Air Fryer Corn Ribs (Buttery, Sweet, Juicy)
by Air Fryer Corn Ribs are a delightful summer snack/appetizer made with fresh corn on the cob. These corn “riblets” are brushed with butter, sprinkled with spices and herbs, and air fried to buttery crisp outside and sweet juicy inside.
Ready in under 30 minutes and with 8 ingredients only – salt and olive oil included, I will show you my secret hack on how to cut corn into ribs easily and safely. They are the best summer food and outrageously delicious! Looking for a frozen version? My Frozen corn on the cob air fryer is a must-try!
What are corn ribs
Corn ribs are essentially a whole corn on the cob sliced into strips. Because the shape resembles “ribs”, they are also known as corn riblets. They are easier to eat and a lot more delicious because you can season them on more surface cuts. You can air fry, bake, or even grill.
I will show you how to air fry and bake them in this post, plus my special tips on how to cut corn into “ribs” safely. 🙂
Why are they so addictive!
This corn on the cob recipe made in the shape of corn ribs are air fried to perfection – buttery crispy outside and juicy sweet in the middle. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes. My husband LOVES this dish.
You can serve it as an appetizer or snack. To keep it lower in carb, I recommend serving it as a side dish to replace any other higher in carb items you might be planning on serving in the same meal.
Ingredients
- Full corn on the cob: select fresh corn with plump kernels, best when they are in season. See how to pick the best corn.
- Seasonings: room temperature ghee butter, olive oil, coarse sea salt, smoked paprika (or sweet paprika), garlic powder, dried parsley, and Japanese kewpie mayo (or regular mayo).
But first, let’s quickly take about my hack on how to cut them safely and easily.
How to cut corn ribs safe
After a few failed (and dangerous) attempts, it turned out the best way to cut a whole corn on the cob into ribs is to microwave them for a few minutes first!
Safety points:
- Use a sharp chef’s knife.
- Prepare a steady cutting board surface that won’t move around.
- Microwave the whole corn on high for 2 minutes and let cool.
- Slice vertically. Cut off both ends, stand it up vertically and carefully slice the whole corn in half , then slice it again into quarters.
If that sounds scary to you, try this – After you microwave the whole corn on the cob and cut off both ends, chop the cob in half (width-wise), then half and quarter it vertically so you’ll end up with 8 shorter pieces per cob. Because of the corn being on a shorter length, it’s easier to cut through and with less risk of accidents.
Make sure you curve the fingers in with the hand that’s holding the corn in place, so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
How to make air fryer corn on the cob (corn ribs)
- Prepare the corn: remove from the husk and cut off the ends.
- Microwave: microwave the whole corn on the cob on high for 2 minutes. Let cool.
- Slice into ribs: with a sharp chef’s knife and a steady cutting board, place the corn vertically (stand it up) and carefully and slowly dice it in half, then dice those halves into quarters.
- Season: brush the ribs with butter and olive oil. Season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
- Air fry: 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes total (flip after 6 minutes).
- Oven: bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly charred and a little crispy.
- Serve: brush the corn ribs with a thin layer of mayo and sprinkle with more parsley on top!
Microwave the whole ear of corn on high for 2 minutes will make it easier (and safer) to dice!
FAQ
The best way to cut a whole corn on the cob into ribs is to microwave them for a few minutes first! You want to use a sharp chef’s knife and a steady cutting board. Slice the corn vertically in a standing position with the wider part against the table. Slowly and carefully dice it to half then quarter it.
You only eat the kernels – not the corn cobs. Cutting corn into ribs makes it easier to hold and eat!
1 corn ribet has 3 net carbs, 52 calorie, 1g protein, and 4g fat.
Make it a little bit spicy with a touch of chili pepper or a dash of curry and turmeric powder to make it extra earthy. You can also shave some cheese over the corn ribs after you air fry them or sprinkle with goat cheese. A drizzle of lime juice before serving sounds terrific, too!
You can pop them back to the air fryer to warm it up a bit or microwave them for 1 minute. Just remember to cover the container with a saran wrap so it won’t make a mess in the microwave.
What to serve with?
