Air Fryer Corn Ribs (Sweet and Buttery) (2024)

Air fryer corn ribs are a delicious way to serve this classic summer veggie. Turn sweet corn into an appetizer, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce! This trendy food became popular on Tik Tok and is a fun-to-eat snack bursting with flavor.

Key Ingredients

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

Corn– Nothing beats fresh corn! If you have a local farm stand or market and it is in season, that is ideal for the best flavor.

Butter– Using butter on the pieces of corn makes them brown and crispy on the edges. Use butter that has been softened by leaving it out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Olive oil can be substituted.

Seasoning– I used basic seasoning of just paprika and garlic powder, with optional salt and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. See suggested seasoning variations below.

How to Make

1. Cut the Corn into Quarters

This is the most challenging part of making this dish! First, remove the husks and all the silks. Then cut off the ends of each ear.

Corn cobs are tough, so I strongly recommend microwaving the ears for 2 minutes before cutting them. It is challenging (and potentially dangerous) to slice the cobs without softening them in the microwave. Let the ears cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Put the ear on a flat, stable surface, like a wooden cutting board. Stand it on end and cut it in half vertically using a very sharp knife. Be careful to keep your fingers out of the knife’s path! Then cut each half into a quarter, making 4 pieces per cob.

You can also cut each ear of corn in half horizontally and then cut the halves into ribs. This will make shorter ribs that are easier to slice.

2. Prepare the Butter

Put the butter in a bowl and mash it with a fork. Then add the paprika, garlic powder, and parsley and mix the spices in. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to coat the ribs with the butter mixture.

3. Air Fry the Corn Ribs

Put the riblets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You will probably only be able to fit 4-8 pieces, depending on the size of your basket.

Cook the seasoned corn ribs at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over after 5 minutes. The riblets are done when they are lightly charred and starting to curl.

Make Quick Dipping Sauce

I love to dip corn ribs into sauce. My favorite sauces for dipping air fryer corn ribs are tzatziki, whipped feta dip, or melted butter. If you want a quick, low-effort sauce combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce.

Serving Ideas

Serve these as a side dish with dinner or as a fun snack. You still only eat the corn kernels, not the corn cobs! Garnish them with more fresh herbs and add lemon or lime wedges for drizzling.

Air fryer corn ribs have a sweet flavor that the added spices enhance. These are great with burgers or another grilled dinner as they are a perfect summertime dish.

Seasoning Variations

There are many great ways to spice up these air fryer corn ribs. Just change the spices mixed in with the butter for different flavors. Here are some favorites:

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Use 1 teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning. Then sprinkle Cotija cheese and drizzle lime juice on the cooked ribs.
• Sweet – Use 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a sweet and delicious treat.
• Jamaican – Mix 1/2 tablespoon of jerk seasoning with the butter.

How to Store

These are best when they are eaten right away. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, put them in the air fryer at 350 F for 3 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. Another option is to cut the kernels off the riblets and use them in a salad or soup.

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