These air fryer corn ribs are smoky, curly, and perfect for dipping. Crispy corn riblets are a playful twist on classic corn on the cob plus are super fun to eat!
Air Fryer Corn Ribs Highlights
- Flavor: Sweet and slightly crisp corn ribs are coated in smoky BBQ butter served with a tangy and creamy lime dip that makes every bite pop.
- Skill: This recipe is simple to make, with extra care taken to slice the corn into ‘ribs’. Once coated with oil and air fried, these corn riblets make a relatively hands off dish.
- Tools: A sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, small bowl, silicone brush, and an air fryer are what you need for this recipe.
- Serving: This recipe yields 8 ribs so it’s perfect as an appetizer, added to a party platter, served as a backyard BBQ side, or along with chicken tacos.
Simple Ingredients for a Summer Favorite
- Corn on the Cob: Choose fresh, firm corn with plump kernels to create the best curly texture and juicy bite.
- Oil: Use olive oil for light flavor and helps prevent the ribs from burning. Softened butter provides a richer flavor while helping the spices stick.
- Seasoning: A tasty BBQ rub, made with chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creates a smoky sweet, yet savory flavor.
- Dip:
- Mayonnaise is the creamy base for the dip and balances the spice.
- Citrus juice, such as lime or lemon, brightens the dip and cuts its richness.
- Paprika adds color and gentle smoky flavor.
- Add Kosher salt, to taste, to make the dip shine.
Variations
- While optional, cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, whereas cilantro or parsley can add a fresh finish.
- Add grated Cotija or Parmesan after cooking for an elote style finish.
- Sub Cajun, taco, jerk, or Italian seasoning in place of the BBQ rub to create a different flavor profile.
- Brush corn ribs with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes for a more sticky sweet version.
- Other tasty corn rib dip ideas include guacamole, dill dressing, or lemon garlic aioli.
From Corn Cobs to Corn Ribs
- Slice each corn cob into long rib-like pieces.
- Coat the pieces in the smoky BBQ mixture. (Full recipe below.)
- Air fry until tender, curled, and lightly crisp.
- Stir together the creamy dip while they cook.
- Finish with herbs and serve immediately.
Storing Corn Ribs
- Refrigerate leftover corn ribs and mayo dip in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. You can freeze cooked corn ribs in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat leftover, or thawed, corn ribs in the air fryer at 370°F for a few minutes until heated through, or use the oven at 375°F if you are warming a larger batch.
- Extra kernels can be sliced off and added to salads, tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, or pasta salad.
Build the Ultimate Summer BBQ Plate
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Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These air fryer corn ribs are brushed with a smoky BBQ seasoning blend and cooked until tender, curled, with crispy edges. Serve them with a creamy lime mayo dip for an easy side or appetizer.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cobs corn shucked and silk removed
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 Tablespoons BBQ rub per recipe below or your favorite rub
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, optional for garnish
BBQ Rub
- 1½ Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Mayo Dip (optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice (juice of ½ a lime) or lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut ends off of corn cobs so they can stand upright.
- Cut corn into 4 ribs*. Standing cob upright, cut in half lengthwise right down the center of the corn using a very sharp knife. Rock knife back and forth and push firmly to cut through. Cut each rib in half lengthwise again (either by standing up or lying the cob on its side).
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil (or butter) and BBQ rub ingredients.
- Spread oil mixture on corn with a brush, coating the corn side of the corn rib (or spread butter mixture using a spatula or knife). Rub any extra oil mixture on the sides of the corn ribs.
- Place corn ribs in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to crisp and curl.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayo dip ingredients until well mixed.
- Sprinkle with cilantro if using and serve with mayo dip.
To Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake on a parchment lined baking tray for 25 to 30 minutes or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to crisp and curl.
- If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, but they’ll curl up better if baked longer. Sprinkle with cilantro if using and serve.
To Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Place prepared corn ribs on the grill. After 8 minutes, flip and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook for 6 to 8 more minutes, or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to carmelize and curl.
- Brush with additional sauce if desired, sprinkle with cilantro if using and serve.
Notes
Serving size is 2 ribs each (1 cob cut into quarters = 4 ribs)
*To create smaller corn ribs (8 per corn cob):
- Cut ends off of corn cobs so that they are flat.
- Break or cut each cob in half (crosswise).
- Standing one piece of corn on the end, cut in half lengthwise right in the center of the corn using a very sharp knife. Rock the knife back and forth and push firmly to cut through.
- Cut each half in half lengthwise again (either by standing up or lying the cob on its side). Rock the knife back and forth and push firmly to cut through. Each corn cob will create 8 corn ribs by cutting it this way.
- Pro Tip – Use a knife longer than the length of the corn, and use a cloth to help press down on the knife. Alternatively, break corn in half before cutting lengthwise (creates 8 smaller corn ribs, as above).
- These corn ribs are best served immediately, but will keep for a few days in a container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 3 to 4 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 9 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 216 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1348IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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My kids love these kinda ribs too! Candace’s husband