Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Crispy long pieces of air fryer corn ribs are coated in a spiced marinade. Each bite is juicy and fun. This recipe outlines how to cut the corn riblets safely. 

What Are Air Fryer Corn Ribs?

Air-fried corn ribs, or riblets, are corn ears vertically cut into quarters, resembling ribs.

Once cut, the ribs are seasoned or coated before air-frying to perfection, resulting in a crispy and flavorful snack or side dish.

Serving corn like this is a fun eating experience, very different from perhaps eating it a corn chowder with potato for example, which btw is so delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This next-level corn is such a novelty, that my family and friends love picking up the rib-like shape long pieces and dipping away. They are a great talking point.
• Minimal oil, minimal time, and maximum taste.
• A fun side dish, I first came across this food trend of air fryer corn on TikTok and thought, how curious, quartering whole corn cobs lengthways. I show you how to cut them safely in the instructions below.
• Dietary friendly, suitable for vegans and gluten free diets. 

Ingredients and Variations

Fresh sweet corn with plump kernels will result in super juicy bites.

Flavorings at a basic level I like to use paprika (or chili powder), salt, and garlic powder.

Onion powder is also fabulous, you can add any of your favorite spice mix, a fun one could be falafel flavoring.

Olive oil or vegan butter. I much prefer the olive oil, however, if you prefer that buttery flavor, go for it!

Liquid smoke - adds that smoky rub flavor. Whilst this ingredient is optional, I highly recommend it in this recipe.

How To Make Air Fried Corn Ribs

Since I initially released this recipe I have found a much simpler and less stressful way to cut the corn.

Previously I would just cut the corn raw, which is difficult to handle and a little dangerous.

Let me take you through the best way to cut and make seasoned corn ribs.

Prepare the Corn

Remove the fresh corn husk and silks. Then place each one into a large pot of boiling water, boil them for up to 3 minutes - depending on the size of each. 

This will help soften the hard cob and make it so much easier to cut them into ribs. 

Take each corn out and run it under cold water for about 45 seconds, you want to be able to handle them, it's okay for them to stay warm. 

Cut the Corn Ribs

Warning - this will get a little messy. 

Using a very sharp knife, lay the corn onto a cutting board and trim off the ends flat so that each one can be stood up for the next step.

Stand the corn upright on the widest end and place the knife in the center on the top end, start shimmying the knife downwards, with a little bit of force through the center into the corn to split it lengthways in half.

Now lay each of the halves and cut through the exposed husks so that you now have quarter lengths aka corn ribs.

You can also cut half cobs and then quarter each cob to make shorter ribs.

Seasoning and Air Frying

Make the marinade (spiced oil rub) in a small bowl, add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and optional liquid smoke. Whisk until combined.

Brush the ribs with the seasoned oil using a pastry brush or rub each riblet with your hands over a medium bowl.

Place each rib in a single layer into the air fryer basket, do not over stack as this won't allow crispy edges.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes on high setting or until tender with crispy brown edges.

Each corn rib will curl up slightly like a rib shape during the cooking process. To make them crispier, cook for longer in the air fryer for a couple more minutes.

Serve hot with some lemon or lime wedges and your favorite sauce. See suggestions below.

What to Serve With?

A delicious way to enjoy this air fryer corn ribs recipe is to squirt some of your favorite dipping sauce, then sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs (like parsley, green onions or cilantro). Finish with a squeeze some lime juice or lemon juice on top.

Try sprinkling some vegan ranch seasoning onto your ribs.

Or try it with a side serving of broccoli and red cabbage slaw, and homemade air fryer crinkle cut fries.

Wash your food down with refreshingly cold lemon mint juice.

FAQ

More Air Fryer and Corn Recipes

Try my super easy 4-ingredient corn fritters or this filling and satisfying corn pancake recipe. I also want to mention the most amazing vegan gluten free cornbread it's so easy to make!

Try my air fried cauliflower with tahini sauce. 

Something with a little bit of crunch are these air fryer pasta chips, they are so crunchy!