Mexican Street Corn Fritters

Get ready to meet your new favorite snack: Mexican Street Corn Fritters! Imagine the crispy crunch of a golden-brown fritter on the outside, filled with a burst of sweet corn, tangy lime, and a hint of smokiness. It’s like taking the flavors of a classic Mexican street corn (elote) and turning it into the perfect bite-sized snack. Trust me, once you make these, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

These fritters are the ultimate party snack, perfect for dipping in a creamy sauce or just enjoying on their own. The best part? They’re super easy to make and come together in no time! So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this recipe—you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Fritters

Flavor Explosion

These fritters are packed with flavor from the sweet corn, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and the zesty kick of chili powder. Every bite delivers a little taste of Mexico!

Quick and Easy

Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s quick, simple, and totally satisfying? With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have these fritters ready in no time.

Versatile

These fritters are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a gathering, enjoying them as a snack, or pairing them with your favorite Mexican dish. They’re just as delicious on their own as they are as a side.

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

With their crispy golden crust and soft, flavorful center, these fritters are the perfect texture combo. Plus, the corn adds a natural sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the savory ingredients.

Customizable

Feel free to make them your own! Add a little extra heat with some jalapeño or tweak the spices to match your flavor preferences. You can even make them gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free flour!

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• Fresh or Frozen Corn: The star of the show! Sweet corn adds that satisfying crunch and a burst of natural sweetness to the fritters.
• Flour: Provides structure to the fritters, helping them hold together while frying.
• Baking Powder: This helps the fritters become light and fluffy on the inside.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
• Milk: Gives the batter the right consistency—smooth and just thick enough to coat the corn.
• Chili Powder: Adds a hint of smokiness and spice that’s characteristic of Mexican street corn.
• Cumin: Complements the chili powder with an earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
• Lime Zest and Juice: The citrusy brightness of lime gives these fritters a refreshing kick.
• Salt & Pepper: To bring out all the flavors in the batter.

For the Topping:

• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is a classic topping for Mexican street corn and adds the perfect finishing touch to these fritters.
• Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder on top enhances the smoky flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the fritters for that zesty citrus flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: A garnish of cilantro makes these fritters look as good as they taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Fritter Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk to ensure everything is well-mixed. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms. Then, gently fold in the corn, cilantro, and lime zest. The batter should be thick but easily spoonable.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact with the oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so you can fry the fritters in batches.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once they’re done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Fritters

Once all the fritters are fried and drained, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the fritters generously with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these fritters hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. They’re perfect for dipping in a creamy sauce or enjoying on their own. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 200-250
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Fritters

As an Appetizer

These fritters make a great appetizer for your next gathering or party. They’re perfect for dipping in a creamy sauce or salsa and are sure to impress your guests.

With Your Favorite Mexican Dish

Serve them as a side dish with tacos, burritos, or fajitas for a Mexican-inspired meal. They’re also a great accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Snack Time

These fritters are perfect for snacking. Make a batch and enjoy them while watching your favorite show, or pack them for a delicious lunch on the go!

With a Creamy Dip

Serve with a side of sour cream, chipotle mayo, or a tangy cilantro-lime dip for a rich and flavorful experience.

Additional Tips

Make Them Gluten-Free

To make these fritters gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or corn flour.

Spice It Up

If you like things spicy, add some diced jalapeños to the batter or increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick.

Fresh vs. Frozen Corn

Fresh or frozen corn both work great in this recipe. If using fresh corn, simply remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the batter.

Make Ahead

You can make the fritters ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.

Serving Size

This recipe yields about 12-15 fritters, depending on the size you make them. You can easily adjust the recipe to serve more people by doubling the ingredients.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?

A1: While frying gives them a crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version.

Q2: Can I make these fritters without cilantro?

A2: Yes! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute it with parsley or green onions for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I use different cheese besides cotija?

A3: Cotija is traditional, but you can also use queso fresco, feta, or parmesan as a substitute for a similar salty flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze the fritters?

A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Q5: Can I make the batter ahead of time?

A5: Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.

Q6: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

A6: Drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. If it sinks, it needs more heat.

Q7: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen corn?

A7: Yes, you can use canned corn, but be sure to drain it well before using it in the batter.

Q8: Can I make a smaller batch of fritters?

A8: Absolutely! Simply halve the recipe to make fewer fritters if you’re serving a smaller group.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?

A9: Yes! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Q10: Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?

A10: Yes, you can use a deep fryer to cook the fritters. Just make sure to heat the oil to 375°F and fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

These Mexican Street Corn Fritters are crispy, flavorful, and downright delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. With their irresistible crunch, savory corn filling, and zesty toppings, these fritters will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get frying—you won’t regret it!

Print