These Cheesecake Factory-style corn ribs are everything you love in a bite: crispy, smoky, buttery, and just a little spicy. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Serve them up at your next cookout, weeknight dinner, or game-day spread—just don’t expect leftovers.

Crispy Cheesecake Factory-style corn ribs served with lime wedges and fresh herbs.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Love the Cheesecake Factory’s corn ribs? Now you can make them at home with this easy copycat recipe!

These corn ribs are smoky, crispy, buttery, and bursting with flavor—just like the ones you’d get at the restaurant. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side, or snack, they’re always a hit at the table.

Golden-brown corn ribs curled and crisped, served with dipping sauce and herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect as a side, snack, or party appetizer.
  • Tastes just like the Cheesecake Factory version.
  • Crispy and flavorful with a smoky, savory bite.
  • Simple ingredients and easy to prep.
  • Air fryer or oven-friendly.

Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Olive oil – Rich, flavorful oil to coat and crisp corn.
  • Lemon juice – Bright, zesty flavor to enhance savory notes.
  • Garlic powder – Adds bold, savory depth to corn ribs.
  • Black pepper – Mild heat and sharpness to balance flavors.
  • Paprika – Smoky, earthy spice for color and warmth.
  • Kosher salt – Enhances overall flavor with clean saltiness.
  • Corn, husk removed – Fresh sweet corn, perfect for slicing ribs.
  • Mayonnaise – Creamy base for spicy corn rib topping.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo – Smoky, spicy flavor with deep heat.
  • Lime juice – Tangy citrus to brighten smoky chipotle mix.
  • Cotija cheese – Crumbly, salty cheese for authentic topping.
  • Cilantro, diced – Fresh herbaceous flavor and vibrant green finish.

How To Make Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe

Mixing olive oil, lemon juice, and spices in a small bowl to create a flavorful corn rib marinade.

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting. Preheat for 3-5 minutes, or use the preheat setting.

Step Two: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt and whisk until blended; set aside.

Cutting corn into quarters and brushing with seasoned oil for flavorful corn ribs.

Step Three: Take each ear of corn, stand up vertically, and carefully cut it in half straight down with a large, sharp knife. Do this again until each ear of corn is in quarters, lengthwise. Use a pastry brush to coat corn liberally with oil on all sides.

 Corn rib pieces arranged in air fryer basket ready to cook.

Step Four: Place pieces of corn in an air fryer basket and set cook time for 5-7 minutes.

Cooked corn ribs topped with chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Step Five: Meanwhile, combine mayo, chipotle peppers, and lime juice; set aside.
Once the corn has finished cooking, drizzle with a mayonnaise mixture.
Top with cotija and cilantro.

Crispy air-fried corn ribs topped with chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe Tips

  • Try to cut the corn on the cob into equal size pieces. This way, all of the corn ribs cook up simultaneously.
  • Allow space around the corn ribs so they air fry up correctly. If they are touching each other, they will not crisp up.
  • Suppose you want even crispier corn ribs, just air fry for a few more minutes. I usually add butter, which really allows them to crisp up.
  • Since each air fryer is slightly different, watch your corn ribs the first time you make them turn out perfectly.
Golden air fryer corn ribs topped with chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe Recipe Faqs

Can I make corn ribs without an air fryer? Yes! Simply bake the corn ribs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until crisp and golden, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best way to cut corn into rib shapes? Use a large, sharp knife and stand the corn vertically on a cutting board. Cut carefully down the center, then repeat to quarter each cob lengthwise. Be sure to use steady pressure for safety.

Can I make these ahead of time? The corn ribs are best fresh, but you can prep the chipotle mayo and cut the corn in advance. Air fry or bake just before serving for the crispiest texture.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese? Feta cheese or grated Parmesan works as a good substitute if you don’t have cotija on hand.

Is this recipe spicy? The chipotle mayo has a mild kick. You can adjust the spice level by using less chipotle or adding a touch of honey for balance.

More Easy Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven!)

Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven!)

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Make Cheesecake Factory Corn Ribs at home with this easy air fryer or oven recipe! Loaded with smoky chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, fresh lemon juice is best
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 Ears Corn, husk removed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers, in ancho sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, diced

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt and whisk until blended; set aside.
  • Take each ear of corn, stand up vertically, and carefully cut in half straight down with a large, sharp knife. Do this again until each ear of corn is in quarters, lengthwise. Use a pastry brush to coat corn liberally with oil mixture on all sides.
  • Place pieces of corn in an air fryer basket and set cook ime for 5-7 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine mayo, chipotle peppers, and lime juice; set aside. Once the corn has finished cooking, drizzle with a mayonnaise mixture. Top with cotija and cilantro.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 95IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 0.2mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!