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Learn How to Microwave Corn on the Cob an easy way. The step-by-step instruction will have you eating corn on the cob in less than 5 minutes.

Corn on the Cob on a white plate with butter on top.
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Microwave Corn on the Cob is a quick and easy side dish that everyone will love. It is the most efficient way to enjoy corn on the cob when you don’t have a lot of time.

I was surprised to learn that you leave the corn husk on the corn to microwave. Leaving the husk on the corn allows the corn to steam in its on juices and absorbs all the flavor of the husks.

If you are looking for a mess free way to cook corn on the cob, then I recommend the microwave method. You may like these other ways to cook a family favorite side dish Boiling Corn on the Cob, Fried Corn on the Cob Recipe, and Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.

Why You’ll Love Microwave Corn on the Cob

Microwaving corn is the fastest way to transform fresh ears into sweet, tender kernels, no pot of boiling water and no grill required.

Follow the method below and you’ll be eating buttery corn in about 5 minutes start to finish with amazing taste. Top your corn with butter, salt and black pepper and anything else you love. Corn on the cob is always a family favorite and the perfect summer side dish.

We love to cut the kernels off the corn to mix it with salsa and avocado or to top our salads to serve all the delicious meals.

Ingredients

  • Corn on the Cob – Leave husks on corn

How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

  • Step 1 – Prepare the Corn – Trim the edges off of the husk and the silks of the corn on the cob with a knife. Do not remove the husks from the corn. 
  • Step 2 – Place the corn directly in the microwave or on a microwave-safe plate.  Do not remove the husk.  Microwave on the high setting for 4 minutes.
  • Step 3 – Continue Cooking – If the un-shucked corn is not done, continue to cook it in 30 second increments until the corn is cooked to your preference.  
3 Corn on the Cob
  • Step 4 – Remove The Corn – When the corn has cooled some and is safe to handle, shuck the corn and silks from the corn.  
  • Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Then it’s ready to enjoy.  This recipe is to make 1 corn on the cob.  Add 2 minutes to the cooking time for each additional ear.  

How to Prep Corn on the Cob

  • Choose Fresh Corn – When picking the right corn on the cob look for bright-green husks.
  • Trim the Husks – Snip off corn silk tassels and excess stalk on top of the ear, but leave the husk on.

How long to Microwave Corn on the Cob

Cooking sweet corn with power of the microwave doesn’t take long at all. Once you have cut off the end of the corn, then place in the microwave.

  • 1 Ear – Cook for 3-4 minutes. Make sure to rotate halfway for even cooking.
  • 2 Ears – Cook for 5-6 minutes. Arrange the corn on the cob side by side.
  • 3-4 Ears – Cook for 7-8 minutes. Stack on a plate.

If the corn is still hard or you would like it a little softer corn, cook for an additional minute.

How to Get Corn off the Cob

We love eating corn right off the cob, but sometimes you need it off the cob to make a corn salsa. The easiest way to get the delicious corn off the cob is to use a bundt pan or on a cutting board with a sharp knife.

Learn How to Cut Corn Off the Cob with these tips and tricks.

Three cooked ears of corn with visible seasoning sit on a white plate, with corn husks and a red gingham cloth in the background—perfect for learning how to microwave corn on the cob quickly and easily.

Corn on the Cob Topping Ideas

  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Use Different Cheeses
  • Add Taco Seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Chili Powder

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose the Right Corn

The best corn to get is from a farmer, a farm stand or at a farmers market. Once a corn is picked, it looses its sweetness the moment it has been picked. Serve as quickly as possible after it has been harvested.
A good corn on the cob should be heavy and have very little give. When picking corn at the grocery store, make sure the ears are bright green and not wilted. We recommend squeezing the corn around the tips to ensure it is full and juicy.

Is it Safe to Microwave with the Husk?

Absolutely—the husk retains moisture and prevents kernels from drying out.

What if My Corn is Already Husked?

Wrap shucking corn in a damp paper towel, tuck ends under, and microwave using the same timing chart.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Fridge – Refrigerate any leftover corn in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating –  To reheat corn, place in the microwave and heat for about 45 seconds.
  • Freezer – You can freeze on the cob or remove the kernels and freeze. These tips will show you different ways on How to Freeze Corn on the Cob. Freezing corn saves you time and money.
Three ears of corn on the cob with pats of butter and black pepper on a white plate; corn husks and a red checkered cloth are in the background, perfect for learning how to microwave corn on the cob quickly and easily.

More Easy Microwave Side Dishes

We love to hear from you! If you make Microwave Corn on the Cob Recipe please leave us a comment or a star review.

Three ears of cooked corn on the cob, lightly seasoned with black pepper, are arranged on a white plate. The juicy, bright yellow kernels hint at the ease of following a How to Microwave Corn on the Cob method.

Microwave Corn on the Cob

5 from 3 votes
Learn How to Microwave Corn on the Cob an easy way. The step-by-step instruction will have you eating corn on the cob in less than 5 minutes.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 77

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Trim the edges off of the husk and the silks of the corn on the cob. Do not remove the husks from the corn.
  • Place the corn directly in the microwave.  Do not remove the husk.  Microwave on the high setting for 4 minutes. If the corn is not done, continue to cook it in 30 second increments until the corn is cooked to your preference.
  • When the corn has cooled some and is safe to handle, remove the husk and silks from the corn.
  • Then it’s ready to enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This recipe is to make 1 corn on the cob.  Add 2 minutes to the cooking time for each additional ear.  
Refrigerate any leftover corn in an air tight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

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

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About the Author

Hi, Iโ€™m Carrie Barnard โ€” a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families โ€” without the stress.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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