Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
This Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe produces the sweetest, tender and juicy corn in minutes! Instant pot corn kernels are perfectly cooked and burst in your mouth with wonderful flavor.
Corn is at its peak of freshness and we can’t stop thinking about Corn Chowder and how fresh corn takes the Corn Salad and Salmon Cobb Salad to the next level.
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Instant Pot Corn on the Cob:
Instant Pot Corn on the cob is a favorite with our kiddos. Make a batch and you’ll taste and feel the difference of pressure-cooked corn. My only complaint is I’ve never seen corn on the cob disappear so fast!
We love corn on the cob and having a variety of cooking methods like easy boiled corn, or grilled corn on the cob is smart when other appliances are being used. This corn on the cob instant pot method might become your new favorite!
How to Choose Sweet Corn on the Cob:
It’s so tempting to pull back the husk at the grocery store to take a peek at your corn. Taking a look is the most reliable way to check but most grocery stores have that little sign that says “do not shuck corn.” This is because once it gets shucked, it will quickly become shriveled, ugly and starchy. It’s also not sanitary.
Here are some reliable ways to select corn on the cob without getting ugly stares at the grocery store:
- Feel the Corn through the husk. The kernels should feel evenly firm and plump without gaps or holes.
- The “Tassels” or Silk threads at the top should be brown and sticky to the touch. If tassels are black or dry, the corn is old.
- The Husk or leaves should be tightly wrapped around the corn and bright green in color. Dry, brown or loose husk indicates old cobs. Avoid cobs with brown holes, especially towards the top which can indicate worms.
How to Make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob:
If you’ve never tried cooking corn in milk or cream, you are in for a treat! It enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and makes it extra juicy.
- Peel and break your corn ears in half.
- Plug in the instant pot and add water, cream, sugar and melted butter to the inner cooking pot, stirring to combine.
- Place the corn in rings standing up to fit more. The liquid will not cover the ears completely.
- Cover, seal the vent and set on manual high pressure for 5 minutes then quick release the steam completely before opening lid.
- Remove the corn with tongs and rest 5 minutes before serving. The corn will be delicious on its own but you can garnish with additional butter or seasoning if desired.
Tips for Using an Instant Pot:
The instant pot is an amazing time-saving tool when used correctly and safely. If this is your first time using the instant pot, be sure to follow the package instructions and run the recommended water test so you know how to safely use one before attempting a recipe.
- Plug in your instant pot and keep the inner cooking pot inside the pot while adding ingredients.
- Do not overfill the instant pot.
- For safety, wear an oven mitt to switch the valve to the “vent” for steam release and stay clear of the hot steam.
- Do not open the instant pot until the pressure has fully released and the pressure indicator has dropped back into resting position. Remember: if the pressure indicator is raised, there is pressure behind it.
More Genius Recipes for Your Instant Pot:
If you love instant pot cooking, or even if you’re new to cooking in the instant pot, here is a great list of recipes to start with. These are our favorite ways to use the instant pot for quicker and even better results than using the stovetop or a slow cooker.
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (or soft-boiled eggs)
- White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot – super tender, super quick
- Instant Pot Dulce De Leche – fastest, most reliable method
- Chicken Bone Broth – marrow rich in just 2 hours
- Instant Pot Beef Pilaf – super tender beef
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 6 Ears Corn on the Cob, (can use 4 to 6 ears), shucked and halved
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, (or 1 cup half and half*)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
Instructions
- Peel and break your corn ears in half.
- Plug in the instant pot and add water, cream, sugar and melted butter to the inner cooking pot, stirring to combine.
- Place the corn in rings standing up to fit more. The liquid will not cover the ears completely.
- Cover, seal the vent and set on manual high pressure for 5 minutes then quick release the steam completely before opening lid.
- Remove the corn with tongs and rest 5 minutes before serving. The corn will be delicious on its own but you can garnish with additional butter or seasoning if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
We just made this. It was really good corn, but the cream was chunky when it finished. Kinda looked gross but it was yummy. Not sure I would add the cream next time. Kinda seemed like a waste to me.
Hi Melissa, I haven’t had that happen before – did you add anything acidic?
Do you really need to use that much liquid? Especially the cream? It seems like it will all just be thrown out.
Hi Kate, we’ve found this quantity to work really well. One good use for the broth might be to make Corn Chowder and use that liquid as the corn stock.
