Are you looking for ways to use up fresh corn on the cob? Use our tips to easily cut it off the cobs with minimal mess, then make delicious oven roasted corn kernels with this easy recipe. It's refreshingly different from boiled corn, and with the addition of a homemade chili lime seasoning, it is packed with flavor. Plus, it's ready in less than an hour!
Looking for other ways to enjoy corn? You won't want to miss our Panera summer corn chowder or Chick-fil-A spicy Southwest salad.
Quick Look: Oven Roasted Corn Kernels
- ⏲️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏲️ Cook Time: 40 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 55 minutes
- 🍽️ Yield: 2 cups of roasted corn kernels
- 🥕 Dietary Info: Vegan, Gluten Free
- ⚡ Calories: 189 calories per serving (based on nutrition facts in recipe card)
- 🌶️ 7 Ingredients: olive oil, fresh corn (either on or off of the cob), homemade chipotle lime seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- 🥣 Method: Oven Roasted at 400°F
- ⌛ Time-Saving Hack: Make up the easy chili lime seasoning up to a few days in advance and refrigerate until needed.
- 🔪 Equipment: aluminum foil, baking sheet.
- ⭐ Expert Tip: Stand up the corn cob in the center of a bundt pan to catch the kernels when you slice them off the cob.
- 🌽 Flavor & Texture: This oven roasted kernel corn is beautifully browned with a slightly chewy texture. You'll love the zing of chili and lime from the homemade spice blend.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 7 Simple Ingredients: Grab oil, corn, and fresh lime juice along with some spices and you'll be ready to start.
- Minimal Prep Needed: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Healthy & Versatile: This simple roasted corn is perfect for enjoying on its own, or can be added to Mexican recipes like tacos or homemade burrito bowls.
Featured Comment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The smell of this roasted corn is heavenly! The corn is crunchy and crispy, and has a hint of sourness from the lime. The amazing flavors just explode in your mouth! YUM"
- Alex
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Ingredients
Curious what ingredients you need for these simple oven roasted corn kernels? Grab these key ingredients, and you'll be ready to start cooking!
- Fresh Corn: Start with fresh white or yellow sweet corn. If it's on the cob, that's okay; our easy method will help you cut it off the cob in a flash with minimal mess.
- Olive Oil: We use a little olive oil to keep the corn from sticking to the foil-lined tray as it roasts in the oven.
- Dried Spices: You'll need several dried spices to make your own chipotle lime seasoning to season the corn with. You can tweak the seasoning to your taste or omit it if you prefer.
- Fresh Lime Juice: We finish the roasted corn kernels with some freshly squeezed lime juice for a refreshing touch of brightness and acidity.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Can I use canned corn? Canned corn isn't recommended, as it has too much moisture to roast well. Also, its flavor typically isn't as good as fresh or frozen corn.
- Can I use frozen corn? You can use frozen corn for this recipe, but you'll need to thaw it first and pat off some of the excess moisture for the best results.
- Skillet Cooking Method (Stovetop): Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 cups of fresh kernel corn each to two 10-inch skillets. (Use two skillets so the corn browns, not steams from being overcrowded.) Cook over medium high heat for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to medium low for the last 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you have the desired color: brown with slightly charred bits.
- Air Fryer Cooking Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Toss the corn kernels with the oil and spices and air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Shake the basket two or three times during the air frying for even cooking, and watch it closely, as the kernels can burn easily.
How to Make Oven Roasted Corn Kernels
- Gather the ingredients for the homemade chipotle lime seasoning and mix well with a spoon. This recipe makes 2 tablespoons. (image 1)
- Start by husking and removing the silk from the cobs of corn, then rinse them. Place the larger end of the cob in the center of a round bundt pan, or on top of a small bowl inside of a larger bowl. Slice down to remove the kernels. (image 2)
- Add the olive oil and dried spices to the corn kernels and toss to combine. (image 3)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking tray with foil. Spread the corn out evenly and roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. It should turn a rich golden color as it roasts. Note that the corn will shrink from 4 cups before cooking to 2 cups after cooking as the water evaporates from it. (image 4)
- To brighten the flavor of the roasted corn, add freshly squeezed lime juice. Taste the corn, and if necessary, add a pinch of salt. (image 5)
- Stir and serve hot. Enjoy! (image 6)
Oven Roasted Corn Kernels FAQs
Simply cut the corn kernels off of the cobs, then toss them with a little bit of oil and spices. Spread in a single layer on a foil-lined cookie sheet and roast at 400°F until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to stir the corn halfway through and watch it closely toward the end of the cooking time, as the corn can brown quickly.
