Description
This Wingstop-inspired grilled corn recipe features tender corn ears coated in a flavorful blend of butter, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper, grilled to perfection and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime and optional cilantro garnish for a zesty, smoky treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 ears of corn, husked and cut into 2-inch lengths
Seasoning Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Finishing Touches
- Freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat, ensuring it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Corn: Husk the corn and cut each ear into approximately 2-inch lengths for easy handling and cooking.
- Make the Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful mixture.
- Coat the Corn: Using a brush, evenly coat each corn piece with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring all sides are covered for balanced flavor.
- Cook the Corn: Place the coated corn pieces directly in the air fryer basket or on its grill grates. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and light charring.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the corn from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lime juice and sprinkle additional salt if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Cutting corn into smaller pieces helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to serve as a snack.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust it based on your preferred spice level.
- Brush the corn generously with the butter mixture to enhance flavor and promote caramelization.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so check for doneness by looking for tender kernels and light charring.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can grill the corn outside on a barbecue instead of using the air fryer.
- Garnishing with cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that complements the spices and lime juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 2-inch corn segment)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
