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These air fryer corn ribs might just be the best way to eat corn on the cob. Sweet, juicy, and crisp around the edges, they’re perfect for summer BBQs!
Eating grilled corn on the cob is great—until it gets all over your face.
And firing up the grill?
No thanks!
The good news is that these air-fried corn ribs are made to be grabbed with your fingers. They come out smoky, sweet, and juicy with crispy bits without the hassle of grilling.
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There’s nothing like a Mexican-inspired feast to get any party started. Add these perfectly seasoned corn ribs to this Mexican charcuterie board and end on a sweet note with Mexican hot chocolate mousse!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe
- These air fryer corn ribs are ready in 20 minutes with 6 simple ingredients!
- Corn ribs make a simpler, less messy alternative to classic grilled corn on the cob.
- This corn rib recipe is versatile! Switch up the seasonings and serve with different dips.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Fresh corn ears – Choose fresh corn ears with plump kernels, green husks, and golden silks.
Extra virgin olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick to the corn strips and gives the ribs crispy edges. You can also use vegan butter.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and liquid smoke – The spice blend is up to you, but these seasonings provide a deep, smoky-savory flavor that’s just chef’s kiss-worthy with the sweet and juicy corn kernels.
Love Mexican street corn? Season your air fryer corn ribs with taco seasoning and serve them with Cotija cheese and lime wedges.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Safely Cut Your Corn
Microwave the ears of corn for 2 minutes to soften them before slicing. Hold the sharp knife against the corn with one hand, then hit the knife continuously with your other hand to cut the corn down lengthwise. Finally, cut the pieces lengthwise to form ribs.
Get Perfectly Crispy Corn Ribs
Make sure there’s enough space between each rib and adjust the cooking temperature and time if needed. Depending on your air fryer, cook the corn ribs between 300°F and 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Delicious Dip Ideas
These air fryer corn ribs will be amazing with sour cream, vegan ranch dressing, or a quick spicy lime mayo dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lime juice.
Corn Ribs Air Fryer Recipe FAQs
Are you supposed to eat corn ribs whole?
Nope! You don’t eat the cob on corn ribs. Just eat the delicious kernels off it.
Do you need oil to air fry corn ribs?
I recommend using oil in this corn ribs air fryer recipe. Otherwise, the corn strips might turn out dry.
Can you cook corn ribs in the oven?
Yup! Place the seasoned corn pieces on a baking sheet and cook at 425°F for 12 minutes until they’re lightly charred.
Can I use frozen corn on the cob for air frying?
You can use frozen corn on the cob. Just thaw and pat dry beforehand for the best texture.
How to store and reheat air fried corn ribs?
Leftover corn riblets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. To serve, air fry them at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing these crispy corn ribs!
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
- Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
- Deviled Eggs with Relish
- Baked Brie with Garlic
- Carrabbas Bread Dip
I found this recipe Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 fresh corn ears
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Remove the husks and silks of your corn.
- Slice off both ends of each ear. Wash the corn cobs thoroughly and pat dry.
- Place the corn cob upright on the chopping board using its flat end. Push the knife down the cob, cutting it into quarters. You can also cut the cob width-wise, then slice each half vertically for shorter pieces of ribs.
- Mix your olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and liquid smoke in a bowl.
- Brush the prepared corn pieces with the olive oil mixture, evenly coating the kernels.
- Arrange the corn ribs in a single layer in the lined air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The corn ribs are done once they’re tender with crispy edges. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Microwave the ears of corn for 2 minutes to soften them before slicing. Hold the sharp knife against the corn with one hand, then hit the knife continuously with your other hand to cut the corn down lengthwise. Finally, cut the pieces lengthwise to form ribs.
- Make sure there’s enough space between each rib and adjust the cooking temperature and time if needed. Depending on your air fryer, cook the corn ribs between 300°F and 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- These air fryer corn ribs will be amazing with sour cream, vegan ranch dressing, or a quick spicy lime mayo dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lime juice.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
maybe a stupid question but you still don’t eat the cob portion, right? You eat the corn off it. There are so many things, that we eat that portions are usually thrown away as waste but can be eaten.
No such thing as a stupid question! But yep, you just bite off the kernels. 🙂