Introduction
Air Fryer Corn Ribs are the latest viral food sensation, transforming a simple cob of corn into a visually stunning and intensely flavorful snack or side dish. The name comes from their resemblance to actual pork ribs after the corn is sliced lengthwise into strips. When cooked at high heat in the air fryer, the strips curl inwards, developing crispy edges and a tender, sweet interior. This recipe is incredibly fast, requires minimal oil, and delivers maximum flavor—making it the perfect appetizer for game day or a fun twist on classic barbecue sides.
Ingredients
- 2 large ears of corn, shucked
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) chili powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
Step-by-step Preparation
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Prepare the Corn Ribs Safely: Stand one ear of corn upright on a sturdy cutting board. Using a very sharp, heavy chef’s knife, carefully slice the corn in half lengthwise. Now, take each half and slice it lengthwise again, creating four long “ribs” from each ear (8 ribs total). Tip: Use a damp kitchen towel underneath your cutting board to prevent slippage during this critical step.
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Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Place the corn ribs in a large bowl and drizzle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss gently until every surface of the corn is evenly coated.
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Preheat and Load the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary to ensure maximum crispness.
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Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the corn ribs for 8 to 12 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, open the basket and shake gently or flip the ribs using tongs. Continue cooking until the kernels have started to char slightly and the ribs have visibly curled inwards. Tip: The curling action is your cue that the ribs are done and perfectly crispy.
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Serve Immediately: Transfer the corn ribs to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of dipping sauce (such as ranch or chipotle mayo) and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
A single serving (approximately 4 corn ribs, depending on size) contains roughly 160-180 calories. Corn ribs are naturally rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, and they provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and B vitamins. Since the air fryer uses minimal oil compared to traditional deep frying, this preparation method significantly reduces saturated fat intake, making it a healthier alternative to fried appetizers.
Storage
Leftover Air Fryer Corn Ribs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness, it is crucial not to reheat them in the microwave, which will result in a soggy texture. To reheat, place the ribs back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Corn Ribs are a fantastic, customizable dish that brings novelty and flavor to any table. While the smoky paprika blend is a crowd-pleaser, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations. Try transforming them into an “Elote” style by tossing them with cotija cheese, lime juice, and a creamy chili sauce after cooking. Alternatively, for a sweet twist, skip the savory spices and toss them with cinnamon sugar and a dollop of melted butter. However you season them, the air fryer guarantees a crunchy, satisfying treat every time.