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–+ servings
Corn rib dipping into creamy sauce.

10-Minute Corn Ribs (in the Oven or Air Fryer)

Justine Drosdovech
Prepare yourself for the savory, sweet, smoky flavors of these air-fried corn ribs! Each piece is packed with a bold mix of spices, then finished with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 174.3 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Chef's knife

Ingredients
 

US Customary - Metric
  • 4 ears of corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For serving

  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Chipotle crema
  • Sriracha mayo
  • Barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • With a large chef’s knife or cleaver, carefully cut each ear of corn lengthwise into quarters to create the "ribs." If the cobs are quite long, cut them in half crosswise first. Transfer the corn ribs to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, ancho chile powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Generously brush each corn rib with the seasoning.

Air fryer

  • Arrange the seasoned corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the corn in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Air fry the corn ribs for 5 minutes, then flip them and brush them with a small amount of olive oil. Air fry them for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Oven

  • If you don’t have an air fryer, preheat your oven to 425°F and leave the corn ribs on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake them for 10 minutes, then flip and brush them with extra olive oil. Bake them for another 8-10 minutes, or until they’re curled and crispy.
  • Serve the corn ribs immediately with a sprinkle of cilantro, fresh lime wedges, and your dip of choice. Happy eating!

Notes

  • Use the right knife: Use a large, freshly sharpened knife to safely cut through the center of the corn cob. We can’t stress this tip enough!
  • Cut the corn in half: If you have extra-large corn cobs, cut them in half crosswise before cutting them lengthwise so they can more easily fit in your air fryer.
  • Don't overcrowd the basket: Whenever you’re using an air fryer, it’s best to keep the food in a single layer with enough space. This will give you ultra-crispy results.
  • Flip the corn ribs: Don't forget to flip the corn ribs halfway and brush them with a touch more olive oil for a uniform golden-brown color.
  • Serve them immediately: Corn ribs are best enjoyed hot, straight from the air fryer. Hold off on air-frying them until you are ready to eat!
  • Don’t skip the lime: The lime juice adds a tangy kick that really brings the other flavors alive. You can also use lemon wedges depending on what’s available.
  • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 174.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.6g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 11.9g | Saturated Fat: 1.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 22.5mg | Potassium: 268.7mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 5.7g | Vitamin A: 562.8IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.7mg
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