Get ready to fall in love with Corn Ribs—a playful, flavor-packed twist on summer’s favorite veggie! With a quick slice and a blast of seasoning, sweet corn on the cob transforms into irresistible rib-shaped wedges that curl up and crisp in the oven or air fryer. Every bite is a joyful mix of smoky spices, juicy kernels, and crunchy edges—perfect for dipping and sharing. If you’re looking to impress at your next BBQ or craving a fun snack, Corn Ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of essentials to make Corn Ribs, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient brings something special. The sweetness of fresh corn meets bold spices, a touch of smokiness, and a zing of freshness, creating layers of delicious flavor in every bite.
- Fresh corn on the cob: The star of the show! Look for sweet, plump ears for the juiciest, most flavorful ribs.
- Olive oil: A light coating helps the spices adhere and encourages perfect browning.
- Smoked paprika: Adds irresistible smoky depth and gorgeous color to the Corn Ribs.
- Garlic powder: Gives a savory backbone that keeps every bite interesting.
- Chili powder: Brings mild heat and beautiful reddish tint—adjust to your spice preference!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing sweetness and making those flavors pop.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens and enhances every bite.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of color and herbaceous finish on top—highly recommended!
How to Make Corn Ribs
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by shucking your corn and removing every bit of silk so the ribs come out perfectly clean and easy to eat. Place each ear of corn upright on a sturdy cutting board, carefully cut it in half lengthwise, then cut those halves into quarters—giving you long, rib-like strips. A sharp, heavy knife is key here; take it slow and steady for safe, even slices.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This no-fuss blend will infuse every nook and cranny of your Corn Ribs with bold, savory flavor. Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak the spice level to fit your mood or your crowd!
Step 3: Coat the Corn Ribs
Arrange your corn strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Use a brush or your hands to generously coat each rib all over with the seasoning oil. The more evenly you coat, the more tasty, crispy bits you’ll enjoy at the end!
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Crank your oven to 425°F (or preheat your air fryer to 400°F). Roast or air fry your Corn Ribs for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get golden and slightly curled. You’re looking for a beautiful char with tender, juicy middles and slightly crispy edges—pure corny bliss!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
While still hot, load your Corn Ribs onto a platter, squeeze over plenty of fresh lime juice, and scatter chopped cilantro if you like. Watch them disappear—these little “ribs” go fast, especially when paired with your favorite dips!
How to Serve Corn Ribs
Garnishes
Amp up the flavor even more with a final flurry of toppings! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, more chopped cilantro, or a dusting of cotija cheese can take Corn Ribs from tasty to totally unforgettable. For extra tang, offer lime wedges on the side—one squeeze and those smoky spices really sing.
Side Dishes
Corn Ribs love company! Pair them with creamy guacamole, cool yogurt dip, or spicy chipotle mayo for ultimate dipping. They’re a perfect side for grilled meats, tacos, or a fresh summer salad. If you’re hosting, let them headline a fun veggie platter to really get conversations (and appetites) going.
Creative Ways to Present
Go playful: Stack your Corn Ribs like a pile of classic ribs on a butcher block, scatter microgreens or edible flowers for a chef’s touch, or serve them in a rustic basket for that backyard BBQ vibe. For a taco night twist, chop the baked ribs and tuck them into tortillas with salsa and avocado—your guests will be wowed by this fun makeover!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your cooled Corn Ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious (if a bit less crisp) for up to 3 days, making for excellent late-night snacks or next-day lunches.
Freezing
While freshly baked Corn Ribs deliver peak crunch and flavor, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Lay them out in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive their crispiness, reheat Corn Ribs in a 400°F oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes, checking midway to prevent overcooking. The high, dry heat brings back much of their signature crunch and wakes up those smoky spices.
FAQs
What’s the best way to cut corn for Corn Ribs?
Always use a large, sharp chef’s knife for safe, clean slicing, and be sure your cutting board is stable. Cutting the cob into quarters lengthwise gives the perfect rib shape and helps them curl up beautifully in the oven.
Can I grill Corn Ribs instead of baking or air frying?
Absolutely! Grilling adds fantastic char and smoky flavor. Place seasoned Corn Ribs on a hot grill, turning occasionally until they’re tender and lightly crisped—about 10-12 minutes.
What dips go well with Corn Ribs?
So many! Try classic chipotle mayo, zesty lime crema, herby ranch, or spicy salsa. The ribs are perfect for dunking and soaking up bold flavors.
Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Fresh corn gives the best texture and sweetness, but you can use frozen cobs in a pinch. Just thaw and pat dry before slicing and seasoning for optimal results.
Are Corn Ribs spicy?
They can be as spicy or as mild as you like! Adjust the chili powder amount to fit your heat tolerance or swap in smoked paprika for a totally mild, smoky version.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait another minute to try Corn Ribs—they might just become your new favorite way to eat corn! They’re simple, festive, and bursting with flavor. Whip up a batch, gather your friends, and watch everyone go wild for these crunchy, juicy, utterly snackable corn sensations.
Print
Corn Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and flavorful corn ribs are a unique twist on traditional corn on the cob. Coated in a savory seasoning and baked to perfection, they make a delicious side dish or snack that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Corn: Cut each ear of corn into 2-3 inch sections to resemble ‘ribs’.
- Coat the Corn: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each corn ‘rib’ with this mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated corn on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your corn ribs!
Notes
Notes:
- You can customize the seasoning mix to suit your taste preferences.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These corn ribs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn ribs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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