These air fryer corn ribs are corn on the cob, sliced into quarters, and cooked to crispy perfection. They’re a fun, finger-friendly way to enjoy corn, and using an air fryer makes them super easy and quick.
It’s perfect for when you are trying to please a crowd and a nice appetizer for game days.
Table of contents
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These air fryer corn ribs offer a unique twist on classic Mexican street corn Elotes, making them a fun and modern alternative.
By slicing corn on the cob into quarters and cooking them in an air fryer, you get crispy, golden corn ribs that are bursting with flavor. And I must say, the air fryer made this a breeze. The convenience of air frying is unmatched—just a quick prep, and the air fryer does all the hard work. No need to fuss with a grill or oven; the air fryer delivers perfect results every time.
Why We Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: I love how the air fryer makes these corn ribs so quick and easy to prepare. It’s a total lifesaver on busy days when I still want something delicious.
Versatile: I love experimenting with different seasonings on these corn ribs. Whether it’s a spicy kick or a cheesy topping, they’re always delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whenever I make these, they disappear in no time. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a perfect addition to any gathering.
Dietary Friendly: These corn ribs are suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets, making them a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients and Variations
- Corn cobs: Fresh, sweet corn works best for this recipe, as it provides the most flavor and a nice, juicy texture.
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the corn ribs.
- Garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and a touch of color to the corn ribs.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Cheddar cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully over the hot corn ribs.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro): Add a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Helpful Kitchen Tools Needed
The best air fryer for making corn ribs must have a large horizontal cooking space, and be easy to clean. The Typhur Dome air fryer meets all these conditions. Its large cooking space allows you to cook a 12-inch pizza, and it features a self-cleaning mode. That definitely makes it a breeze for home cooks.
And, a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife is essential for cutting through the corn cobs safely and effectively. Make sure the knife is well-maintained to reduce the risk of slipping.
How to Make Corn Ribs in Air Fryer
Cooking corn ribs in the air fryer is incredibly easy. After prepping and seasoning the corn, the air fryer crisps them up with minimal effort and delivers a sweet, juicy result in minutes.
- Prepare the Corn
Start by shucking the corn, and removing all the silk. Then, using a sharp knife, trim off the ends flat so that each one can be stood up for the next step. Now, slice each corn cob in half lengthways through the center. This can be tricky, so ensure your knife is sharp and take your time to avoid any accidents. Take the two halves lay the flat side down and cut again centered as best as you can. You can find more helpful tips on how to cut the corn ribs safely in the next part.
- Season the Corn
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. The butter acts as the base for the seasoning, helping it stick to the corn ribs and ensuring a flavorful bite. Toss the corn ribs in the seasoning mixture until they are thoroughly coated. The butter and spices will not only add flavor but also help achieve a nice, crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Cook the Corn
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the ribs from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the corn ribs for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The corn should come out with a beautifully caramelized exterior and a juicy, tender interior.
- Serve
Once the corn ribs are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them to a serving tray or plate. They will be hot, so handle them with tongs or a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the hot corn ribs with grated cheddar cheese, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese slightly, creating a gooey, flavorful topping. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) for a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. Serve the corn ribs hot, and enjoy the combination of crispy, buttery corn with the savory, cheesy topping.
Helpful Tips on How to Cut Corn Ribs Safely
Cutting corn ribs can be tricky, the below tricks may help you to cut the corn ribs more safely.
1. Gather Your Tools: Use a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife and a stable cutting board. Ensure the knife is sharp to reduce the risk of slipping.
2. Stabilize the Corn: Place a damp towel under the cutting board to prevent it from sliding. Stand the ear of corn upright on the cutting board, holding it at the top.
3. Cut the Ends: Slice off both ends of the corn to create flat surfaces. This will help stabilize the corn when you make the lengthwise cuts.
4. Halve the Corn: Carefully cut the ear of corn in half lengthwise. Stand the corn on one of its flat ends to keep it stable. Press down firmly with the knife, using a rocking motion if needed. If the corn is tough, you can place a towel over the knife blade and use your other hand to press down.
5. Quarter the Corn: Lay each half flat on the cutting board, then cut each half in half again lengthwise to create quarters. Take your time and ensure each cut is steady and controlled.
6. Safety First: Always keep your fingers away from the knife’s path. Use a gentle, steady pressure rather than forcing the knife through the corn. If you’re having difficulty, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the knife through the corn.
Storage Tips for Leftover Corn Ribs
Allow the corn ribs to cool down to room temperature, and then place the cooled corn ribs into an airtight container. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator, where the corn ribs will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the corn ribs in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. While you can use a microwave to reheat the corn ribs, it’s not recommended as it can make them rubbery. The air fryer is the best option for maintaining their texture.
If your corn ribs have toppings like cheese, herbs, or spices, consider adding fresh toppings after reheating to enhance the flavor and presentation. Freezing leftover corn ribs is not recommended, as it can negatively affect their texture and taste. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or after short-term refrigeration.
Serve Suggestions
The biggest advantage of air fryer corn ribs is their flexibility. You can add seasonings according to your preferences. Here are some of the most popular ways to season them:
- Classic Mexican Style: Serve the corn ribs with a sprinkle of chili powder, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a generous dusting of cotija cheese. This gives them a deliciously authentic Mexican street corn flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Butter: Brush the corn ribs with melted herb and garlic butter right after they come out of the air fryer. This adds a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- BBQ Style: Brush the corn ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying. Serve with additional sauce for dipping and a side of coleslaw for a complete BBQ experience.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe Card
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Equipment
- Tongs
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 corn cobs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- cheddar cheese
- fresh coriander
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, carefully cut each corn cob in half lengthways through the center to make two long pieces. Halve each piece again lengthways into quarters to make 8 long ‘ribs’.
- In a medium bowl, mix the butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice and plenty of seasoning until combined. Add the corn to the bowl and toss to coat completely.¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 ½ tsp paprika, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Add the seasoned corn to the air fryer. And, cook the corn for 20 minutes at 390°F.
- Carefully transfer the corn to a paper serving tray or plate.
- Sprinkle the cooked corn with grated cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro and enjoy.
Nutrition PER SERVING
(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)
Awesome!!! So excited to try this recipe.
I tried this last night, and wow, it was a hit!