Smoky Air Fryer Corn Ribs

This Tex-Mex snack recipe combines authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques. Ready in 25 minutes, serves 4 people. Arrange the curved corn ribs on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately with a side of low-fat Greek yogurt mixed …

Cuisine: Tex-Mex Type: Snack Time: 25 min Servings: 4 Calories: 217 per serving

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 217 calories and 9.0g of protein. Macronutrients include 25.0g carbohydrates and 9.0g fats per serving.

Per Serving

Calories
217
Protein
9.0g
Carbohydrates
25.0g
Fats
9.0g

Total

Calories
868
Protein
36.0g
Carbohydrates
100.0g
Fats
36.0g

Ingredients

This recipe requires 11 ingredients. All ingredients are commonly available at grocery stores.

  • 4.0 whole Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob
    shucked, cleaned, and carefully quartered lengthwise into ribs
  • 2.0 tbsp Avocado Oil
    for coating (high smoke point healthy fat)
  • 0.75 cup Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt
    chilled, for dipping sauce (healthy substitute for crema)
  • 2.0 whole Limes
    cut into wedges for serving and juicing
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro
    leaves finely chopped for garnish
  • 1.0 tsp Smoked Sea Salt
    finely ground (provides smoky flavor without nightshades)
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin
    for earthy Tex-Mex flavor
  • 1.0 tsp Ground Coriander
    dried powder
  • 1.0 tsp Garlic Powder
    dried
  • 1.0 tsp Onion Powder
    dried
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
    freshly cracked (adds safe heat)

Instructions

Follow these 5 steps to prepare this dish. Each step includes detailed instructions for best results.

1. Mise en Place & Equipment Setup

  1. Place a damp towel under a large cutting board to prevent slipping and locate a sharp, heavy chef's knife.
  2. Place the 4 whole ears of corn (shucked) on a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Microwave the corn on high to slightly soften the core, making cutting safer.
  4. Remove corn from microwave and allow to cool slightly until safe to handle.

2. Spice Blend & Corn Preparation

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp (5g) smoked sea salt, 1.5 tsp (7.5g) cumin, 1 tsp (5g) coriander, 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, 1 tsp (5g) onion powder, and 0.5 tsp (2.5g) black pepper.
  2. Trim the flat ends off each corn cob to create a stable base.
  3. Stand cob upright and carefully cut vertically through the center to create two halves.
  4. Place flat side of each half down and cut vertically again to create quarters (ribs). Repeat for all ears.

3. Seasoning the Ribs

  1. Place the corn ribs in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle 2 tbsp (30ml) of avocado oil over the ribs and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the spice blend over the oiled ribs and toss again until spices are well distributed.

4. Air Frying Process

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation (cook in batches if necessary).
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes total, pausing to flip the ribs halfway through until they curl and slightly char.

5. Dipping Sauce & Garnish Prep

  1. While corn cooks, combine 0.75 cup (180ml) Greek yogurt with juice from 1 lime in a small bowl.
  2. Finely chop 0.25 cup (15g) fresh cilantro leaves.
  3. Cut the remaining lime into wedges for serving.

Plating

  1. Select a rustic wooden board or a wide, neutral-colored ceramic platter to contrast with the golden corn.
  2. Place a small ramekin of the seasoned Greek yogurt dip on the side of the platter, or smear a generous swoosh of the dip across the base of the plate if serving individually.
  3. Pile the corn ribs in the center, interlocking the curled ends to build height and volume, similar to how spare ribs are stacked.
  4. Scatter the finely chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the stack for a vibrant pop of green.
  5. Tuck fresh lime wedges around the base of the stack and finish with a final pinch of smoked sea salt to highlight the texture.

Family Beverage

Chilled hibiscus tea (Agua de Jamaica) or sparkling water with fresh lime and mint leaves

Alcohol Beverage

Cold Mexican lager with a lime wedge or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the curved corn ribs on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately with a side of low-fat Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice and garlic for dipping, or a fresh avocado crema.

Notes

To safely cut the corn into quarters, stand the cob upright on a damp towel to prevent slipping and rock the knife carefully through the core. Microwaving the whole cobs for 2-3 minutes before cutting can soften the tough center. Ensure the ribs are spaced out in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate, which causes the signature curling shape.

Storage

Allow the corn ribs to cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation from softening the crust. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the Greek yogurt dipping sauce in a separate airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooled corn ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture. Do not freeze the yogurt dip as the texture will split.

Dietary Information

Allergen information: This recipe contains or may contain the following allergens: nightshade. Always check ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Dietary considerations: Consult the nutrition information above for detailed macronutrient breakdown. This recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences.

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