Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Overhead image of a bowl of air fryer corn ribs set on a wooden tray.

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Corn Ribs are the perfect side, snack, or appetizer made with fresh corn on the cob. These corn riblets are brushed with olive oil or butter, seasoned to perfection, and fried to crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Author: Nikki Lee

Servings: riblets - serves 4

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Equipment

1 air fryer

Ingredients

▢ 4 corn cobs
▢ 4 tablespoons olive oil (you can also use butter)
▢ 2 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Instructions

Remove any husks and corn silks/threads from the corn cobs.
Very carefully cut each cub into lengthways quarters. Start by standing a cob vertically with the widest end on a cutting board, then using a very sharp knife, gently apply pressure rocking back and to cut through the center of the cob.
Repeat the technique in step 3 on each half cob, being extremely careful, to end up with quarters. Repeat for each cob. (Cutting the halves can be a little more tricky because they’re less stable when held vertically).* See Notes for an alternative cutting method
In a small bowl, mix together the oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Then with a little salt and pepper (to taste) in order to make the rub. Next, lay out the quartered cobs on a tray or board and use a pastry brush to evenly coat them with the rub mix

Air Fryer Instructions

Using an air fryer: Evenly lay out the seasoned corn ribs in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 375°F and air fry corns ribs for 10-12 minutes, until tender and the edges have started to brown and crisp.
Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to make them in batches, to prevent the slices of corn from sitting on top of each other. They should be in a single layer and leave a little space in between the pieces of corn.

Oven Instructions

Using an oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F Lay out the corn ribs on a non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet and put in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and the edges have started to brown and crisp.
For an extra char turn on the broiler setting for a minute or two. Just keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Garnish

To garnish brush with melted butter and sprinkle on desired toppings. *See the variations section in the post for additional delicious topping ideas.

Video

Notes

Be sure to use a sharp knife. This will be safer and easier! Be sure to curve your fingers in towards your palm and away from the knife, so that you don't cut your fingers.
To make the ear of corn even easier to cut you can place the corn in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and let cool to touch and then cut into riblets.
Make extra marinade/rub (or even use butter in place of olive oil). Halfway through cooking add a little more garlic butter sauce for even more flavor.
All air fryers and ovens will cook at varying temperatures. You may need to adjust cook times accordingly

* An Alternative Cutting Method is to lay the half cobs down on the chopping board, flat side down, which provides more stability. This method has the cut going against the grain so can be more challenging to get the knife through a sharp knife is really helpful.

Nutrition

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