Microwave Corn On The Cob

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Microwaving corn on the cob is one of the easiest ways to enjoy sweet, juicy corn with minimal effort—no boiling water or grilling required! Here’s how to do it in just a few minutes.

Hands holding up a plate with four cooked corn on the cob, melted butter and salt and pepper on top.

Why Parents and Kids Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – No boiling water or grilling, just pop it in the microwave!
  • Minimal Cleanup – No extra pots or pans, and the husk helps contain mess.
  • Kid-Friendly – Fun to eat, especially with "handles" or as bite-sized pieces for little ones.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients for Microwave corn cobs on bench top with text overlay.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutes

  • All you need to make microwave sweet corn are full Ears of Corn – i.e a corn cub with the husk on as you would see it growing o the stalk.

How To Microwave Corn On The Cob

Below are illustrated step-by-step instructions to make microwave corn on the cob, if you prefer just the written instructions then head straight to the printable recipe card below.

Step one: Peel away the outer layers of the husk, but leave a thin layer intact to help steam the corn while it cooks.

Ear of corn with most of the layers of husk removed on a bench top.

Step two: Place the corn directly in the microwave or on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple cobs, arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Two corn cobs with husk on placed in microwave.

Step three: Microwave your corn on high power using the following cooking time guide.

  • 1 Cob: 3 minutes2
  • Cobs: 5 ½ minutes
  • 3 Cobs: 8 minutes
  • 4 Cobs: 10 minutes

Enjoy plain or slather with butter, salt, and pepper, Yum!

Four cooked corn on the cob on a plate with melted butter and salt and pepper on top.

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Top Tips

Here is how you can make microwave corn cobs perfectly every time!

  • Be careful when you remove the corn from the microwave and peel back the last layer of husk it can be very hot and steam! Protect your hands with an oven mitt or clean tea towel.
  • Instead of completely removing the husk after cooking, gently pull it back and tie it into a knot at the base of the cob. This not only looks great for serving but also creates a natural handle—perfect for little hands (or grown-ups who prefer less mess)!
  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow cooked corn to cool, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • My kids love leftover corn cobs in their school lunch boxes.
  • Reheat Leftovers: Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Hands holding a corn on the cob with husk pulled down attached to the corn tied in a knot.

How to Make This Recipe Suitable For Baby Led Weaning

For baby-led weaning, corn on the cob can be a fun and sensory-rich way for your baby to explore new textures and flavors.

For younger babies (around 6-9 months), offer a whole cob with part of the kernels scraped off—this makes it easier for them to gnaw on without overwhelming their tiny mouths. The cob itself acts as a natural teether, helping to soothe sore gums while they practice chewing. As your baby develops their pincer grasp (9-12 months), you can slice the kernels off and serve them as soft, bite-sized pieces. If needed, mash or lightly flatten them with a fork to reduce the risk of choking.

Older babies and toddlers often love eating corn with "handles"—either the natural ends of the cob or kid-friendly corn holders that make gripping easier and less messy. Always serve plain or with a little butter, avoiding added salt, and as with all foods, supervise closely while they eat!

A marble coloured silicone baby plate with half a corn cob (corn handles inserted each end and 3 small fish cakes.
Hand holding a cooked corn on the cob with melted butter, salt and pepper on top above a white baking dish with cooked chicken drumsticks inside, bowl of cooked broccoli florets and plate with three corn on the cob.
Four cooked corn on the cob on a plate with melted butter and salt and pepper on top, tray of crispy potato wedges with sweet chilli sauce, chicken drumsticks in baking tray.

Microwave Corn On The Cob

Microwaving corn on the cob is one of the easiest ways to enjoy sweet, juicy corn with minimal effort.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: New Zealalnd
Keyword: Microwave Corn Cobs, Microwave Sweetcorn
Servings: 1
Calories: 77kcal
Author: Stacey

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Ingredients

  • 1-4 Corn cobs Ears of corn with the husk on
  • Butter optional
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the corn

  • Peel away the outer layers of the husk, but leave a thin layer intact to help steam the corn while it cooks.
  • Place the corn directly in the microwave or on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple cobs, arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Microwave

  • Microwave your corn on high power using the following time guide.
    1 Cob: 3 minutes
    2 Cobs: 5 ½ minutes
    3 Cobs: 8 minutes
    4 Cobs: 10 minutes
    (If your microwave has lower wattage, you may need to add an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute.)
  • Season & Serve
  • Let the corn cool for a minute or two—it's hot!
    Grab the silk end and carefully pull off the husk; it should slide right off.
    Enjoy plain or slather with butter, salt, and pepper, Yum!

Video

Notes

Be careful when you remove the corn from the microwave and peel back the last layer of husk it can be very hot and steam! Protect your hands with an oven mitt or clean tea towel.
Instead of completely removing the husk after cooking, gently pull it back and tie it into a knot at the base of the cob. This not only looks great for serving but also creates a natural handle—perfect for little hands (or grown-ups who prefer less mess)!
Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow cooked corn to cool, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat Leftovers: Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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Quick Start Guide To BLW

Baby led weaning doesn’t need to be complicated, grab my quick start guide to begin your little ones food journey.

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