Air Fryer Corn Ribs are a delicious summer side dish that is fun to eat. Corn ribs made from ears of corn look like short ribs but are made from corn. This TikTok viral recipe is naturally plant-based, vegetarian and gluten-free.

Seasoned air fryer corn ribs on a white plate.

Corn Ribs are all the rage right now! I love how fun they look when they start to curl up. These are great for serving corn cobs in smaller servings, plus you can really get some amazing flavor going on.

While I love grilling in summer, some days you just want to stay inside in the air conditioning but not heat up the kitchen. This makes the air fryer a great option.

I think you’re going to love this sweet corn recipe that makes a great side dish for summer meals.

Contents hide
1 Air Fried Corn Rib Benefits
2 Recommended Ingredients
3 Recipe Steps
4 Recipe Tips
5 Recipe FAQs
6 More Healthy Side Dish Recipes You Might Like
7 What to Serve with Air Fryer Corn Ribs
8 Air Fryer Corn Ribs (TikTok Recipe)

Air Fried Corn Rib Benefits

  • In just 20 minutes you can have an on-trend side dish ready. Cooking corn ribs transforms them into a curbed rib shape which is perfect for grabbing and chowing down.
  • Corn is the perfect summer vegetable and finding new ways to cook it is always a great idea.
  • The seasonings can be customized to your taste. Corn ribs are also great for dipping into hot sauce or your favorite bbq sauce. Yum!
Ingredients for air fryer corn ribs on a white surface.

Corn cobs are a starchy plant-based food that are almost universally loved.

Smoked paprika adds a really fun flavor that you might not have tried yet. I also like to use garlic powder and sea salt. See the recipe tips at the end of this post for some alternative seasoning ideas.

Olive oil adds healthy fats while promoting browning.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

Process collage of preparing and air fryer corn ribs.

Step One

Use a large sharp knife or chef’s knife to cut off the ends of the fresh corn on a chopping board or cutting board.

Then, very carefully cut the ears in half and then in half lengthwise. Each ear should net 4 pieces of corn ribs.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Combine the oil with seasonings in a small bowl.

Step Three

Brush the corn ribs with the seasoned oil on all sides.

Step Four

Air fry in a single layer in your air fryer basket until browned and starting to curl up in a curved rib shape. Leave a little space between the giblets during the cooking process.

Let cool enough to handle before serving. I hope you enjoy this simple recipe that is a new way to enjoy strips of corn. The corn rib trend is so much fun and the best way to serve an ear of corn this summer.

Seasoned corn ribs in the basket of an air fryer.

Recipe Tips

  • Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can double this recipe if you want more servings.
  • Store any leftovers in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Some air fryers need to be preheated. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s guide for your specific air fryer model to determine if it needs to be preheated.
  • If you aren’t on a dairy-free diet, feel free to sprinkle your cooked corn with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired version. Add a dash of lime juice for even more flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other seasonings?

Smoked paprika has a strong, very distinct flavor. You can always substitute regular paprika if that’s what you have and prefer. Also, try swapping out the garlic for onion powder. You can really use any seasonings you’d like here (try chili powder for a spicy version), I just recommend keeping the salt to bring out those flavors.

Is the entire corn rib edible?

Keep in mind that this is still corn on the cob and you won’t want to eat that cob. Just hold on to it and eat the amazing kernels.

Can I make corn ribs in the oven or on the grill?

Yes! Bake them at 350F for 25 minutes in the oven. For corn ribs on the grill, cook them over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.

Seasoned air fryer corn ribs on a white plate.

More Healthy Side Dish Recipes You Might Like

What to Serve with Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe (Drumsticks)

Instant Pot Tri-Tip (Sliced or Shredded)

Gluten-Free Black Bean Burgers with Chili Fries

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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Seasoned air fryer corn ribs on a white plate.

Air Fryer Corn Ribs (TikTok Recipe)

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Corn Ribs are a delicious summer side dish that is fun to eat. Corn ribs look like short ribs but are made from corn. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ears of fresh corn, husks and cornsilk removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter or ghee (use vegan butter for dairy-free diets)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of each ear of corn.
  2. Then, use your hands or a sharp knife to break the ears of corn in half. This makes it easier to cut the corn into quarters. (If your ears of corn are on the smaller side, you don’t have to break them in half).
  3. Place each corn half on its side and then use a sharp knife to cut the corn cob down the middle lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half again. Don’t cut too close to the base of the corn kernels or they will come off the cob. You’ll end up with 8 corn ribs from 2 ears of corn (or 4 ribs if you don’t break your corn in half).
  4. In a small bowl, combine the oil or melted fat, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  5. Use a pastry brush to cover the top of each corn rib with the oil and seasoning.
  6. Place the corn ribs in a single layer inside your air fryer basket.
  7. Set the temperature to 400°F for 10-12 minutes. The corn ribs will be done when they start to curl.
  8. Let the corn ribs cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can double this recipe if you want more servings.
  2. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  3. Some air fryers need to be preheated. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s guide for your specific air fryer model to determine if it needs to be preheated.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 128
  • Sugar: 4.6 g
  • Sodium: 302.7 mg
  • Fat: 8.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
  • Fiber: 1.8 g
  • Protein: 2.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.