Easy Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe with butter makes perfect corn every time! The perfect side dish for summer or whenever you are craving delicious sweet corn!

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Chowing down on a sweet, juicy ear of corn that's slathered with butter and seasoned with a touch of salt is pure heaven!
Corn on the cob is seriously one of my favorite summer Instant Pot recipes, and it's so dang easy to make!
There are so many ways to cook corn on the cob, and over the years, I think I've tried them all.
Making corn on the cob in the Instant Pot is the easy way to cook this summer staple. It's definitely the easiest way of cooking corn, other than microwave corn, I've ever used! And, pressure cooking corn doesn't heat up your kitchen or make a mess all over your stove.
My family loves aluminum foil grilled corn on the cob, but when it's 120 degrees out, it's not that practical!If grilling corn isn't an option, I microwave corn or I make corn on the cob in the air fryer or I boil corn in salted water with a stick of butter. It's so good, but it's even easier to make in the Instant Pot!
Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Corn
- Fresh corn -- Husked and cleaned and trimmed, if needed. You can find sweet corn in your grocery stores or in farmer's markets during sweet summer corn season.
- Butter -- for flavor
- Water -- cold water to help the Instant Pot build pressure
You will also need a trivet for this pressure cooker recipe. This will keep the corn out of the water so the corn steams without a steamer basket.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot
All you do is remove the corn husks and silk. Then, place your clean ears of corn on top of the trivet in the bottom of the Pot.
I used my 6-quart Instant Pot, so I added a cup of water, to the inner pot, as well. For an 8 quart or larger, use 1.5 to 2 cups of water or the recommended amount of water for your model.
And because a little butter makes everything better, I added a few pats of butter on the corn.
How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot?
How long you cook the corn in the Instant Pot depends upon how soft you like it.
3 minutes cooking time was too soft for us, but 2 minutes on high pressure was perfect! Make sure you do a quick release!
The corn was still slightly firm, but definitely juicy and soft enough to easily bite and chew.
When the corn was done, I placed the ears on a large platter and poured the butter water all over. This is an optional step, but it adds extra flavor. I do this when I boil the corn, too!
Recipe Variations
If you want to take your corn to the next level, try making Mexican Street Corn! Salty cotija cheese pairs perfectly with tender corn.
You can add garlic butter and Parmesan cheese or add more spice with a sprinkle of chili pepper.
You can add a little butter and a little salt before you chow down. Mmm. So good! Juicy corn is a delicious side to serve with Instant Pot Hamburgers!
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover pressure cooker corn in an airtight container. It keeps for up to 4 days.
You can freeze cooked corn on the cob for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag for best results. I prefer to remove the corn kernels prior to freezing, but you can freeze whole corn cobs.
Helpful Tips
Layer ears of corn in the electric pressure cooker so they cook evenly.
The cook time is the same no matter how many pieces of corn you are cooking.
Make sure the inner seal is tightly in the lid, the vent is on sealing position and always do a quick pressure release or the corn will be overcooked.
More Instant Pot Side Dishes
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Orange Ginger Carrots
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Instant Pot Potatoes
Recipe
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 medium ears of corn husks and silks removed and cleaned
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot, and add the water
- Place the corn on the trivet, and add the butter on top of the corn
- Cover, turn valve to sealing position, and hit PRESSURE COOK for 2 minutes on high pressure
- When pot beeps, and cook time is over, turn valve to venting position for a quick release
- When pin drops, open lid, and remove corn to a large platter. Top with melted butter, if desired, and serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
If you like this easy Instant Pot recipe, be sure to check out more easy Instant Pot recipes.
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Recipe originally published in 2018 and updated in 2023.
Shawn says
Easiest way to cook corn on the cobb! Hot and tender! Family loved them!
George says
Cooking these in the Instant Pot is so much easier than putting them on the grill! Loved it!
Sammy says
Very buttery and delicious! Made these for dinner and I agree that Instant Pot is much easier than the grill.
James says
Made this yesterday and it was awesome. Another kid favorite and much faster to cook.
Dee says
So glad you all liked it, James. Thanks!
Kathie Meller says
Confused ... cook time says 21 minutes .. total time says 26 minutes but the directions say pressure for 2 minutes??
Dee says
I was allowing extra time for the pot to pressurize and release, but I see how that was confusing! I've updated the cook time to 2 minutes, although the total time will vary. 🙂
Chrissie says
I wish I had an Instant Pot for this recipe alone! Waiting for a huge pot of water to boil is annoying when all you want is juicy corn on the cob!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I have an Instant Pot but don't use it as often as I should. Thanks for giving me a new reason to use it.
Jacque Hastert says
Wishing I had an ear right now 😉
Carol says
Awesome! Pinning!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
This is a great idea! Can't wait to give this a try!
Paula - bell'alimento says
I seriously can't wait to try this!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Such a fantastic idea!! LOVE it!!
Dee says
Thanks, Katerina. It's my new favorite way to make corn on the cob! 🙂
Sabrina says
Wow, what a great way to free up your stovetop by using the IP! The is such a great idea!
Dee says
It definitely gives you some extra room in the kitchen!
Jen says
This is going to save me for every holiday or BBQ! Pinning!!