Manual - High Pressure for 3 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release.
5. Remove the corn from the pot and carefully remove the husks and silk before serving.

How to Keep the Corn Warm Until Serving

You can cook the corn up to an hour before you're ready to serve. When it's finished, keep the lid on. The instant pot will automatically go into a 'keep warm' cycle.

When you're ready to serve, release pressure if needed then open the lid to corn that is hot, steamy, and waiting for butter!

How to Store Leftover Corn on the Cob

Leftover corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Reheat as desired, in the microwave or back in the instant pot.

You can remove the corn kernels from the cob and freeze for later use. Place corn kernels in a freezer bag and freeze flat, as close to a single layer as possible.

Frozen corn can be reheated and served plain or added to soups and casseroles as desired.