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Did you know you can microwave corn on the cob? It’s the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, crispy corn on the cob.

Microwave corn on the cob is a really quick and easy alternative to boiling it on the stove or grilling it. You can always serve your corn as a side dish with Hot Dogs, Steak, or even a Pot Roast.

Microwave corn on the cob stacked on  a plate, seasoned with butter and pepper.

In the Microwave!

How great is the microwave? You can cook almost anything in there in just minutes. Have you ever cooked corn on the cob in your microwave? It’s great for easily removing the husk and cooking it at the same time.

Cook this corn on the cob in the microwave for a classic dinner side dish or slice off the kernels for Summer Corn Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salsa, and more!

Shucking the Corn

Did you know you can use the microwave to easily remove the husk? Just cut the stalk/stem end off about 2 inches from the bottom. Cook on HIGH for a few minutes.

Once done, hold the corn at the top (where the corn silk stick out) and shake. The steam created within the husk will allow the corn to slide right out the bottom. 

  • To cook the corn at the same time, cook on HIGH heat for 4-5 minutes. Or, If you just want to remove the husk only and not cook the corn, heat the corn for about 2 minutes. If you have more than one ear add 1-2 more minutes for each additional ear of corn. 
Four corn cobs on a white plate.

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

Cooking corn in the microwave is quick and easy, just use these steps to know how long to microwave corn on the cob!

PREP. Shuck your corn. Once that’s done, wet 4 paper towels, wring out, and wrap around each ear of corn. Place on a microwave-safe dinner plate.

MICROWAVE. Cook in the microwave for 3-6 minutes based on the amount of corn you are heating up.

  • 1-2 ears of corn: cook for 3-4 minutes
  • 4 ears of corn: cook for 5-6 minutes 

The corn will be hot as you pull it out of the microwave, so use tongs or an oven mitt when removing the cooked corn.

Note. The wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn may affect the cooking time. Whether you are heating shucked corn or unshucked, test one ear out in your microwave to be sure you get the right timing and adjust accordingly. 

Wrapping cobs of corn in wet paper towels.

How to Season

Make it spicy or keep it simple, either way, this corn is delicious!

Classic seasoning. Butter, salt, and black pepper are pretty common and delicious seasonings.

Variations. To change things up you can:

  • sprinkle with garlic salt
  • add paprika
  • top with parmesan cheese
  • use chili powder with a spritz of lime and fresh cilantro
  • chili flakes or hot sauce
Wrapped cobs of corn on a white plate in the microwave.

Storing + Serving Corn

STORE. Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

FREEZE. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container.

Pair your corn on the cob with:

Close up of microwave corn on the cob seasoned with butter and pepper.

Recipe FAQ

What is the trick to microwaving corn on the cob?

The cobs need to retain moisture when being heated in the microwave. You can do this by wrapping the cobs in damp paper towels or keeping them in their husks. Both methods can be found in this post.

Can I overcook corn on the cob in the microwave?

If you follow the directions there is very little risk of overcooking unless you accidentally add an extra zero to the microwave cook time.

How can I add flavor to corn on the cob?

I like classic butter with salt and pepper, but there are so many other delicious seasonings you can sprinkle on the corn cobs such as paprika, chili powder, Cajun blend, Mexican blend, and parmesan cheese.

For More Veggie Sides, Try:

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5 from 41 votes

Microwave Corn

By: Lil’ Luna
Did you know you can microwave corn on the cob? It's the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, crispy corn on the cob.
Servings: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 corn cobs

Instructions 

  • Shuck your corn. Once that's done, wet 4 paper towels, wring out, and wrap around each ear of corn. Place on a microwave-safe dinner plate.
  • Cook in the microwave for 3-6 minutes based on the amount of corn you are heating up.
    1-2 ears of corn: cook for 3-4 minutes
    4 ears of corn: cook for 5-6 minutesย 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 14mg, Potassium: 243mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 168IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

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5 from 41 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Bllue says:

    I love cooking corn in the microwave but I prefer to leave the husks on while cooking.

    When the cook time is over, take the cobs out using an oven mitt or tongs. Hold the HOT cob with an oven mitt and use a sharp serrated knife to cut off a little of the large end of the cob. This frees the husk. Squeeze the cob out. This removes all of the silk so you don’t have to spend time picking it off.

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      What an awesome trick! Thanks so much for sharing your tips for microwaving corn on the cob with the husks on. I’ll have to give that a try!

  2. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    Quick & easy!! The corn turns out perfectly! Making it this way from now on!