Dinner

Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 corn on the cob; ¼ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese; 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

ByHarry Bern January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

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Introduction

Air Fryer Corn Ribs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional corn on the cob. These crispy, seasoned ribs are easy to make and perfect as a snack or side dish. Topped with a creamy, tangy Elote sauce, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with seven grilled corn ears arranged side by side. The corn is golden yellow with charred spots and sprinkled with white crumbly cheese and chopped green herbs. On the top left side of the plate there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy beige sauce dotted with spice specks. Behind the bowl, a cut lime is placed face up showing its green interior. Fresh green cilantro sprigs are placed on the bottom and right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface accompanied by fresh corn husks and a checkered cloth with white and brown stripes on the bottom left side. Next to the plate on the right is a small wooden bowl containing more crumbly white cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 corn on the cob
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
2 tablespoons cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the husks from the corn and trim the stalk end to create a flat base. Stand the corn upright on a cutting board and carefully cut each cob in half lengthwise, then cut each half into two ribs, creating 4 ribs per cob.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over each corn rib, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 4: Arrange the corn ribs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the Elote sauce by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Once the corn ribs are cooked, brush them generously with the Elote sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture or Elote sauce.
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta is a good substitute.
Serve with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a dash of hot sauce for added zest.

Storage

Store leftover corn ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Keep the Elote sauce separate and add fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy, light orange sauce with small green herb and spice flecks sits on a dark green plate. On the plate, there are six grilled corn on the cob pieces arranged in a fan shape, each cob golden yellow with a slight char, coated in a creamy sauce, sprinkled with white crumbly cheese and green chopped herbs. A woman's hand is dipping one bright yellow corn cob, with visible texture from the kernels, into the sauce, lifting it up. The background is a soft white marbled surface with a piece of lime and some green leaves blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make corn ribs without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook corn ribs on a grill or in the oven. Grill them over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

How do I prevent the corn ribs from drying out?

Brushing the corn ribs with olive oil before cooking helps retain moisture. Avoid overcooking, and make sure to coat them with the creamy Elote sauce to add richness.