Craving the sweet, smoky flavour of corn ribs but want to keep it keto? This Air Fryer Corn Ribs recipe delivers all the fun and taste of classic corn ribs—without the carbs. Instead of corn, we use tender baby courgettes, sliced into rib-like strips, then tossed in a savoury paprika butter and air fried to golden perfection.
These keto-friendly ‘ribs’ are crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and bursting with smoky, buttery goodness. They’re perfect for sharing at BBQs, as a fun side, or a satisfying snack. The air fryer makes them quick and easy, with minimal oil and mess.
Simply slice the courgettes, coat in the seasoned butter, and air fry until golden and curling at the edges. Serve with a tangy garlic mayo dip or your favourite keto sauce. You’ll love this clever, low-carb twist on a viral favourite!
At a glance
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbs: 3.5 g
- Energy: 140 kcal
Ingredients
- 300g Baby courgettes (Choose small, firm courgettes for best texture)
- 40g Butter (Melted)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Tongs
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Trim the ends from the courgettes. Slice each courgette lengthways into quarters to create rib-like strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the courgette strips generously with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for crisping.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until the 'ribs' are golden, slightly curled, and crisp at the edges.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favourite keto dip.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy
Potential swaps:
- Butter → Vegan butter or olive oil — For a dairy-free version
- Baby courgettes → Yellow courgettes or marrow — If baby courgettes are unavailable
Serving Ideas
- With garlic mayo dip – for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Alongside grilled meats – as a fun, low-carb BBQ side.
- Topped with crumbled feta – for a salty, savoury finish.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Slice courgettes evenly for uniform cooking and crispness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of cayenne or grated parmesan before air frying.
Variations
- Try adding grated parmesan before air frying for a cheesy crust.
- Sprinkle with chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap smoked paprika for curry powder for a different flavour profile.
Troubleshooting
- If the ribs aren’t crisping, increase air fryer time by 2–3 minutes.
- If courgettes are too soft, slice them thinner and reduce butter slightly.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled keto corn ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Fridge: up to 2 days
- Freezer: up to 0 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Baby courgettes: Low in carbs and high in fibre, baby courgettes are perfect for keto and mimic the texture of corn ribs beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavour that elevates the simple courgette base.
FAQs
Can I use regular courgettes instead of baby courgettes?
Yes, regular courgettes work well—just slice them into thinner strips for the best rib-like texture.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil to make the dish dairy-free.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can slice and season the courgettes ahead, but air fry them just before serving for maximum crispness.
What dips go well with keto corn ribs?
Garlic mayo, ranch, or a spicy yoghurt dip all pair beautifully with these ribs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Keto Air Fryer Corn Ribs with Smoky Paprika Butter
Ingredients
- 300g Baby courgettes (Choose small, firm courgettes for best texture)
- 40g Butter (Melted)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Trim the ends from the courgettes. Slice each courgette lengthways into quarters to create rib-like strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the courgette strips generously with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for crisping.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until the 'ribs' are golden, slightly curled, and crisp at the edges.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favourite keto dip.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy
- Butter → Vegan butter or olive oil — For a dairy-free version
- Baby courgettes → Yellow courgettes or marrow — If baby courgettes are unavailable
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbs: 3.5 g
- Energy: 140 kcal
