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Crispy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe with Zesty Chili Lime Butter

crispy air fryer corn ribs - featured image

A quick and easy snack featuring crispy air-fried corn ribs coated in a zesty chili lime butter, perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful midweek treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the Corn into Ribs: Trim the ends of each ear of corn. Stand the cob upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downwards to create 4 long ribs per ear, yielding 16 corn ribs total.
  2. Make the Chili Lime Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Whisk until smooth and vibrant.
  3. Brush the Corn Ribs: Use a basting brush to generously coat each corn rib with the chili lime butter, covering every nook and kernel.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and warm up for 3 minutes.
  5. Cook the Corn Ribs: Arrange corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until deep golden and crispy. Add 2-3 more minutes if needed, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Final Butter Brush & Garnish: Immediately brush ribs again with leftover chili lime butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking oil before placing the corn ribs. For extra flavor, sprinkle grated cotija or parmesan cheese after cooking. Cook ribs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and steaming. You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread for a vegan option. Frozen corn on the cob can be used but may not crisp as well. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn ribs, air fryer snack, chili lime butter, crispy corn, easy snack, quick recipe, summer snack