Fall head over heels for corn with these air fryer corn ribs! Transform regular corn on the cob into a fun side dish in less than 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients!
If you love this easy side dish recipe, check out Traeger corn on the cob and smoked corn on the cob in foil next!
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These air fryer corn riblets are seasoned with a mix of olive oil and spices, then air-fried to get crispy edges while keeping the inside sweet and juicy. And don't worry about the slicing; I've got some foolproof tips to share on doing it safely and easily below!
Jeri's Recipe Highlights
Taste: Each bite is sweet and crispy while being tender and juicy on the inside.
Easy: Surprisingly simple, with minimal prep and a quick cook time. Slicing the corn into ribs might seem tricky, but microwaving them beforehand will make it easy.
Top Tips: Don’t skip the olive oil; it’s the secret to that perfect golden, crispy texture.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful ribs. For exact measurements, skip ahead to the recipe card.
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Use fresh ears of corn with plump kernels; tri-color corn is my personal favorite! Make sure the corn is husked and ready to go.
- Olive Oil: This helps crisp the ribs and locks in the flavors. Feel free to swap in butter or margarine if you prefer.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper make a fantastic combination.
- Optional: While these corn ribs are delicious as is, you can finish them off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or fresh cilantro and parsley.
How to Make Corn Ribs in your Air Fryer
Here’s an overview of how to make these corn ribs. For the full instructions, jump to the recipe card below!
- Step 1: Soften the corn to make slicing easier and safer. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can boil the corn for 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Slice the Corn. Once it’s cool enough to handle, place the corn on a cutting board. With a very sharp knife, cut each ear of corn in half widthwise.
- Step 3: Cut into Ribs. Stand each corn upright and cut each piece lengthwise into quarters. This method will give you 8 shorter ribs, which I find safer and more manageable than cutting full-length ribs.
- Step 4: Prepare Seasoning. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 5: Apply Seasoning. Brush the seasoning mixture onto the corn ribs with a pastry brush or toss them in a large bowl to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Arrange. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
- Step 7: Air Fry. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the ribs are tender and beautifully charred.
- Step 8: Serve the corn ribs immediately. They are delicious as is or garnished with Parmesan or Cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime, or fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
The key to perfect air fryer corn ribs lies in the seasoning and leaving space between them in the air fryer. Make sure each rib is well-coated and cooked until just crispy.
Expert Tips for Cutting Corn into Ribs Safely
- Microwave First: Softening the corn in the microwave for 2-3 minutes makes it much easier to slice. (I tried cutting without softening the cobs first, and it was VERY unsafe, don't do it).
- Use a Large Sharp Knife: This makes the cutting easier and safer.
- Steady Your Cutting Board: Make sure it won’t slip.
- Cut Away From Yourself: To prepare the corn for cutting, slice off the bottom to create a stable base. Stand the corn upright, place the widest part of the knife on top, and press down firmly to slice through to the cutting board.
What to Serve with Corn Ribs?
These flavorful corn ribs are fantastic just the way they are as a snack. But you can also serve them as a side dish with:
- Grilled Protein Dishes: Such as air fryer marinated chicken thighs or smoked salmon.
- Refreshing Salads: Like a crisp garden salad or creamy coleslaw.
- Dipping Sauces: For extra flavor, try them with creamy avocado dip, spicy chipotle mayo, or sour cream and chives.
Storing/Freezing Instructions
To Store: These air-fried corn ribs are best when eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Then, reheat them by air frying for a few minutes until they're heated through and crispy again.
To Freeze: You can freeze the corn to use in a different recipe (like my Instant Pot ham and potato soup or chicken pot pie with puff pastry). Cut the kernels off the cob and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
They’re a fun new way to enjoy corn, allowing more surface area for delicious seasonings.
When eating corn ribs, you eat the kernels off the quartered sections and leave the core or cob intact, which can be used as a handle.
The term "corn ribs" comes from the way corn curls up in a rib shape when cooked, mimicking the look of traditional meat ribs.
Yes you can, just make sure to thaw it completely first.
Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the corn ribs on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly charred and crispy.
More Sweet Corn Recipes You Might Like
If you love corn, here are more delicious recipes to check out:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful salad perfect for any summer meal.
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn: This traditional dish brings the essence of Mexican street food to your backyard.
- Walking Taco Casserole with Doritos: A fun and easy casserole that incorporates sweet corn with the flavor of taco meat and Doritos.
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- Jeri
Recipe
BEST Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Soften the Corn: To make slicing the corn easier and safer, start by softening it. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, or alternatively, boil the corn for 3 minutes.
- Slice the Corn: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, place it on a cutting board. First, cut each ear of corn in half widthwise. Next, stand each half upright and slice it lengthwise into quarters. This will give you 8 manageable ribs per ear, safer to handle than longer ribs.
- Season the Corn: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture onto the corn ribs. Alternatively, you can toss the corn ribs with the seasoning in a large bowl.
- Air Fry the Corn Ribs: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the ribs are tender and have a beautiful char.
- Serve: Serve the corn ribs immediately, garnished with your choice of Parmesan or Cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy them as they are or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
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Recipe Notes:
- Oven Method: If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the corn ribs in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until they are nicely charred.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different spices such as chili powder, cumin, or Cajun seasoning.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can cut and season the corn ribs a few hours before cooking and keep them refrigerated until ready to air fry.
- Safety Tip for Cutting: To safely cut the corn into ribs, ensure the corn is softened slightly either by boiling or microwaving. Always use a sharp knife and a stable cutting surface.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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