Corn on the cob is one of my favorite things in the world to eat: it’s so simple and easy to make, and it really highlights for me the bounty and beauty of summer.
But sometimes, especially later in the summer, when you’ve had corn on the cob maybe a dozen times, you want to do something a little different, or extra, with it. You want to give it a little flair, or spice.
So when I saw a TikTok video over at spicednice for elotes-style-corn-ribs, I knew I had to try it.
Now, if you’re not familiar with elotes, it is a Mexican street food style of corn on the cob that is absolutely delicious! Seasoned with butter, mayonnaise, chili, and lime, it bumps up corn on the cob to a different level. You can watch my trying elotes here.
To make elates-style corn ribs, the preparation is quite simple. You start by cutting the corn lengthwise, then lengthwise again which will give you four quarters of corn.
Once all of your corn is cut, season the quarters as you would elotes before air frying or baking them. I used the air fryer which caused the quarters to curl a bit, making them resemble spare ribs (albeit made from corn.)
I used four ears of corn which was enough for my family of four, but you should plan on using one or two ears per person, doing them in batches if you are making them for a larger party.
Elotes-Style Corn Ribs
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 ears corn fresh and in-season
Marinade
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- pinch Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. lime juice
Topping
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 3 tsp. cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 tsp. cilantro (optional) finely chopped
Instructions
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
- Use a sharp knife cut ~1/2" off the stalk end of the corn to create a flat base.
- Stand the corn up vertically and use a sharp knife to cut the cob in half. Do not hold the corn while slicing. Repeat with each half and cut into quarters.
- Whisk all of the marinade ingredients into a large bowl. Add the cut corn and use a brush to coat the corn with the marinade.
- Place the seasoned corn into an air fryer and air fry at 400˚F/204˚C for 10 minutes or until the corn ribs curl and begin to char on the edges.
- Take the ribs out of the air fryer. Use a butter knife to coat each rib with butter and mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro. Serve warm.