Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These fun, crispy corn ribs are sweet, smoky, and buttery with curled edges that make them perfect for dipping. They’re an easy side dish or snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- A drizzle of hot honey or garlic butter
Instructions
- Carefully cut each ear of corn in half crosswise, then cut each half lengthwise into quarters to make 8 corn ribs. (Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board.)
- In a large bowl, toss the corn ribs with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn is tender and the edges are lightly charred and curled.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with lime wedges.
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Mix together:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of paprika
Serve alongside the warm corn ribs.
Tips
- Fresh corn works best because it curls beautifully as it cooks.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- For extra char, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.