Cajun fried corn on the cob is a flavorful and delicious twist on traditional corn on the cob. Combine the sweet crunch of fried corn, with the spicy flavors of a buttery Cajun seasoning mixture. It is the perfect side dish for your next barbecue, or for any meal!

For more veggie side dish recipes, try our Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts and these delicious Grilled Zucchini and Squash next!

plated cajun fried corn on the cob with a side of ranch dressing

What is better than fresh sweet corn? Corn fried in cajun butter! Take corn on the cob to new heights with fried corn on the cob.

It is crispy, savory, spicy sweet corn that is bursting with a buttery flavor. One bite of this and you will swear you are at a summer carnival or a state fair. I love to serve it as a snack or appetizer with a side of ranch dressing. You will devour every buttery kernel.

Why you will love Fried Corn on the Cob:

Better Than Wingstop! Made with fresh corn, with fewer calories. You also save some money with this affordable treat.

Super Easy to Make! The best way to fry corn on the cob does not involve soaking, breading, or deep frying… you get amazing flavor without the complicated steps!

Great for Outdoor Events! Make a platter and serve this crisp, juicy corn at your next cookout or picnic.

cajun fried corn on the cob with a side of ranch dressing

Ingredients for Fried Corn on the Cob Recipe

To make cajun fried corn, you will need the following ingredients:

Corn: Shucked and cleaned. You can use field corn or sweet corn, depending on your preference.
Butter: Use unsalted because there is enough in the seasoning.
Olive oil: Yes, you can fry with olive oil. It gives the corn more flavor and is healthier than vegetable oil.
Seasoning: Season with cajun seasoning. Garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) enhance the overall flavor so add them too.
Parmesan cheese: This is an optional ingredient but sprinkling it over freshly fried corn on the cob is the perfect finishing touch.

overhead view of cajun fried corn ingredients

How to make Fried Corn on the Cob

Cut each ear of corn into 4 pieces, about 2 inches wide.

Now add your butter and olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Let the oil and butter begin to melt, and slowly sprinkle in your seasonings including the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using it).

Gently mix all of the seasonings into the butter until they are fully combined.

Add the small ears of corn directly into the Cajun butter seasoning. Make sure the kernels are directly touching the skillet.

Fry the corn in the Cajun seasoning for about 3-5 minutes, then begin to flip each ear over and fry for an additional 3-5 minutes per side.

Once each piece of corn turns golden brown, remove it from the skillet and serve immediately.

Optional: sprinkle with grated parmesan for a nice cheesy addition!

a hand holding a fried corn on the cob above a plate of more

Tips

Shuck corn with a sharp knife. Cut off the stalk then place ears of corn in the microwave for about 30 seconds. After that, the corn should easily separate from the husk and silk.
As the fried corn is done, place them on paper towels or a cooling rack in order to remove excess grease.
When frying the corn, completely coat it in the butter so the seasoning will stick to each piece.

Variations for Fried Corn on the Cob

Deep Fried Corn on the Cob. For southern fried corn, soak corn in buttermilk batter, then coat it in a seasoned flour/cornmeal mixture before deep frying it in a large pot or deep fryer.

Air Fried Corn on the Cob. Dredge sliced corn on the cob in a mixture of melted butter and olive oil. Then blend your preferred seasonings in a large bowl and coat the corn in it. After that, place the corn in a preheated air fryer set to 375 degrees for about 12-15 minutes.

Extra Crispy. For even more crunch, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder or cornstarch.

Leftover

Store leftover fried corn on the cob in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. In order to restore the crispiness, reheat in the oven or air fryer.

FAQ

Can you deep fry frozen corn?

You can fry frozen corn but it should be thawed and dried first. Otherwise, the corn will hold moisture and not be as crispy.

What can I add to corn to make it better?

Corn is a versatile veggie that tastes good with a variety of seasonings. Standard seasonings include salt and black pepper. For spicy corn, add cayenne pepper. To play up the sweet taste of corn, add a little sugar. Some recipes fry the corn in bacon drippings for even more irresistible flavor.

How do you fry corn on the cob?

There are a few ways to fry corn on the cob. You can season it in a shallow pan with flavored butter and oil mixture, like in this recipe.

Alternatively, you can deep fry corn that has been soaked in buttermilk and dredged in flour. You can also air fry it. Whichever method you use, it is bound to be delicious!

More delicious side dishes you’ll love

Lobster Mac and Cheese
Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes