Corn ribs are a tasty take on corn on the cob. Well seasoned and fried up crispy in the air fryer, these ribs make the perfect after school snack, appetizer, or barbecue dish. You’ll love this spin on Mexican street corn!

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What are Corn Ribs?

Corn ribs make a terrific side dish, appetizer, or snack whenever you’re hungry. These ribs are a take on a classic Mexican street food, Elote, which are grilled corn on the cob that are cooked in the husk, seasoned, and served with a sauce for dipping.

Corn ribs are a smaller version of corn on the cob. You slice the corn into four strips, which makes them smaller and easier to cook in your air fryer.

Our recipe can easily accommodate savory or sweet corn ribs with just a slight change in flavors and seasonings. And since they only take a few minutes to cook, you can make them whenever you want a simple, fast snack.

Why make Corn ribs in the Air Fryer

While you can bake these corn ribs in the oven, it just does not do them justice. The air fryer is better because:

They cook really fast.
The outsides get a bit crispy.

And since you’re using the air fryer, you can reduce the overall fat you use. You can make them even better for you by subbing in oil instead of butter.

?Ingredients for Corn Riblets

When we make these corn riblets, we use:

Corncobs - You need some fresh corncobs from your local grocery store or farm.
Salted butter - If you want to make these vegan, use an oil, like olive oil, in place of butter.
Salt - You can add more or less depending on your preference.
Seasonings - We use a Mexican seasoning mix or a combination of garlic powder, paprika smoked, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano leaves, and onion powder.

?How to make Corn Ribs in Air Fryer

When you are ready to make the best corn ribs in air fryer, follow these easy steps:

First, place the corncobs in a large microwave-safe dish. Next, cover them with a damp paper towel and then microwave on High for 5 minutes or until tender.
Combine the butter and Mexican seasoning in a bowl and then brush the corn ribs with the butter mixture.

Once warmed, use a sharp knife to cut the corncobs lengthwise down the center. Next, cut them in half again to create 4 long ‘ribs’.
Once coated, place them in your air fryer basket and then air fry at 375 *F for 12 to 15 minutes or until charred and crispy.
Finally, arrange the corn ribs on a serving plate and then drizzle with your favorite sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with extra lime wedges.

?Pro tips and tricks

When you make easy air fryer corn ribs, follow these tips and tricks for the best results:

First, make sure to heat them up a bit before trying to slice them. This makes it easier - and safer - to make the cuts.
Use your favorite seasoning packets or spices to give the ribs a great flavor.
When making them vegan, sub in oil for the butter.

?How to cut corn into riblets

Before you begin, you need to get a sharp knife. This will make it safer and easier to cut.

Once you have your knife ready, place the cobs in a microwave safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and cook them for 5 minutes or until tender. This process helps to soften them, which makes cutting them easier.

When the cobs are ready, use your knife to cut down the center lengthwise. Next, cut each half in half again lengthwise to create four strips.

?What other seasoning can I use for these juicy corn ribs?

You can use different seasoning mixes to create different flavors. Here are a few other suggestions to get you started:

Use a combination of salt and pepper
For a sweet flavor, use a combination of sugar and cinnamon to create a more dessert like treat
Add in extra heat like cayenne pepper

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do you eat the middle of corn ribs?

No, the middle of the corn ribs is still a harder husk. It is very tough and does not taste good if you try to eat it.

How long do you air fry corn ribs?

When you make this recipe, you need to air fry the corn ribs for 12 to 15 minutes. You can stop cooking them once they start to singe and burn around the edges.

Can I use plant based oil?

Yes! You can easily substitute the butter with your preferred oil. This can make the corn ribs healthier and vegan at the same time without sacrificing flavor.

?How to serve

It is best to serve these ribs fresh from the air fryer. When we serve them, we like to use taco sauce, salsa, or other Mexican dipping sauces to give them some extra flavor. You could also serve them as is or smother them in melted cheese if you like.

Other easy air fryer vegetables

If you want some other tasty air fryer vegetable ideas, then you should check out these other great options:

More Corn recipes

Let us know what you think

If you make this delicious recipe, let us know how it went! When you make this, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!

📋Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Yield: 4

Ingredients

3 corn cobs
3 tablespoon salted butter, at room temperature

For Mexican seasoning mix

1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

First, place the corncobs in a large microwave-safe dish. Next, cover them with a damp paper towel and then microwave on High for 5 minutes or until tender.
Combine the butter and Mexican seasoning in a bowl and then brush the corn ribs with the butter mixture.
Once warmed, use a sharp knife to cut the corncobs lengthwise down the center. Next, cut them in half again to create 4 long ‘ribs’.
Once coated, place them in your air fryer basket and then air fry at 375 *F for 12 to 15 minutes or until charred and crispy.
Finally, arrange the corn ribs on a serving plate and then drizzle with your favorite sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Notes