Make these delicious homemade corn ribs with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, cook them in the air fryer or the oven for a tasty and healthy side dish for any meal.
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Corn ribs are one of the latest food trends and I seriously hope that they are here to stay.
Corn ribs are a great side dish or appetizer for summer parties. Try them paired with grilled steak, chicken, or burgers for an irresistible combination.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredient list for this recipe is just about as simple as it gets! I've included a recipe for a delicious cajun butter sauce but you can easily omit it and serve the corn just as it is or with any other dipping sauce that you like.
- Corn on the cob - Fresh corn is best and will yield the best results. You can use frozen corn on the cob as well, but you will need to allow it to thaw first.
- Butter, margarine, or oil
- Salt
- Cajun Butter Dipping Sauce - Butter, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, and fresh parsley.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Tips for cutting corn ribs
Cutting the corn is the most difficult part of preparing this recipe. It can also be quite dangerous if you aren't careful or use a bad technique.
- Use a heavy, sharp knife. I used a Henckels 6" chef's knife, which worked very well. This is my go-to knife and it's also very affordable so if you are looking for a new knife, I highly recommend checking it out.
- Cut off both ends of the cob. This makes them both flat which not only makes cutting them easier but also allows them to cook evenly.
- Stand the cob upright with the widest end of the cob facing down. Using a heavy, sharp knife cut the corn in half lengthwise using a rocking motion. When the knife is about 25-50% through the cob you should be able to push straight down with the knife (if not just continue rocking your blade).
- Place the cut side of the cob down on your cutting board and slice the corn in half lengthwise again. I found that a rocking motion was the easiest way to get the cut started.
How to Make Corn Ribs
The most difficult part of making corn ribs is cutting the corn. Be sure to check out the video on this post and read the section above this one with tips for easy cutting 🙂
After you've cut the corn into quarters brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
Cook the corn ribs in your air fryer for 15 minutes. Flip them and brush them with additional butter halfway through the cooking time.
Oven Directions: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the corn ribs for 25 minutes, flipping and brushing with additional butter halfway through the cooking time.
While they are cooking, prepare the cajun butter if desired. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
If desired, brush some of the cajun butter on the corn just before serving.
Variations
The possibilities are nearly endless with this recipe. Here are some of my favorite ways to change it up:
- Mexican Street Corn Ribs - Cook the corn following the recipe as it is written, skipping the cajun butter sauce. When the corn is done follow this recipe for delicious street corn ribs!
- Grilled Corn Ribs - Cook the corn ribs, cut side down, on the grill over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes.
For other delicious corn recipes be sure to check out my Thai Corn Fritters, or Mexican Street Corn Fritters!
Storage
For the best flavor and texture corn is best enjoyed just after it is cooked. If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or wrapped in foil in the oven.
I don't suggest freezing leftovers. You can however follow these instructions for freezing the corn before it is cooked!
FAQs
Corn ribs are a fun and unique way to prepare corn on the cob. Essentially, they are sliced pieces of corn that resemble ribs. This makes them great finger food and a fun way to enjoy one of the summer's most beloved vegetables.
You can prepare the corn ribs in advance, but I don't suggest cooking them until they are ready to serve. Luckily they only take about 15 minutes to cook!
Corn ribs make a great side dish or appetizer for any summer meal. Serve them with my cajun butter sauce, with your favorite dipping sauce, or sprinkle them with additional spices and herbs for extra flavor.
No, you still only eat the kernels. However, cutting the corn into ribs does make it easier and less messy to enjoy corn on the cob.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 4 ears Corn on the Cob Shucked and trimmed
- 3 tablespoon Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Optional Cajun Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoon Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 425℉ if your model requires preheating.
- Carefully cut the corn into fourths lengthwise.4 ears Corn on the Cob
- Brush the cut corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.3 tablespoon Butter, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Place the corn in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer (depending upon the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches) Cook them for 15 minutes, flipping them and brushing with additional butter halfway. Remove them from the air fryer when the corn is tender and beginning to brown and the cobs are beginning to curl inward.
- If desired, prepare the cajun butter while the corn is cooking. Simply combine all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.4 tablespoon Butter, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning, 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
- Serve the corn with the cajun butter as a dip, or brush it on just before serving. Enjoy!
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
Nutrition
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Anne says
So much better for any recipe with a can of cream of something it. Thank you!