Make crispy, flavorful corn ribs seasoned with chili powder, lime, and topped with salty Cotija cheese. This recipe uses an air fryer for quick results.
Prepare the corn: Stand one ear of corn upright on a cutting board. Carefully slice the cob lengthwise into four equal wedges, creating four ‘ribs’ per ear. Repeat for all ears.
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Place the corn ribs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the corn and toss again until all ribs are coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
Arrange the corn ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the corn is tender and slightly charred on the edges.
Remove the cooked corn ribs from the air fryer. Immediately place them on a serving platter.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the hot corn ribs.
Sprinkle generously with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
To cut the corn safely, secure the cob between two sturdy bowls or use a specialized corn stripper tool. A sharp, heavy knife is necessary.
If you do not have Cotija cheese, use finely crumbled feta cheese as a substitute.
For a different cooking method, you can grill the ribs over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon.