Tandoori Zaatar Corn Ribs with Tamarind Tahini Dip | Air Fryer Recipe

Have you tried the viral corn ribs but found them a little plain? Here is my own South Asian and Middle Eastern fusion twist. These Tandoori Zaatar Corn Ribs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, brushed with a smoky tandoori-zaatar garlic butter and served with a creamy, tangy Tamarind Tahini Dip. They are tangy, zesty and colourful, and they disappear in minutes at every gathering.Serves: 4Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 10–12 minutes in the air fryerTotal time: about 25 minutesWhy You Will Love This Corn Ribs RecipeQuick: about 10 minutes prep and 12 minutes in the air fryer.Fusion flavours: smoky tandoori spices meet zaatar, served with a tangy tamarind tahini dip.Vegetarian and naturally gluten-free (check your spice blend labels), with an easy vegan swap below.Great for parties, iftar and evening snacks, and loved by kids and adults.What Are Corn Ribs?Corn ribs are corn on the cob cut lengthwise into long strips. As they cook, the strips curl up like little ribs and the kernels get crispy and caramelised at the edges, so you get more crunchy surface than with a whole cob.Ingredients (Serves 4)For the Corn Ribs2 large fresh corn on the cob3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil2 garlic cloves, finely crushed1 tsp tandoori masala1 tsp zaatar seasoning1 tbsp lemon juice1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp black pepperFor the Tamarind Tahini Dip2 tbsp tahini1 tbsp tamarind pulp2 tbsp thick yogurt1 tbsp water, plus more to thinA pinch of salt and roasted cumin powderTo GarnishCrumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, fresh coriander (cilantro) and lemon wedgesHow to Make Tandoori Zaatar Corn RibsStep 1: Cut the Corn RibsCut each corn cob in half. Stand each half upright on a board and carefully cut it lengthwise into 3–4 long strips through the hard core. Safety tip: raw cobs are very hard, so use a large, sharp, heavy knife and keep your fingers away from the blade. Microwaving the cobs for 2–3 minutes first softens them and makes cutting much easier.Step 2: Make the Tandoori Zaatar ButterIn a small bowl, mix the melted butter, crushed garlic, tandoori masala, zaatar, lemon juice, salt and pepper.Step 3: Coat and Air FryBrush the butter mix generously over all the corn ribs. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and curled. Air fryers vary, so add a couple of minutes if you want more char.Step 4: Make the Tamarind Tahini DipWhisk the tahini, tamarind pulp, yogurt, water, salt and cumin until smooth and creamy. Tahini thickens at first, so keep adding a little water until it reaches dipping consistency.Step 5: ServeArrange the hot corn ribs on a plate, drizzle with some of the dip, and sprinkle over feta, pomegranate seeds and coriander. Serve with lemon wedges and the rest of the dip on the side.Recipe Notes and VariationsOven method: bake at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, turning once, until the edges char.Vegan swap: use olive oil instead of butter, plant-based yogurt in the dip, and skip the feta.Vegetarian / halal note: some feta is made with animal rennet. Choose a feta labelled vegetarian if that matters to you.Extra spice: add chilli flakes or a pinch of Kashmiri chilli to the butter.Storage: keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Corn ribs are best eaten fresh; reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I use frozen corn for corn ribs?Fresh corn works best. Frozen cobs are softer once thawed, so they cut more easily but will not crisp up as much.What can I use instead of tamarind pulp?Tamarind paste or ready-made tamarind chutney works. If using sweet tamarind chutney, reduce or skip any extra sweetness and add a squeeze of lemon.Can I make corn ribs ahead of time?You can cut the corn and mix the butter a few hours ahead. Cook just before serving so they stay crispy.Nutrition InformationPer serving (serves 4), approximate: Calories 210 | Carbs 16g | Fat 14g | Protein 5g | Fibre 2g.Nutrition values are estimates based on the ingredients used and will vary with brands and portion sizes.If you try these Tandoori Zaatar Corn Ribs, let me know in the comments how they turned out! For another dip that goes great with them, try my Healthy Chickpea Hummus.