1. Prepare the Corn: Start by laying one ear of corn flat on a cutting board. Using a very sharp, heavy chef’s knife, carefully cut the corn in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half lengthwise again, creating four “ribs” from each ear of corn. The kernels will naturally curl inward, giving them their characteristic “rib” shape. Repeat with the remaining ears of corn.

2. Create the Flavorful Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, granulated sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

3. Coat the Corn Ribs: Add the prepared corn ribs to the bowl with the butter mixture. Toss gently to ensure all sides of each corn rib are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spatula to make sure every piece is glistening with the seasoning.

4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

5. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated corn ribs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation, which is key for crispiness. Overlapping pieces will steam rather than crisp.

6. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the corn ribs for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Look for the kernels to be tender, slightly charred in spots, and beautifully caramelized. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your corn ribs.

7. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, carefully remove the corn ribs from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot and enjoy!