Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. No need to pull out a pot, boil water or wait for it to cook on the stovetop.
With just a little baking paper and a few minutes in the microwave, you'll have perfectly cooked corn ready to serve alongside your favourite meals.
It's a simple cooking shortcut that makes adding an extra vegetable to dinner that little bit easier. And it tastes delicious
Why cook corn in the microwave?
- Quick and easy: Ready in around 4 minutes, depending on the size of your corn.
- No pots or pans: No need to boil a saucepan of water.
- Minimal preparation: Just remove the husk and silks, wrap and microwave.
- Perfect for busy nights: An easy side dish when you need something extra on the dinner table.
What you'll need
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Baking paper
- Microwave
How to cook corn in the microwave
1. Prepare the corn
Remove the outer husk and any remaining stringy silks from your corn. If your husk covers the entire corn you can leave that on and cook it in that instead of baking paper.
2. Wrap in baking paper
Place the corn onto a piece of baking paper and roll it up, twisting both ends like a bon bon to keep it enclosed.
3. Microwave
Place the wrapped corn into the microwave and cook for approximately 3½–4 minutes. Cooking time will depend on the size of your corn and your microwave. If it isn't quite cooked, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Carefully unwrap
Remove from the microwave and carefully peel back the baking paper. Be careful as the steam will be hot! Use a tea towel if needed to protect your hands. And that's it. Your corn is ready to enjoy.
Can you cook corn in the microwave without baking paper?
If your corn comes fully covered in its natural husk, without any gaps or exposed sections, you can microwave it in the husk instead.
However, many supermarket corn cobs have already had some of their husk removed, so wrapping them in baking paper helps keep them covered while cooking.
What to serve with microwave corn
Microwave corn is a great side dish for so many meals. Enjoy it simply with a little butter, salt and pepper, or try:
- Adding it to Mexican burrito bowls like these here
- Charring it on the barbecue or in a grill pan for extra flavour.
- Cutting the kernels off and adding them to salads or wraps like my fajitas here
- Serving alongside grilled chicken, steak or your favourite dinner or even top it to make a Mexican Style street corn like these
Frequently asked questions
How long does corn take to cook in the microwave?
Fresh corn on the cob generally takes around 3½–4 minutes in the microwave. Larger cobs may need a little longer, so check and cook in additional 30-second intervals if needed.
Do you need to add water when microwaving corn?
No, you don't need to add water. The corn cooks using its natural moisture, making this a really simple cooking method.
Can you microwave more than one corn cob at a time?
Yes, but cooking times will vary depending on the number and size of the cobs and your microwave. You may need to increase the cooking time and check that each cob is cooked through.