Description
Delicious and addictive Mexican Corn Ribs are a fun twist on traditional corn on the cob. These air-fried corn segments are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and topped with a creamy, tangy elote sauce, crumbled Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. A perfect appetizer or side dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street corn in a unique rib shape.
Ingredients
Corn Ribs
- 3 ears of corn on the cob
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp Cacique Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Elote Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, finely chopped or blended
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the corn.
- Prepare Corn Ribs: Husk the corn ears completely, removing all silk. Then cut each ear lengthwise into four even segments to create the “ribs.”
- Season Corn: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush this seasoning mixture generously over each corn rib to coat well.
- Air Fry Corn Ribs: Place the seasoned corn ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the ribs halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Prepare Elote Sauce: While the corn cooks, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest, salt, chipotle chilies in adobo, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Once the corn ribs are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Slather each rib with the prepared elote sauce, sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or side dish and enjoy the vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Cutting the corn into ribs makes it easier to eat and adds a fun presentation twist.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder and chipotle in adobo to control the spiciness level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Cotija cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a vegan mayo and sour cream.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the corn ribs on a rimmed baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.
- Make sure to flip the corn ribs during air frying for even cooking and crispness.
