This viral TikTok dish is now a restaurant favorite nationwide. Our Air Fryer Corn Ribs version offers a quick and delicious, Mexican-inspired experience.
Corn ribs are the latest culinary sensation, appearing on restaurant menus across the country, especially as tempting appetizers during happy hour.
With our Air Fryer Corn Ribs recipe, you can recreate this viral TikTok sensation right in your kitchen! These are incredibly flavorful, but it’s essential to carefully review the preparation instructions and cooking tips before you begin.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe
I could easily eat an entire plate of these corn ribs by myself! As a vegetarian side dish, the robust flavors are irresistible. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
- This recipe uses just 2 ears of corn, but you can easily double it for larger servings.
- The Mexican-inspired sauce infuses the corn ribs with an explosion of flavor.
- The sauce is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.
- They’re ready in just 10 minutes in the air fryer!
- Corn ribs are a fun, hands-on appetizer. No forks needed!
Ingredient Notes for the Best Corn Ribs
Corn: You’ll need two ears of corn on the cob. Look for thicker cobs for easier cutting and more corn per riblet. Avoid using very thin corn cobs.
Herbs and Spices: Our blend of herbs and spices creates a delicious elote (Mexican street corn) flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or tarragon.
Mayo: We prefer dairy-free vegan mayonnaise, but you can use any type of mayonnaise. Mexican crema is also a fantastic option!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Corn Ribs
While this recipe is simple, preparing the corn requires attention to safety and may need some practice. Carefully read through all the tips before starting.
- Microwave the corn for 2 minutes to soften it slightly. This step aids in easier and safer cutting.
- While the corn is in the microwave, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, paprika, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This is your flavor base.
3. Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice off both ends of each corn cob. This creates a stable base for the next cut.
Safety Check: This step is potentially tricky. Take your time and use a sturdy cutting board and a very sharp knife. For added safety, place a damp kitchen towel under your cutting board to prevent it from sliding.
4. Stand the corn upright, with the widest base on the cutting board. Use one hand to hold it firmly. With the other hand, carefully slice the corn in half lengthwise, rocking the knife back and forth with some force to cut through the center core.
Note: If the center core is too tough, microwave the corn cobs for another 30 seconds and try again.
5. Lay the corn halves flat on the cutting board, kernel side up. Carefully cut each half lengthwise again. You should have a total of 8 corn riblets.
6. Baste each corn rib with the seasoned sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket or on the trays.
7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Use tongs to carefully flip the ribs, then air fry for another 5 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Drizzle mayonnaise over the cooked corn ribs and sprinkle with the remaining chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
No. Corn ribs are intended to be eaten like meat ribs. Hold the sides and eat the corn kernels off the “rib,” leaving the center core just like you would the bones of meat ribs.
Yes! Bake the sliced and basted corn ribs on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Let the corn ribs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These corn ribs are a fantastic addition to any barbecue, picnic, party, or dinner!
Serve them at a BBQ alongside other delicious dishes like Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers, Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers, and Filipino Mac Salad.
They also pair well with Mexican-inspired or Tex-Mex flavored dishes, such as Mexican Lasagna, Sheet Pan Tex Mex Vegetarian Nachos, and Instant Pot Vegetarian Burrito Bowls.
Best Wine Pairings for Corn Ribs
Complement your air fryer corn ribs with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Riesling.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Broccoli (Ninja Foodi)
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Pizza
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Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 corn on the cob
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Microwave the corn for 2 minutes. While the corn is in the microwave, whisk together the olive oil, butter, ½ Tablespoon of the chopped cilantro, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice the ends off of each corn cob.
- Take your time and do this part very carefully. Holding the corn upright with one hand, use a very sharp knife carefully cut the corn in half, rocking the knife back and forth with your other hand to ease it down through the center core of the corn cob. If the center core is still too tough to slice through, microwave the corn cobs for another 30 seconds, then try again. Repeat with the other corn rib.
- Lay the corn halves flat, then carefully use your knife to cut each into half again. You will have 8 corn ribs total.
- Baste the corn ribs with the seasoned sauce and place into the air fryer basket(s) or tray(s).
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip the ribs over, then air fry another 5 minutes.
- Drizzle mayo over the corn ribs and sprinkle with remaining chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Recipe Notes
Use a very sharp knife. It is very important that you use a sharp chef’s knife for this recipe. If your knives haven’t been sharpened in a while, make sure you sharpen them before starting this recipe.
Cutting the corn: Be VERY careful when cutting the corn. Take your time and follow the instructions on how to cut your corn cobs into thin quarters, into riblets. Microwaving the corn first helps soften the core, which can be very difficult to slice even with the sharpest knife.
Sturdy cutting board: Make sure you use a sturdy cutting board that will not slide out easily from underneath while you are cutting the corn. For added safety, place a kitchen towel flat underneath your cutting board to keep the board from sliding around.
No distractions. When cutting the corn, make sure you are not distracted and can give this job your full attention. Clear the area of kids and pets, and don’t attempt this while also in the middle of making other recipes.