Make perfectly tender Instant Pot Corn on the Cob in minutes! No need to turn on the stove; just corn, water, and your pressure cooker.

I love summer sweet corn. And I especially love to toss it on the grill when I’ve already got it fired up for BBQ drumsticks or smoked ribs. But if I’m not using the grill, my favorite way to make corn on the cob is in the Instant Pot.

Is it better than boiling? I think so! It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but as a Florida girl, I hate turning on the stove or oven if I don’t have to. Plus, with my electric pressure cooker, I can set the timer and walk away instead of standing around waiting for a (literal) pot of water to boil.

I love eating corn on the cob slathered with butter and a sprinkle of salt, but cooking it in the Instant Pot is also a great way to prep fresh corn for Barbacoa Bowls, Mexican Street Corn Salad, or homemade corn salsa.

ingredients

This might be one of the easiest Instant Pot recipes you’ll ever make. All you need is one cup of water and fresh corn on the cob. The water creates steam inside the pressure cooker, giving you perfectly tender corn every time.

After that, it’s all about the toppings. Keep it simple with butter and salt, or dress it up however you like. But for the recipe itself? Just corn and water. That’s it.

topping Ideas for Corn on the Cob

Perfectly cooked sweet corn doesn’t need much, but it’s also a blank canvas for all kinds of flavors. Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up corn on the cob:

Classic Butter and Salt: sometimes simple is best. Slather warm corn with soft butter and finish with flaky sea salt.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Style: spread with mayonnaise, then sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a squeeze of lime.
Garlic Herb Butter: mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and chives for an easy upgrade.
Parmesan and Black Pepper: brush with melted butter and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Cajun Corn: toss with melted butter and your favorite Cajun seasoning blend for a little Southern-inspired heat.
Lime and Chili: a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder adds bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts.

Recipe Tips for Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

The full instructions are in the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips for making corn on the cob in the Instant Pot:

Use the trivet: Most electric pressure cookers come with a trivet, and you’ll want to use it here. The trivet keeps the corn elevated above the water so it steams instead of boils, resulting in tender, evenly cooked corn.
Stack if you need to: Depending on your model, you can stack 6-10 ears of corn in your Instant Pot. A 6-quart model typically holds about 6 ears, while an 8-quart model can fit 8-10 ears.
No need to adjust the cook time: Whether you’re making 2 ears of corn or filling the pot to feed a crowd, the cook time stays the same. Just be sure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line.
Season after cooking: Skip adding butter, salt, or seasonings before pressure cooking. The corn will steam perfectly on its own, and you’ll get the best flavor by adding your favorite toppings after it’s cooked.