Corn Ribs (Air Fryer Version)

When I first saw Corn Ribs enter the food scene I gave it major side-eye. I thought, “Seriously? No thank you!” Then I tried them and my tuned changed VERY quickly.

Corn ribs is something that totally works! Not only is it actually fun to eat, you can really maximize the flavor. Whatever seasoning and/or butter you use can get better access between each of the corn kernels when it comes to this dish. It’s truly a delicious experience!

What Are Corn Ribs?

Corn ribs are pieces of corn on the cob, that have been quartered lengthwise, seasoned, and grilled (or cooked in a pan, stovetop or in the air fryer!). The dish gets its name from the fact that they are made of corn, but look like ribs (they slightly bend/curl as they cook), and are generally eaten like ribs.

How to Make Corn Ribs

Ingredients

Process

Seasoning Mix

1. Place all seasoning ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir together.

Spicy Crema

2. Place all spicy crema ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

Garlic and Herb Butter

3. Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat.
4. Once butter has melted, add chives, cilantro, and garlic and remove from heat. Swirl to evenly distribute garlic and herbs and set aside.

Assembly

5. Toss corn together with seasoning and oil until evenly and fully coated.
6. Spray air fryer basket with avocado spray and add cut ribs (may need to do in batches to prevent overcrowding). Spray corn with cooking spray.

7. Set air fryer to 380˚F and air fry ribs for about 12 minutes.
8. Transfer corn to a bowl and drizzle with garlic-herb butter. Toss well to coat.

9. Transfer corn ribs to a serving platter and drizzle with more garlic-herb butter. Serve with spicy crema for dipping.

Cutting Corn Ribs

1. Cut the bottoms and tops off of each corn cob.
2. Then cut each corn cob in half crosswise.

3. Stand one of the corn cob pieces upright and very carefully cut in half.
4. Then lay each half, cut side down and cut in half lengthwise again (making 4 quarters).Repeat with remaining corn cob halves.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife and steady/even surface to cut the corn ribs for safety purposes.

Variations

• We love the seasoning mix we use for this dish, but you can really use whatever herbs and spices you want to flavor your corn ribs, based on personal preference!
• You can also swap the butter, for the garlic-herb butter, out for coconut or avocado oil for a vegan friendly version.
• We use our air fryer for our recipe, but you can also cook these on the grill (a few minutes on each side), on the stovetop, or even under the broiler! Detailed instructions below!

Alternate Cooking Methods for Corn Ribs

Stovetop Version

Place a heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the skillet. Carefully add the seasoned ribs to the hot skillet and sear on each side for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove corn from heat and toss with garlic-herb butter. Serve.

Oven/Broiler Version

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Line corn ribs onto prepared baking sheet, cut-side down, about 1/2 inch apart. Set broiler to high heat and broil corn for 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly charred and blistered. Turn ribs over and broil for another minute. Remove from heat and toss with garlic-herb butter. Serve.

What to Serve with Corn Ribs

Corn ribs make an exceptional side dish for lots of different picnic and bbq meals. Some of our favorite things to serve it alongside are:

• Sticky Hoisin Oven Baked Ribs
• Baby Back Ribs with a Sweet Honey BBQ Sauce
• Slow Cooker Wagyu BBQ Beef Brisket
• Buffalo Wings
• Parmesan Dusted Chicken Wings
• Grilled Tri Tip Sandwiches

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