Air Fryer Honey-Butter Corn Ribs

Corn, but make it dramatic. These Air Fryer Honey-Butter Corn Ribs curl into golden arcs as they crisp, dripping with sweet-salty glaze and begging to be eaten with sticky fingers. They look like something from a chef-y menu but take all of 20 minutes — and require nothing fancier than corn, butter, and honey.

They’re messy in a beautiful way, unapologetically fun, and the kind of side dish that makes everyone at the table say, “Wait — what is this?” (while reaching for seconds).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Playful presentation — the rib curl gives instant wow-factor.
• Sweet + salty balance — honey and butter do their glossy magic.
• Pantry-friendly — fresh corn, butter, honey, salt. Done.
• Air fryer easy — caramelized edges in minutes without fuss.
• Holiday or weeknight-ready — fits in just as well at Thanksgiving as it does on Taco Tuesday.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

• Quarter carefully: Use a sharp knife and cut lengthwise for the rib effect (pro tip: microwave corn briefly to soften before slicing).
• Spice it up: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for sweet-heat vibes.
• Cheese moment: Sprinkle cotija or Parmesan after air frying for even more indulgence.
• Reheat hack: Crisp up leftovers at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.

Serving & Pairings

These corn ribs are at home with:

• Thanksgiving mains like turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
• Casual spreads — tacos, sliders, grilled meats.
• A sparkling cider or a maple-bourbon cocktail.

FAQ

Can I make these with frozen corn?

No — frozen corn doesn’t slice into quarters the same way. Stick with fresh ears.

How do I keep the ribs from drying out?

Brush generously with honey butter before and after air frying. The glaze keeps them juicy.

Do I need to pre-cook the corn?

Nope. Fresh corn goes straight in after cutting. The air fryer does the heavy lifting.

Air Fryer Honey-Butter Corn Ribs

Corn sliced into “ribs,” brushed with honey butter, and air-fried until caramelized and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 4 ears fresh corn quartered lengthwise
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Mix butter, honey, paprika, and salt; brush over corn ribs.
• Air fry 10–12 minutes until edges curl and caramelize.

Notes

Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving for extra flair.