Air Fryer Corn Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer corn ribs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy corn. This unique take on corn on the cob involves cutting the corn into quarters, resembling ribs, before seasoning and air-frying to perfection. The result is a crispy, juicy, and flavourful snack or side dish that's perfect for dipping. While cutting the corn can be a little tricky, the end result is well worth it! You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to make this recipe your own.

How to Make Corn Ribs in an Air Fryer

How to cut corn into ribs

To cut corn into ribs, you will need a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. Some recipes recommend removing the corn from its husk and boiling or microwaving it before cutting, to soften the cob and make it easier to slice.

Place the corn vertically on the cutting board and carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Then, lay each half flat and cut it in half again lengthwise, so that you have four long ribs, or cut each half into quarters to make eight shorter ribs.

If you find it difficult to cut the corn into ribs, you can try cutting the corn in half horizontally first, to make it easier to manage.

How to season corn ribs

Corn ribs are a fun and unique way to enjoy corn, and the best part is that you can get creative with the seasonings! Here are some detailed instructions on how to season corn ribs:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by removing the husk and silks from fresh corn cobs. You can also trim the ends of the corn to create a flat surface, which will make it easier to stand the corn upright when cutting.

Step 2: Cut the Corn into Ribs

This step can be a little tricky, so be careful. Stand the corn upright on its widest end. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the corn in half lengthwise. Then, lay each half flat and cut it into quarters, so you end up with rib-like pieces. You can also cut the corn into smaller pieces if desired.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with olive oil or melted butter. Some popular seasoning options include:

• Smoked paprika or plain paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Liquid smoke

Whisk the ingredients until well combined. You can also add some mayonnaise to make a creamy spice mix.

Step 4: Apply the Seasoning

Brush the marinade onto both sides of the corn ribs using a pastry brush, or use your hands to rub the seasoning onto each rib. Make sure to coat the ribs evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Corn Ribs

Place the seasoned corn ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook at a high setting (around 400°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and crispy. You can also cook them on a charcoal grill or in the oven.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the corn ribs are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate. You can garnish them with chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or green onions. Serve them with lemon or lime wedges, and your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to cook corn ribs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 ears of fresh corn
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons of crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Husk the corn and cut off the ends.
• Place the corn on a cutting board and cut each ear of corn into 4 "ribs" by first cutting it in half lengthwise, then cutting each half into half lengthwise again.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
• Brush the spiced oil onto both sides of each corn rib.
• Place the corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes at a high setting, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
• Meanwhile, make a sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce in a separate small bowl.
• Once the corn ribs are done, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the sauce over them.
• Sprinkle the cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top and serve hot.

Tips:

• Microwaving the corn for 2 minutes before cutting can make it easier and safer to slice.
• Use a sharp chef's knife and a steady cutting board to prevent accidents.
• Curve your fingers when holding the corn to avoid any accidental cuts.
• For shorter ribs that are easier to slice, cut each ear of corn into halves, then cut each half into quarters.
• For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan butter.

How to store and reheat corn ribs

If you have any leftover corn ribs, you can store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To reheat your corn ribs, you can use an air fryer, oven, grill, or smoker. Here is a guide on how to reheat your corn ribs using these different methods:

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and add a silicone liner, foil, or parchment paper round on the base for easy cleanup.
• Lightly sauce or oil the ribs to prevent them from drying out.
• Place the ribs in the air fryer basket or on the warming rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook the ribs for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 225°F to 250°F.
• Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to bring them to room temperature.
• Place the ribs on a sheet of aluminum foil and add moisture by brushing with sauce, drizzling with drippings, or sprinkling with a few tablespoons of water.
• Tightly wrap the foil around the ribs to prevent moisture escape.
• Place the foil packet in the oven and cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Grill:

• Turn the grill to high heat and preheat while the ribs come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Drench the ribs in sauce, drippings, or a small amount of water to maintain moisture.
• Loosely wrap the ribs in aluminum foil, allowing a little breathing room.
• Turn the grill down to moderate heat and grill the ribs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through for even cooking.

Smoker:

• Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
• Place the ribs in a foil-covered pan and put them in the smoker.
• Leave the ribs in the smoker until they reach your desired eating temperature, which is usually achieved within 30 to 60 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy corn ribs!

What to serve with corn ribs

Corn ribs are a fun side dish, and a unique way to eat corn. They are also versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer corn ribs:

Sauces and Dips

Corn ribs can be served with a variety of sauces and dips. You can make a compound butter, such as brown sugar butter or Calabrian chilli butter, or a sauce like avocado sauce, creamy sriracha dipping sauce, or chipotle mayo. You could also serve them with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.

Proteins

Corn ribs can be a great side dish for proteins like salmon or chicken. Air fryer BBQ salmon or air fryer bone-in chicken thighs are some specific suggestions.

Vegetables

Corn ribs can be served with other vegetables, like broccoli and red cabbage slaw, or air fryer green beans.

Starches

As corn ribs are not very messy and are eaten like ribs, they can be a great side dish for starches like fries.

Desserts

For a full meal, you can serve corn ribs with desserts like air fryer apples or air fryer peach cobbler.

Frequently asked questions