How to Microwave Corn on the Cob (Easy Recipe)

Learn how to microwave corn on the cob without husk with just a few minutes of cooking time. This easy recipe is the best way to cook corn in the microwave and the easiest way to enjoy fresh corn during the summer months!

There are lots of ways to cook fresh summer corn, but microwaved corn on the cob is definitely the easiest and quickest method of cooking corn.

No standing over a hot grill or heating up a large pot of water. Just pop the corn into the microwave oven, and enjoy this easy side dish.

As an Arizona native, I’m all about quick cooking methods in the summer, and the microwave method is the fastest!

Check out more of my microwave recipes, including microwave ramen, microwave baked beans and microwave baked potatoes!

Ingredients

Sweet corn on the cob — Either yellow or white corn. You can buy pre-shucked corn in your grocery store or farmer’s market. Or, buy corn in the husk, and shuck it at home.

You will also need paper towels to wrap the corn. You can use a microwave-safe plate or place the ear of corn directly on the microwave. A pair of kitchen tongs and oven mitt are also recommended for handling the hot corn.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

First, remove the corn husks. If you bought corn without husks, just remove the packaging and clean any stray corn silk.

While it’s not necessary to rinse corn before cooking, I do this anyway. Don’t dry the corn — water droplets will help prevent it from drying out.

Next, place the corn in a single layer on a microwaveable plate. Leave some space between the corn cobs.

Next, cover the corn with wet paper towel or towels. Make sure they are tucked tightly around the pieces of corn.

Alternately, you can wrap the corn in a damp paper towel or towels if you like.

How Long to Microwave Corn on the Cob without Husks

• 1-2 pieces of corn — 2-3 minutes on high
• 3-4 pieces of corn — 4-5 minutes on high

Total cook time depends upon the microwave wattage, how many pieces you are cooking and the size of the corn.

Corn is fully cooked when you can easily pierce the juicy corn kernels with a sharp knife or fork.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate leftover corn on the cob in an airtight container. It should keep for 4 days. The best way to reheat cooked corn is to cut it if off the cob and reheat in the microwave.

You can also use corn off the cob in corn salad or in any recipe that calls for cooked corn.

Expert Tips

Don’t over cook the corn. Corn will continue to cook after you remove it from the microwave. So cook in additional 30-second increments if you want softer corn.

If you need to cook more than 4 pieces of corn, cook in batches and keep the first batch covered while the second once cooks.

You can microwave corn in husks if you have room. Just cut off the ends after cooking, and the corn should slide right out — silk free!

More Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob

• Grilled corn on the cob in foil — Seals in flavor for the most delicious corn.
• Instant Pot corn on the cob — My favorite way to cook a bunch of corn at once.
• Instant Pot Mexican street corn
• Boil corn on the cob in butter — easy to make on the stove
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob — Roasted corn in minutes

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