Air Fryer Corn Ribs turn ordinary corn on the cob into the most fun appetizer or side dish at your next gathering. This golden corn has a smoky-sweet spice crust, charred edges and a tangy lime crema.
They curl up into these adorable little “ribs” as they cook, which makes them irresistible finger food for parties, game day, or just a fun twist on your usual side dish. Best of all, that creamy lime mayo drizzle and Tajin and cotija topping bring a bright, tangy finish that takes them from simple to seriously craveable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe proves that corn on the cob never has to be boring again.
Helpful Tips
- Cut carefully: Quartering fresh corn lengthwise takes a sharp, sturdy knife and a steady hand, so stand the cob on its flat cut end for stability and use slow, deliberate pressure rather than trying to force it through in one motion.
- Don’t skip the flip: Turning the ribs halfway through cooking helps every side get that golden, slightly charred texture instead of leaving one side pale and the other overdone.
- Make the sauce ahead: The lime mayo drizzle can be whisked together and refrigerated up to a day in advance, so all you have to do at serving time is plate and garnish.
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Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- Tajin seasoning for garnish
- 1 tablespoon cotija cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Take the husks off the corn and chop off the ends. Carefully and with a sharp knife, cut the cobs into quarters, lengthwise.
- Mix together the olive oil and the seasonings. Brush on the corn ribs.
- Place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12 minutes on 400°F(200°C), flipping halfway through the cook time.
- Whisk mayonnaise and lime juice together in a bowl.
- When the ribs are ready, serve them with the sauce drizzled over the top, a sprinkle of tajin seasoning, and some crumbled cotija.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.