Air-Fryer Corn Ribs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer corn ribs are a fun and delicious way to eat corn on the cob. They are made by cutting corn cobs into quarters or eighths lengthwise, resembling ribs, and then seasoning and air-frying them. This method of preparation makes the corn easier to handle and eat and allows for more surface area to be seasoned, resulting in a crispy and flavourful snack or side dish. The corn ribs can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or Mexican-style cotija cheese. They are typically cooked in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and crispy.

How to make corn ribs in an air fryer

How to cut corn into ribs

To cut corn into ribs, you'll need a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. Some recipes suggest boiling or microwaving the corn first to soften it and make it easier to cut.

First, remove the husk and silk from the corn. If boiling, place the corn in a large pot of boiling water for up to three minutes. If microwaving, cook the corn on high for two minutes. After either method, run the corn under cold water until it's cool enough to handle.

Next, trim the ends of the corn so that it can stand up on its widest end. Stand the corn upright on the cutting board and carefully cut downwards through the centre of the corn to split it in half lengthways. Now cut each half in half lengthways again to create four ribs. You can also cut the corn into shorter ribs by first cutting it in half crosswise, and then cutting each half into ribs.

How to season corn ribs

Seasoning your corn ribs is a great way to add flavour and make them even more delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season corn ribs before air frying:

• Prepare the corn ribs: Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Cut off a small portion of both ends of the corn to create flat surfaces. This will make it easier to stand the corn upright and stabilise it while cutting.
• Cut the corn ribs: Stand the corn upright on one of the flat ends. Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the corn in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into quarters to create the rib shape. You should have eight rib pieces from each corn cob.
• Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with olive oil or melted butter. You can use a variety of seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, or Mexican-style spices. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
• Brush on the seasoning: Use a pastry brush or your hands to generously coat each corn rib with the seasoned oil or butter. Make sure to get the seasoning on all sides of the ribs.
• Air fry the corn ribs: Place the seasoned corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C), and air fry for 10-12 minutes. Flip the corn ribs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the corn ribs are air fried to a crispy, golden brown texture, transfer them to a serving plate. You can serve them as-is or add some extra toppings. A squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of melted butter, or a sprinkle of crumbled cheese and fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the flavour even further.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations for corn ribs!

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).
• Place an ear of corn on a cutting board and cut in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into halves lengthwise. Repeat with the remaining ear of corn so that you have eight "ribs" in total.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. Brush the mixture onto both sides of each rib.
• Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• While the corn is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce in a separate small bowl.
• Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the sauce over them. Top with cotija cheese and cilantro.

Tips:

• For easier and safer cutting, place the corn in a large pot of boiling water for up to 3 minutes to soften the husk. Run under cold water for about 45 seconds before cutting.
• Make sure to use a sharp knife and a steady cutting board to prevent the corn from slipping.
• For crispier corn ribs, cook for a couple of minutes longer in the air fryer.

How to make corn ribs in the oven

Corn ribs are a fun and delicious way to eat corn, and they can be made in the oven too! Here's how to make them:

First, you'll need to prepare your corn cobs. Start by removing the husks and silks from two ears of fresh corn. Then, cut off the ends of each ear to create flat surfaces. This will make it easier to cut the corn into ribs.

Now, here comes the tricky part: cutting the corn into ribs. Place the corn vertically on a stable cutting board and carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into quarters, so you end up with eight "ribs" total. You can also cut the corn into shorter riblets by cutting the cobs in half horizontally before slicing them into ribs. This will give you 16 smaller pieces per cob.

Once your corn is cut, it's time to season it. You can brush the ribs with a mixture of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Alternatively, you can use chilli powder, dried herbs, or even curry powder for a unique taste. Make sure to get the spices evenly distributed on the corn.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the seasoned corn ribs on a lined baking sheet and bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly charred and crispy.

Serve your corn ribs hot with your choice of toppings or sauces. Some popular options include a squeeze of lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. You can also dip them in sauce, such as tzatziki, whipped feta dip, or melted butter.

And that's it! You now have a fun and tasty snack or side dish that's perfect for summer. Enjoy your oven-baked corn ribs!

What to serve with corn ribs

Corn ribs are a fun and delicious side dish, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to complement your air-fried corn ribs:

Sauces and dips

Corn ribs are great on their own, but you can elevate them with a tasty dip or sauce. Try a creamy Sriracha dipping sauce made with mayo, yoghurt, and Sriracha, or an avocado sauce, which pairs perfectly with the corn and its seasoning. You could also serve them with plain ketchup, chipotle mayo, or a thousand island or Marie Rose sauce.

Proteins

Corn ribs can be a tasty side to a protein-based main course. Try serving them with some air fryer BBQ salmon, panko salmon, BBQ chicken thighs, or bone-in chicken thighs.

Other sides

As corn ribs are a side dish, you can serve them with other sides too! Try a broccoli and red cabbage slaw, or some homemade air fryer crinkle-cut fries.

Drinks

If you want to wash your meal down with a refreshing drink, try a glass of cold lemon mint juice.

Desserts

For a sweet end to your meal, serve some air fryer apples or peach cobbler alongside your corn ribs.

Other corn dishes

If you can't get enough corn, why not make it the star of the show and serve your corn ribs with another corn dish? Try air fryer corn on the cob, or corn in the husk.

There are plenty of ways to make your corn ribs part of a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and dishes!

Frequently asked questions