Introduction

Cajun Corn on the Cob is a flavorful twist on a classic summer side dish. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, this corn is coated with a spicy oil mixture and topped with a creamy, tangy mayo sauce and crumbled cheese. It’s perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or whenever you want a bit of bold flavor.

Cajun Corn On The Cob Recipe (Grilled, Baked, or Air Fryer) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 ears of corn (husked)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
⅓ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
1 ½ teaspoons Cajun spice
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
½ cup feta or cotija cheese (crumbled)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chipotle or chili powder (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, half of the Cajun spice, half of the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Place each ear of corn on a piece of foil. Brush generously with the oil-spice mixture, then wrap each ear tightly in foil. Save any leftover mixture for later.
Step 3: Bake the wrapped corn at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes. For softer kernels, remove from the oven, brush with the remaining oil mixture, and bake another 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: While the corn bakes, prepare the mayo sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, leftover Cajun spice and paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: When the corn is done, let it cool slightly, then unwrap and brush with the leftover oil mixture (if desired) and the creamy mayo sauce.
Step 6: For a charred finish without a grill, transfer the corn to a lightly greased grill pan and cook until charred on all sides, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Sprinkle the corn with chopped cilantro and crumbled feta or cotija cheese before serving. Add extra Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of lime if you like.

Tips & Variations

Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Add chipotle powder for a smoky heat kick in both the oil mixture and mayo sauce.
Grill the corn over charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor instead of baking.
If using an air fryer, cook the corn at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun corn wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave and brush with extra mayo sauce before serving for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and skip the sour cream or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. You can also omit the cheese or use a dairy-free crumbled cheese substitute.

Is Cajun corn spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat with smoky and savory notes. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the Cajun spice and adding optional chipotle or chili powder for more kick.

Cajun Corn On The Cob Recipe (Grilled, Baked, or Air Fryer) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 759 reviews

This Cajun Corn on the Cob recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic corn, featuring a smoky and spicy blend of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, and onion powder brushed with olive oil, then baked to tender perfection. Finished with a creamy, zesty mayo and sour cream sauce, and topped with crumbled feta or cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this versatile side dish can be baked, grilled on a stove pan, or even air-fried. It’s perfect for summer parties and adds a delicious, savory kick to your meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 ears of corn (husked)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Spice Mix

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun spice
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Creamy Sauce

4 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo suggested)
⅓ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Leftover Cajun spice and paprika from the spice mix

Toppings

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
½ cup feta or cotija cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chipotle or chili powder (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Oil and Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, half of the Cajun spice, half of the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Coat the Corn: Place each husked corn cob on a piece of aluminum foil. Brush each cob generously with the seasoned olive oil mixture. Wrap each corn cob tightly in the foil. Reserve any leftover mixture for later use.
Bake the Corn: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the foil-wrapped corn for 30 minutes. For softer corn, brush with remaining oil-spice mixture and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until kernels are tender.
Mix the Creamy Sauce: While the corn is baking, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), leftover Cajun spice, leftover smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
Finish the Corn: Remove the corn from the oven and unwrap. Let it cool slightly. Optionally, brush the corn with any leftover oil-spice mixture, then generously coat with the creamy Cajun mayo sauce.
Optional Grilling: For a charred finish without an outdoor grill, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease it, then grill each corn cob, turning frequently, until lightly charred on all sides. Be cautious not to overcook.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crumbled feta or cotija cheese over the corn. Optionally add a sprinkle of chipotle or chili powder for extra heat. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can air fry the corn at 400°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative cooking method, brushing with oil and spices before air frying.
Adjust the level of spice in the Cajun mixture to suit your preference.
Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream to make this recipe fully vegan-friendly.
Grilling on a stove grill pan gives the corn a smoky char without needing an outdoor grill.
Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Cajun corn on the cob, baked corn, grilled corn, air fryer corn, spicy corn side dish, summer recipes, Cajun seasoning, creamy corn