Air Fryer Corn Riblets

Air fryer corn riblets will be your favourite side dish! It is the season for sweet, summer corn and I have made the perfect appetizer in the air fryer. Air fryer corn riblets are juicy and deliciously spiced. I guarantee that you will love this!

Minimal time with maximum taste – this is what I call effortless cooking. The first time I tried these corn riblets was at a Chinese restaurant with my family. Naturally, I try to replicate anything that I like eating back in my kitchen. I mean, how can I not resist?

Looking for More Vegetable Recipes? Check These Out!

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What are Air Fryer Corn Riblets?

Air fryer corn riblets are ears of corn cut into 8 sections. Cutting the corn causes them to curl up in the shape of ribs. It also makes the corn much easier to handle and eat. I slather it with a minimal amount of oil, tasty spices and air fry until they curl and crisp up. It is so addicting to eat!

Here’s Why You Will Love Air Fryer Corn Riblets

• Delicious: The spices make this appetizer so tasty!
• Simple: You can make this recipe regardless of your cooking skill level. It’s very easy to make but you do need strength to cut the corn into sections.
• Flavourful: The sweet, summer corn is juicy and fresh. It’s a great side dish.

Equipment and Tools to Make Air Fryer Corn Riblets

Pot or Instant Pot: Cook the corn by boiling or in the pressure cooker.

Cutting board and knife: Cut corn into eighths to create the rib shape.

Measuring spoons: To measure seasonings

Medium bowl: Toss the corn with olive oil and seasonings

Air Fryer: This small kitchen appliance is a favourite of mine! It delivers crispy, even-cooked results every time.

Ingredients

Corn on the cob: Sweet and golden, corn is best in the summer.

Olive oil: You can choose a regular olive oil or infused olive oil to impart more flavour.

Seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper

Garnish (optional): Parmesan cheese and parsley/cilantro

Air Fryer Corn Riblets Options and Substitutions

• Use any herbs you have on hand such as basil, chives or cilantro.
• Spice it up with different seasonings like chili powder, onion powder or smoked paprika.
• Try adding liquid smoke for that smokey flavour.
• Use an infused olive oil instead of a regular olive oil. I like the Tuscan Herb infused olive oil from Evoolution.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn Riblets

Let’s make this dish!

Remove corn from husk and cook. Discard the green corn husks and the silks, the thin strands that cling to each ear of corn. There are many ways to cook corn on the cob.

• Pressure cook in Instant Pot, steam 5 minutes on a rack (my preferred method)
• Boil for 4-5 minutes
• Microwave for 3-5 minutes

Cut the corn. Cut into eighths. This task is a bit difficult and messy. I’m not going to lie. A very sharp knife helps while rocking the knife back and forth to cut. Place corn into a bowl.

Season. Add your seasonings of paprika, garlic powder and salt with a drizzle of olive oil. Toss altogether while working it in all those nooks and crannies.

Air Fry. Preheat air fryer to 400F for 3 minutes. Add corn in the basket in a single layer, careful not to overlap. Working in batches, air fry for 4 minutes. Flip and air fry for an additional 4 minutes until the corn is tender and curly with golden brown, crispy edges.

Optional. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an air tight container for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

Make Ahead Options

You can boil the corn ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for up to 3 days then toss together with the olive oil and spices. Air fry when you are ready to eat.

Recipe Tips

You can make this without cooking the corn first but it is more difficult to cut the corn. Add 2 additional minutes in the air fryer.

Use a good quality knife to cut the corn.

Different air fryers have different cooking times. I recommend checking it regularly when you first make this recipe. Rapid hot airflow cooks the corn in a fraction of the time for speed and efficiency.

I would still recommend adding a little bit of oil to the corn even though air fryers crisp food with hot air instead of oil. The air fryer is great for capturing the crispy, golden textures and rich taste you love without a tonne of added fat and grease.

Add corn in the basket in a single layer, careful not to overlap. Work in batches if necessary so that each corn riblet gets a crispy edge.

Choose corn with plump kernels. The fresher your corn is, the better your air fryer corn riblets will be.

Serve this corn as a side dish or use it in a salad or as a delicious topping in my black garlic creamy udon recipe here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Air Fryer Corn Riblets taste like? Air fryer corn riblets are juicy and deliciously spiced with paprika and garlic powder. Air fryer corn riblets curl and crisp up as they cook. It is so addicting to eat!

What goes well with Air Fryer Corn Riblets? Serve this corn as a side dish with a dip or use it in a salad or as a delicious topping in my black garlic creamy udon recipe here.

Are Air Fryer Corn Riblets healthy? There is minimal fat and corn is high in vitamin A.

Can I make this without boiling the corn first? Yes, you can make this without cooking the corn first but it is more difficult to cut the corn. Add 2 additional minutes of cooking time in the air fryer.

Do you eat the center of the corn riblets? No, it is too tough to eat. You want to enjoy the kernels only.

Can I make this without cutting the corn into eigths? Yes! If you find it too difficult to cut the corn into riblet shape, you can air fry the corn whole and it will just be as tasty.

Can I air fry this corn without oil? I wouldn’t recommend it. Your corn will be drier and the olive oil acts as a glue for all the spices to attach to the corn.

Hungry for More Recipes?

Black Garlic Creamy Udon

Thai Basil Lemongrass Pork Bowl

Hawaiian Shrimp Truck Recipe

Lastly, if you make my Air Fryer Corn Riblets, be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.