One of the best things about summer in the Midwest is fresh corn on the cob picked straight from the field. The delicious sweet corn with perfect kernels is found on roadside farm stands, in the back of a pickup truck, in farmers markets, and on pallets in grocery stores. Learn how to cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot or any brand of electric pressure cooker. Make perfect corn with one of my favorite recipes.
Using a pressure cooker is one of the easy ways to cook sweet summer corn. It is a hands-off approach using steam to cook ears of corn. It is also an easy way to make sweet corn while on the go. We love to use our Instant Pot while camping. All you need is an electric outlet, a cup of water, a pressure cooker, and delicious sweet corn!
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Ingredients
Sweet Corn - Find the freshest sweet corn you can find. Once the corn is picked off the corn stalk, it starts turning the sugars into starch and losing its sweetness.
Water - This is what brings the pressure cooker up to temperature to allow it to seal and steam the corn.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions. Selected ingredients are based on current serving sizes measured by the Monash App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Husk the sweet corn. Rinse off as much corn silk as you can with room temperature water.
Take out your electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot. This method was tested on a 6-quart Instant Pot. To the inner pot, add one cup of water. Place the trivet that came with your pressure cooker inside the inner pot. Or if you want to use a steamer basket, that will work too.
Place two cobs of sweet corn on the bottom of the trivet. If the cobs of corn are too large to fit, you may have to snap them in half. Use those muscles! Going in a crosswise direction, place two more cobs of corn.
Add the sealing ring to the cover and place the cover on the Instant Pot. Set it to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for two minutes. Once the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick release of the pressure and remove the cover.
With tongs, remove the corn and place it on a platter. Serve it immediately with lots of butter, salt and ground black pepper.
Instant Pot Pro Tips
Quick Release - When you see this in recipes with an electric pressure cooker, it means that once the cooking time is up, you will be the one to release the pressure by switching the sealing valve to venting.
Natural Release - You do nothing when you see this instruction in an electric pressure cooker recipe. Wait for the pin to drop on its own before opening the cover. This is very common instruction with recipes involving meat. It allows the juices to rest and go back into the meat.
Additional Cooking Methods
Having multiple ways to cook sweet corn gives you the ultimate flexibility. In addition to learning how to cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot, here are three additional methods:
- Boiling - In a large pot, boil corn in water for eight minutes. This is one of the most traditional cooking methods.
- Grilling - I love to use this tool to place the corn directly on the grill grates. The yellow kernels get a bit charred and smokey tasting.
- Microwaving - Cover the husked cob of corn in a little butter and microwave for a few minutes until the corn is tender. This is the method used by one of my favorite old men who swears this is the only way to cook sweet corn.
Topping Options
- Classic - Lots of Butter, Salt, and Ground Black Pepper
- Spicy - Butter and Chili Powder
- Elote - Mayo and Cotija or Parmesan Cheese
Storage
If you have any leftovers, you can wrap the corn cobs in plastic wrap and then place them in a plastic bag. Another option is to use a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels off the cob, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Meal Planning
Sweet corn is the perfect side dish for all your favorite summer meals. Serve it alongside stuffed zucchini boats, stuffed peppers, BBQ bacon chicken, or smash burgers. Other favorite Instant Pot recipes include Instant Pot potato salad, mashed potatoes, and chickpea pasta mac and cheese—all great side dishes for family dinner time.
FAQs
Use a larger electric pressure cooker, such as an 8-quart pressure cooker. Otherwise, if you use a 3-quart or 6-quart pressure cooker, you may need to cut your cobs in half to get them in your pot.
No. You do not need to add more water beyond the one cup, even if you add more cobs of corn to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
Recipe
How To Cook Corn On The Cob In The Instant Pot
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 Cobs Fresh Sweet Corn
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Husk the sweet corn. Rinse off as much corn silk as you can with room temperature water.
- Take out your electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot. This method was tested on a 6-quart Instant Pot. To the inner pot, add one cup of water. Place the trivet that came with your pressure cooker inside the inner pot. Or if you want to use a steamer basket, that will work too.
- Place two cobs of sweet corn on the bottom of the trivet. If the cobs of corn are too large to fit, you may have to snap them in half. Use those muscles! Going in the crosswise direction, place two more cobs of corn. Cooking four cobs of corn at a time.
- Add the sealing ring to the cover and place the cover on the Instant Pot. Set it to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for two minutes. Once the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick release of the pressure by moving the pressure value to the venting position. Remove the cover and set aside.
- With tongs, remove the corn and place it on a platter. Serve it immediately with lots of butter, salt, and ground pepper.
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