Air Fryer Caribbean Styled Roast Corn Recipe

Saturday nights were something special. It was about heading to the corner to find the “corn lady.” Her roast corn on the cob was legendary.

The slightly burnt, smoky aroma mixed with the natural sweetness of the corn would draw you in before you even saw her stall.

I can still picture her fanning the flames, turning each cob to perfection, and adding salt and butter. Now that I live in New York, I often crave them.

Though nothing will ever replace the corn lady’s corn. But ’ve found that my air fryer does a good job at bringing those memories back.

While it’s not quite the same as her smoky roadside creation, it fills my heart and stomach with a taste of home.

What is Caribbean Roast Corn?

Caribbean roast corn is a street food staple in many islands, including Trinidad. It’s not boiled or butter-slathered corn. Instead, it’s charred over an open flame or hot coals, giving it a smoky, slightly caramelized flavor.

The corn is roasted until the kernels are tender but still have a bit of bite, and the outer edges are browned or even slightly blackened.

In the Caribbean, it’s served plain, with just a sprinkle of salt, or brushed with butter and sometimes lime.

Why Try Air Fryer Roast Corn?

Air fryer roast corn is mildly smoky and caramelized, while traditional roast corn has a deeply smoky, authentic char.
It is easy, whereas traditional roasting requires supervision and an open flame.

Air fryer corn has juicy kernels with a slight crisp, while regular roasted corn has firmer kernels with smoky edges.

How to Roast Corn on the Stove Burner?

Ingredients

• Fresh ears of corn (husks removed)
• Salt and butter (optional)

Equipment

• Tongs (for safe handling)

Steps

Prep the Corn: Peel the corn and remove all silk threads. Wash and dry thoroughly.

Set the Burner: Turn your stove burner to medium-high. If you have a gas stove, this works best as the flame directly touches the corn.

Roast the Corn: Using tongs, hold the corn over the open flame. Rotate it every 30–60 seconds to ensure even charring. You’ll notice the kernels darkening and smelling deliciously smoky.

Cool and Season: Once evenly roasted, set aside to cool slightly. Sprinkle with salt and butter, or even a squeeze of lime if desired.

How to Make Air Fryer Caribbean Roast Corn

Ingredients

• Fresh corn on the cob (husks removed)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt
• Optional: Lime, garlic butter, or chili powder for extra flavor

Equipment

• Air fryer

Steps

Prep the Corn: Peel the corn and remove any silk. Wash and pat dry.

Season: Brush each ear with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the Corn: Place the corn in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so the heat can circulate properly.

Roast: Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The corn should come out golden with slightly browned edges.

Cool and Serve: Let the corn cool for a few minutes before adding your desired toppings.

What to Put on Roast Corn

Classic Toppings

Butter and Salt: The simplest and most traditional topping.

Lime and Salt: A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt enhance the smoky flavor.

Creative Twists

Garlic Butter: Melt butter with minced garlic for a savory twist.

Chili Lime: Sprinkle with chili powder and drizzle with lime juice for a spicy kick.

Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan over the hot corn for a cheesy treat.

Coconut Butter: For a true island vibe, brush the corn with coconut oil or butter.

Roasting corn at home brings a piece of Caribbean culture right into your kitchen. Using an air fryer or stovetop burner allows you to experiment with flavors and recreate those nostalgic moments.

More Caribbean Recipes With Corn

• Traditional Trinidad Corn Soup
• Trinidad Boiled Corn