Why is it called corn ribs?

Corn ribs get their name from the way the corn cob is sliced and cooked. When you quarter the cob lengthwise and roast or air fry it, the pieces curl up at the ends and resemble traditional pork ribs in shape. The look mimics the real thing—but the flavor is all sweet, roasted corn goodness.

Do you eat the entire corn rib?

No, you only eat the kernels. The tough inner cob isn’t edible. Think of it like regular corn on the cob—you bite off the flavorful kernels and discard the rest. The shape just makes it more fun and easier to handle.

How do you cut corn into ribs?

Stand the cob upright on a cutting board and carefully slice down the center with a sharp chef’s knife to halve it. Then cut each half lengthwise again, giving you four long wedges. These quarters curl and crisp as they cook, creating the signature rib shape.

Ribbed corn isn’t a special variety—it’s just corn that’s been sliced into ribs. The “ribbed” name comes from the final look after cooking. It’s the shape and structure—not the type of corn—that earns the name.

Corn Ribs Recipe: 5-Step Crispy Twist That Tastes Amazing

Name: Corn Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh corn; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; Optional: lime wedges, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro

Description

Corn ribs are a fun, crispy way to enjoy fresh corn. Cut into rib-like shapes and roasted or air-fried, they’re full of flavor and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

4 ears fresh corn

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

Optional: lime wedges, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Remove husks and silk from the corn.

2. Stand each cob vertically and slice in half lengthwise, then again into quarters.

3. In a bowl, mix olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.

4. Coat the corn ribs evenly with the seasoned oil.

5. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. Serve with lime, cheese, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

Use a very sharp knife for cutting corn safely.

Add melted cowboy butter or chipotle mayo for extra flavor.

Pairs well with grilled meats or as a shareable side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer / Oven Roasted
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ear corn (quartered)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg