State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob

Name: State Fair Grilled Corn on the Cob
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 6 ears corn, husks on; 1 tsp. paprika; 3/4 tsp. kosher salt; 3/4 tsp. chili powder; 3/4 tsp. garlic powder; 3/4 tsp. onion powder; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 4 tbsp. salted butter, melted

It's grilled, then brushed with butter and sprinkled with a flavorful spice rub.

By Ree DrummondPublished: Jun 28, 2026

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Yields:

6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

ryan liebe

Nothing says summer quite like corn on the cob, especially when it's hot off the grill and slathered with melted butter. This state fair grilled corn on the cob recipe captures everything I love about those giant ears of corn you'd find at a county fair or summer festival—but you don't have to wait for the fair to come to town to enjoy it. With just a handful of pantry spices and a quick trip to the grill, you can recreate that same smoky, buttery flavor right in your own backyard.

The secret to this perfectly tender grilled corn is cooking it in the husks. Once the corn is ready, it's brushed generously with melted butter and sprinkled with a simple blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a savory finish that's impossible to resist.

Whether you're firing up burgers, barbecue chicken, or steaks, this easy grilled corn recipe is the perfect summer side dish. Just be sure to make extra—everyone always comes back for another ear!

Why do you soak the corn in the husk before grilling?

Soaking corn in water for about 30 minutes helps the husks retain moisture, which creates steam as the corn cooks. This keeps the kernels tender and juicy while allowing the husks to char without burning too quickly.

Can you make this state fair grilled corn ahead of time?

Grilled corn is best served fresh off the grill, but you can mix the spice blend and soak the corn several hours ahead of time. If needed, grill the corn up to an hour in advance and keep it loosely covered until serving.

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Directions

1. Step 1Fill a large bowl or pot with 10 cups cold water. Trim any loose pieces of corn silk and husk from the tips of the unshucked corn. Add the corn to the water, making sure it is fully submerged, and let soak for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, make the spice blend: Whisk together the paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Step 3Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Remove the corn from the water and shake off the excess moisture. Grill the corn with the husks on, turning every couple of minutes, until the husks are lightly charred and the corn is tender, about 10 minutes on a grill or 12 to 15 minutes on a grill pan.
4. Step 4Carefully pull back the husks (you can leave them attached at the base) and remove the silks. Brush the corn generously with the melted butter and sprinkle with the spice blend.