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Effortless Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Featured in: Tasty Sides to Complete Any Meal

Air fryer corn ribs give you a totally new way to snack on corn. Just cut fresh ears into long strips, pop them in the microwave to soften, then slice up and brush with your favorite buttery spice blend. A quick go in the air fryer gives them that fun curl and crunchy, charred bites around the edge while they stay soft inside. Dunk them in a simple BBQ mayo if you like or shake on cotija cheese and chili powder for a loaded elote treat. Try cinnamon sugar or copy that smoky jerk taste. They're simple, craveable, and make crowd-pleasing snacks or sides the whole gang will dig.
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By Chloe Chloe
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 15:51:02 GMT
Air Fryer Corn Ribs Pin it
Air Fryer Corn Ribs | cookitdelish.com

Corn on the cob turns into fun, curly, and crunchy ribs that are super snackable. Air frying helps the corn curl into wild spirals, giving you sweet bites with buttery, savory notes. The edges crisp up beautifully and take on a light caramel flavor. Careful slicing makes regular corn into something way more exciting, with juicy insides and crunchy outsides kids and adults both love.

I first tried these corn ribs after seeing them pop up everywhere online and had to see if they were as good as they looked. After that first try, I knew these were going on repeat in our house. Even my teen, who usually skips veggies, demolished a tray before dinner. They bring extra spark to everyday corn with hardly any work.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh corn on the cob: The main part. Juicy, sweet, and perfect for curling up.
  • Butter: Delivers richness and helps all the flavors stick
  • Paprika: Brings a nice pop of color and gentle smokiness
  • Garlic powder: Adds bold, garlicky taste without burning in the air fryer
  • Sea salt: Makes the sweetness shine even brighter
  • Fresh herbs: Liven things up and look great sprinkled on top
  • BBQ sauce: For a sweet-tangy dip to swipe your corn in
  • Mayonnaise: Makes your dip extra creamy if you want it

Step-by-Step Directions

Serving Up:
Once your corn is done, move the ribs onto a plate, toss on fresh herbs, and dunk them in your favorite sauce.
Dipping Sauce:
Mix mayo with BBQ sauce until it's creamy and set aside for dunking.
Air Fryer Time:
Get your air fryer hot at 400°F. Lay the corn out, cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook 5 to 7 minutes more until they're curly and browned.
Seasoning Rub:
Stir butter, paprika, garlic powder, and salt till combined. Brush all over the corn pieces so they're coated everywhere.
Slicing Corn:
Stand that cob upright on a board and cut it, carefully, into four long sticks.
Prepping Corn:
Peel off husks and silk, rinse, dry off, and microwave for a couple minutes to help with cutting.
Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Pin it
Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs | cookitdelish.com

We mix it up every time with different seasonings. My partner asks for more garlic and a little cayenne kick. The kids sneak a bit of honey into their buttery mix for a sweeter take.

Tasty Twists

Craving a Mexican bite? Top with chili powder, lime zest, and cotija. For a sweeter feel, go with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a swirl of honey. Want heat? Toss in Buffalo sauce and dip in blue cheese.

Leftover Tips

Pop extra corn ribs into a sealed container and chill in the fridge—they’ll keep fine for three days. To bring them back, air fry at 375°F for a few minutes until hot.

Yummy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Pin it
Yummy Air Fryer Corn Ribs | cookitdelish.com

I’ve tried loads of ways to make corn, but these air fried ribs are now a favorite. They turn everyday corn into something memorable, and you barely have to do anything fancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do corn ribs curl when cooked?
Corn ribs twist up as they cook because water leaves the kernels. This makes the whole strip bend into a fun C-shape you can't miss.
→ Can I make corn ribs without an air fryer?
For sure! Toss them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or use a grill on medium. Flip them a few times till they're curled and toasty.
→ How do I know when corn ribs are done cooking?
You'll see the corn curl up, get a bit dark on the tips, and each rib should feel plump but still crisp when you bite in.
→ Can I make corn ribs with frozen corn?
Fresh cob is key here since frozen kernels just fall apart and won't curl into that cool rib shape.
→ What's the easiest way to cut corn into ribs?
Nuke the corncob a bit to soften, then grab a super sharp knife and cut slow. Chopping the ear in half crosswise helps if big pieces are tough to handle.

Effortless Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Change up corn on the cob with these crispy air-fried bites. Toss on seasoned butter, maybe add a dip, and enjoy these easy, fun-sized snacks or sides.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By Chloe: Chloe

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (16 portions of corn ribs)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 fresh corn cobs
02 2 tsp garlic powder
03 3 tbsp softened butter
04 1 tsp paprika
05 Salt, add as you like
06 A handful of chopped parsley or basil (optional)

→ For Dipping Sauce (Optional)

07 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
08 1/4 cup mayo

Instructions

Step 01

First, cut the ends off each ear of corn. Pull off the outer leaves and the threads inside. Rinse each ear under cool water until it's clean.

Step 02

Place whole corn cobs into the microwave for 2 minutes to soften. Let them cool for 5 minutes before handling to prevent burns.

Step 03

Using a strong knife, stand a corn ear upright on your board and slice it straight down the middle. Then, quarter each half lengthwise. You’ll get four long ribs per cob. If that’s difficult, try halving them crosswise first.

Step 04

Combine the butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and optional herbs in a small dish. Stir the mixture until smooth and tinted red.

Step 05

Brush or spread the butter blend all over the corn ribs. Be sure you get every side covered for maximum flavor.

Step 06

Lay the buttered corn ribs flat in your air fryer basket without overlapping them. Fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, remembering to turn them midway. They’ll be done when they curl up and develop browned, crispy edges.

Step 07

While you’re air frying, stir together the mayo and BBQ sauce in a small bowl. This makes a creamy, zesty side dip.

Notes

  1. Be patient with cutting the corn; a sharp knife and steady hands help reduce the effort. For a simpler approach, make shorter rib sections by cutting horizontally first.
  2. Switch it up with a Mexican street style! Blend 1 tsp each of chili powder, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. After air frying, sprinkle on Cotija cheese.
  3. For a sweet variation, mix 1 tbsp sugar along with 1 tsp cinnamon into the butter blend instead of savory seasonings.
  4. For Jamaican-inspired corn ribs, add 1/2 tbsp jerk spice to your butter mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave
  • Air fryer
  • Good-quality knife
  • Chopping board
  • Mixing bowl (small)
  • Pastry brush or spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy content included (butter)
  • Eggs present in mayo (optional sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g