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!
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.
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.