How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
Microwaving corn on the cob still in its husk steams the kernels in their own moisture, no pot of boiling water needed, and the husk peels off afterward without a knife or extra silk-pulling. It's the fastest way to get tender corn for one or two ears without heating up the kitchen.
Steps
- 1Leave the husk and silk on the corn; don't trim or remove anything.
- 2Place the whole ear directly on the microwave turntable (no plate needed, no water added).
- 3Microwave on high for 4 minutes for one ear, adding about 2 minutes per additional ear.
- 4Let the corn sit for 1-2 minutes after the microwave stops; it will be very hot inside the husk.
- 5Hold the corn by the stem end and cut off the bottom inch with a knife, right where the silk gathers.
- 6Squeeze the husk from the cut end; the whole ear should slide out clean, leaving the husk and silk behind.
- 7Season with butter and salt while it's still hot enough to melt the butter on contact.
Common mistakes
- Trimming the husk before microwaving: the husk needs to stay fully intact to trap steam, trimming it lets moisture escape and the corn cooks unevenly.
- Cutting straight into the husk right after the microwave stops without letting it rest: the trapped steam can burn hands and face when the husk is opened too soon.
- Microwaving multiple ears for the same time as one ear: each additional ear needs roughly 2 more minutes, or the ones in the middle of the load stay underdone.
- Adding water to the dish: husk-on corn doesn't need it, the husk holds enough moisture on its own, and extra water just makes the microwave run longer to reach the same temperature.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe turntable or plate
- Sharp knife
- Kitchen towel or oven mitt (for handling the hot ear)
FAQ
Do I need to soak the corn before microwaving it?
No. Soaking is a trick for grilling corn in the husk over direct heat; in the microwave the husk already holds enough moisture to steam the kernels without a soak.
Can I microwave corn without the husk?
Yes, wrap the shucked ear tightly in a damp paper towel or plastic wrap first so it steams instead of drying out, and check it a minute earlier since it cooks faster without the husk as insulation.
How long does corn on the cob take in the microwave?
About 4 minutes for one ear at full power, plus roughly 2 minutes for each additional ear cooked at the same time.
Why does the husk slide off so easily after microwaving?
The steam trapped inside loosens the silk's grip on the kernels, so cutting off the stem end and squeezing pushes the cob out clean, leaving the husk and silk fibers behind in one piece.
Need exact temperatures or timing? Check our Time & Temperature Guide →