Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These viral TikTok sensation corn ribs are easy, trendy vegetarian appetizers that bring a delicious twist to traditional corn on the cob. By cutting corn into "rib-like" strips and air frying them to crispy perfection, you get all the sweet corn flavor in a fun, handheld format perfect for summer BBQs, game day snacks, or anytime you're craving something uniquely delicious.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sharp Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn husked and cleaned (sweet corn varieties work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, optional for garnish
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Stand each ear of corn vertically on a cutting board, with the flat end down. Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the corn cob in half lengthwise. Then, place each half flat-side down and cut again lengthwise to create quarters. These quarters are your "corn ribs."
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Place the corn rib pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the corn ribs, using your hands to gently toss and coat each piece thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Carefully arrange the corn ribs in your air fryer basket in a single layer, curved side up. Avoid overcrowding – this may require cooking in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook the corn ribs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The corn ribs are done when they're golden brown at the edges and curling slightly, resembling the curve of actual ribs.
- Transfer the hot corn ribs to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
If you find the corn difficult to cut, microwave each ear for 30 seconds first to slightly soften it while maintaining its crispness potential.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer as this reduces air circulation, resulting in steamed rather than crispy corn.
For make-ahead prep, cut corn into ribs and store in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerate leftover corn ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 295mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 17mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!