Print

Crispy Air Fryer Elote-Style Corn Ribs Recipe with Easy Chipotle Crema

air fryer elote-style corn ribs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy snack featuring crispy corn ribs seasoned with smoky spices and topped with a creamy, tangy chipotle crema. Perfect for parties or a flavorful treat made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cut into ribs (lengthwise strips)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or vegan mayo)
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
  • 1 small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the corn into ribs: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each ear of corn lengthwise into 6–8 long strips, yielding about 18 to 24 ribs total.
  2. Prepare the spice blend: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Brush the corn ribs with oil: Lightly coat each rib on all sides with olive or avocado oil.
  4. Season the corn ribs: Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over each rib, pressing gently to help it stick.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3 minutes.
  6. Air fry the corn ribs: Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, slightly charred, and crispy on the edges.
  7. Make the chipotle crema: While the ribs cook, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and fresh lime juice in a bowl. Adjust lime or chipotle to taste.
  8. Serve: Transfer the corn ribs to a serving plate. Drizzle or dollop the chipotle crema generously over the ribs. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top.

Notes

Cut corn ribs evenly about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Flip ribs halfway through cooking. Make chipotle crema ahead and chill for best flavor. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt and skip cheese. Can bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes if no air fryer available.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn ribs, air fryer, elote, chipotle crema, crispy corn, Mexican street corn, snack, appetizer, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/crispy-air-fryer-elote-style-corn-ribs-recipe-with-easy-chipotle-crema/