Roasted kernel corn is a nutritious and healthy side dish. This recipe uses fresh cut off the cob yellow corn with a little bit of olive oil, spices, and freshly squeezed lime juice. There is only ½ teaspoon of salt added to the 4 cups of raw corn, so the sodium levels remain fairly low.
Yes, you can if you are in a pinch or it is winter time and fresh corn isn't available. If you plan on using frozen corn, take the time to thaw it out, then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove some of the extra moisture. You will also have to increase the cooking time, because frozen corn has more moisture than fresh corn.
Yes, you can make this up to 24 hours in advance, but it does taste the best when it is eaten within 30 minutes of being out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted kernel corn tastes great when served with grilled meats like Chipotle carne asada or Chipotle steak. Use it as a topping for tacos (like Chipotle pork carnitas) or nachos. It also tastes amazing in Mexican corn in a cup (esquites), Chipotle corn salsa, corn dip, or as an add-in to Southern skillet cornbread.
If you're looking for other roasted vegetable side dishes, make sure to try our recipes for roasted sweet potatoes, roasted cabbage wedges, and acorn squash.
Expert Tips
- Ensure the corn is spread in a single layer on the cookie sheet, and use a large pan to prevent overcrowding. This ensures that the corn browns beautifully, not steams or gets soggy during cooking.
- Cook until the corn is golden brown and crunchy with some charred bits if desired.
- Add more seasoning to taste, or change it up for something different.
Other Veggie Side Dishes
Recipe
Oven Roasted Kernel Corn
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Lime Seasoning (Makes 2 Tablespoons)
- 1½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon lime zest, freshly grated from 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
For the Roasted Corn Kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 ears fresh corn, or 4 cups of raw kernels
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili lime seasoning, from above
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
Make the Chipotle Lime Seasoning
- Pour all the chipotle lime seasoning ingredients into a small bowl and stir well to combine. This recipe makes 2 tablespoons, but you'll only need 1 teaspoon for the roasted corn kernels. Store leftover seasoning in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Cutting the Corn Off of the Cob
- Get a round bundt pan, or set a small bowl upside down inside of a larger bowl. Place the large end of a husked corn cob either in the center of the bundt pan, or on top of the small bowl. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off of the cob, rotating the cob after each cut until all the kernels are removed. This simple method ensures that all the kernels are caught inside of the bundt pan or bowl instead of going all over the counter.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and preheat the oven to 400°F.
Roasting the Corn Kernels
- Place the corn kernels in a large bowl and add the olive oil, chipotle chili lime seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Spread out the corn evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Roast until the kernels are golden brown with some charred bits, or to your desired doneness.
- Sprinkle the corn with salt to taste and pour on the lime juice and stir until blended. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Ensure the corn is spread in a single layer on the cookie sheet, and use a large pan to prevent overcrowding. This ensures that the corn browns beautifully, not steams or gets soggy during cooking.
- Cook until the corn is golden brown and crunchy with some charred bits if desired.
- Add more seasoning to taste, or change it up for something different.
Nutrition
Serving sizes and nutritional information are only an estimate and may vary from your results.
j.c. Borchers
l love spicy snack mixes and this recipe for corn will be added to them. If you have an air fryer corn becomes a great crunchy addition (find the largest corn kernels you can), the more spice the better.
Emma
That sounds delicious, J.C.! Enjoy!
Kim
Can I freeze the corn after it has been roasted?
Thank you.
Emma
We've never tried it, but it should work fine. Sealing it in an airtight container or ziptop bag would be best.
Beth
The corn smells delicious! It looks delightful, is a little bit spicy, and has a hint of lime. It has a delectable roasted taste.
Emma
Glad you enjoyed it, Beth!
Alex
The smell of this roasted corn is heavenly! The corn is crunchy and crispy, and has a hint of sourness from the lime. The amazing flavors just explode in your mouth! YUM
Emma
Thank you, Alex!