Serve these delicious corn riblets with side dishes like air fryer brussels sprouts, Japanese potato salad, Asian cucumber salad, Spiral cut Japanese cucumber salad, or with black pepper chicken, beef broccoli, or moo goo gai pan!
If you have extra left, make my Chicken corn soup with shredded chicken or turkey!
More air fryer recipes
- Air Fried Sesame Chicken (1 dish 3 ways!)
- Chinese “steamed” Cod in ginger scallion sauce
- Air fried oyster mushrooms
- Air fryer eggs (7 ways!)
- Crispy rice sushi with smoked salmon avocado
- Rice paper dumplings
- Browse more healthy air fryer recipes
TLDR
- Select fresh corn with plump kernels
- Microwave the whole corn on the cob for a few minutes first before you slice
- Use a sharp chef’s knife and be careful when you slice
- Use vegan butter to turn this dish vegan friendly!
- Feel free to experiment with your own favorite seasonings
Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ear fresh corn on the cob
- 1 tbsp ghee butter, room temperature
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, or sweet paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley, plus more for garnish
- Garnish Kewpie mayo, or regular mayo
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: remove from the husk and cut off the ends.
- Microwave: microwave the whole corn on the cob on high for 2 minutes. Let cool to the touch.
- Slice into ribs: with a sharp chef’s knife and a steady cutting board, place the corn vertically (stand it up) and carefully and slowly dice it in half, then dice those halves into quarters.
- Season: in a bowl, combine ingredients from butter to parsley. Brush the ribs with the seasonings on all sides.
- Air fry: place the ribs in a single layer with some space in-between. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes total (flip after 6 minutes).
- Oven: place the ribs on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly charred and a little crispy.
- Serve: brush the corn ribs with a thin layer of mayo and sprinkle with more parsley on top. Serve hot or at room temperature!
Notes
- Please make sure to microwave the whole corn on the cob first. It’ll make slicing much easier and safer.
- Make sure you curve the fingers in with the hand that’s holding the corn in place, so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
- If slicing a whole corn make you nervous, try this –
After you microwave the whole corn on the cob and cut off both ends, chop the cob in half (width-wise), then half and quarter it vertically so you’ll end up with 8 shorter pieces per cob. Because of the corn being on a shorter length, it’s easier to cut through and with less risk of accidents. - The oven version – the ribs won’t be as curvy but they will still be very delicious!
Nutrition
Made a dish a love it? Remember to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your comments help more people discover my blog organically so thanks so much in advance!
Literally the best corn I’ve ever had/made! All the flavors are just amazing and the air fryer gives it that crunch. I also think it’s amazing to eat from the cob lol. I did mine in fourths so I literally can bite it using my molars haha. I did have to microwave much longer because I don’t have the best knives and it was definitely ba scary workout cutting them 😬
Thank you so much!
These corn ribs are absolutely delicious! We served them without the mayo and they still taste wonderful. Buttery delicious and thanks for the tips on how to cut corn ribs easily. Super helpful. 🙂
These corn ribs are so delicious and simple to make. I especially love the butter flavor. My husband loves it, too!
Super easy, super tasty, super perfect for a side, snack, or main meal!
Tip – try and get plump, extra juicy corn cobs so there’s loads of “corn meat” to soak up the flavors. Essential drizzle with Kewpie Mayo is a must!
Love it! 😀
So quick and easy, a must for easy holiday meal ideas!
Oh my goodness! These corn ribs are AMAZING! The creamy sauce and paprika give so much delicious flavorI love how quick they are to make too!
We love them, too!
This is genius! They make sure a juicy side dish and my kiddos thought they were kinda cool. Definitely a yummy summer app.
Wow, these are SO GOOD! I can’t wait to make them again.
This is such a smart, unique and creative recipe. Thank you for the details — I followed all your instructions and it came out perfect.
The tip on how to cut the corn is super helpful! We made it last night and it was a super hit with the family!
The hardest part is to cut the corns otherwise the season and cook part are super straightforward.
I might try cutting them into shorter riblets next time (8 smaller pieces). Great recipe!
Thanks for sharing, Kathy! So happy to hear!