I love this corn!! Does anyone see a problem with my making a large batch of this corn and keeping on warm, in the liquid, in my slow cooker (while my Instant Pot is used to make Ribs)? I would like to ideally, keep it warm up to 3 hours… I don’t want the corn to get soggy or toughen up though. Thanks!
Hi Casey! We always enjoy it fresh. I recommend finding some tips online, but I probably wouldn’t keep it warm for more than 3 hours.
As much as I’d love to try your way of cooking corn I just can’t stop doing it my way. First time in my life it comes our perfect every single time, and that’s no lie. Corn cooked perfectly in the microwave. True you can only cook 2 at a time but we have NEVER had a bad ear of corn.
I used this recipe and love it. Simple and perfect every time.
Glad you enjoyed it, Todd!
If your making more corn than the recipe can the liquids be reused?
Hi Debra, I haven’t tried re-using it, but it may be great for using in Corn Chowder.
If using fresh frozen corn cobs how much additional cooking time would be required?
Hi Linda, I haven’t tested this with frozen corn to advise on an outcome. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Would using a pressure-cooker pot be the same for this recipe?
Hi Rhonda! That is correct, Instant pots are electric pressure cookers or multicookers.
This is amazing! The taste was so good and it was cooked perfectly. I used 2 cups whole milk and 2 cups water since I didn’t have cream at home. It will be the only way I make corn now, except for on the grill of course!
Sounds like you found a new favorite, Melissa! Thank you for that wonderful review!
What are the “rings” you refer to?
Hi Mary, standing the corn up will allow more to fit than laying them horizontally.
Made this corn last night it turn out great.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Ron!
we don’t use cream or half & half in our home. would 2% or 1% work as well? Could I substitute the 2%/1% for water?
Hi Amber, you could do 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of water and that should work great.
It’s soooo delicious… So as not to waste the creamy corn stock, I used it to make veggie stew… (carrots, bell pepper, and Green beans)
Yum! That sounds delicious!
Hi Natasha,
just want to add, maybe somebody will find it useful.
The way I cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot: pour 1 cup of water in the pot, put a trivet on the bottom of the pot, and put all the corn on the trivet. Set on High Pressure for 5 -10 minutes (depending on how young/old is the corn). This way it is just steamed, so it doesn’t loose any flavor to the water. All the butter and salt comes after that…
I’m sure it turns out great your way as well. I’d just hate to waste all the heavy cream/half-and-half after cooking corn in it for 5 minutes (especially if it doesn’t cover all the corn anyway). Unless maybe you make a soup out of the stock after that.
This looks so good. The size of the instant pot must be 6 quart. I have a 3 quart. Can I cut all the liquids by half?
Hi Janet, I haven’t tested that in a 3 quart to advise. I recommend checking the maximum water requirements for you instant pot.
Oh look delicious. i must try it.
It is sooo good! I hope you love it.
When you did the quick release, did you have any problem with the milky water being ‘steam’ released? I had another recipe that had me do the same step and I had milky steam droplets that were released
Hi Margret, I have not noticed that being an issue. I’m just seeing steam when I release the valve. I wonder if the recipe you used had more liquid/ was overfilled or possibly the butter prevents that from happening?
Thank you, Natasha!
I followed the recipe but the milk wasn’t thinned and I wonder if that might be the issue. I look forward to trying this!
Check out corn on the cob in your microwave on YouTube. No shucking and 4 minutes to cook. Perfect every time.
Sounds easy peasy! Thanks for sharing that tip!
I made these for our BBQ and they were such a hit. So easy to set up the IP outside next to the grill and I never had to miss any of the party.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Jen!
Can I use 2 ears of corn with this recipe?
Hi Lor, yes that will still work with 2 ears of corn.
My kids LOVE corn on the cob. I can’t wait to try this in my pressure cooker!
I hope they love this recipe!!
The easiest way to make corn! Perfect every time!
Isn’t it amazing! Thank you for the great review, Taylor!
LOVE using my instant pot for corn! Turns out great everytime!
It’s so quick, easy, and convenient!
So easy to make in the instant pot and you’re right the best sweetest corn ever!
Thank you for sharing that awesome review with us Billy!
Can I use unsalted butter?
Hi Lena, unsalted butter would work fine. You might add a pinch of salt to the pot to compensate. I hope you love the instant pot corn!