Tangy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe – Homemade Fiesta

Crispy mexican street corn fritters burst with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a festive carnival.

Street markets inspired this delightful twist on classic elote.

Corn kernels mingle with spicy seasonings, creating a mouthwatering combination that promises pure comfort.

Zesty lime and creamy cotija cheese add unexpected dimensions to each golden bite.

Weeknight dinners welcome this simple yet spectacular side dish that brings serious excitement to your table.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients make these fritters an instant crowd-pleaser.

You’ll fall in love with this easy recipe that captures the soul of mexican street food in every crunchy, irresistible morsel.

Mexican Street Corn Fritters: Crunchy, Cheesy Snack Perfection

• Burst with Flavor: These Mexican Street Corn Fritters pack an explosion of zesty spices and cheesy goodness that dance on your taste buds with every single bite.
• Tackle Quickly: Prepare these delectable fritters in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for spontaneous snacking or sudden hunger pangs without complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guaranteed to impress both kids and adults, these fritters offer a fun twist on traditional corn dishes that everyone will absolutely love and devour.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or adding extra ingredients like jalapeños or green onions to match your personal flavor preferences and culinary creativity.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Fritters

• Corn Kernels: Fresh corn provides a sweet and authentic flavor to the fritters.
• Flour, Cornmeal: These ingredients create a crispy and sturdy texture for the fritters.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices add depth and Mexican-inspired flavor to the corn fritters.

• Cotija Cheese: A traditional Mexican cheese that adds a salty and tangy flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright and zesty note to the fritters.
• Egg, Milk: These ingredients help bind the batter and create a smooth consistency.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the fritters to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

• Lime Wedges, Extra Cotija Cheese: These provide a fresh and additional cheesy finish to the fritters.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Fritters Crispy

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix together corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and well blended.

Step 2: Create Fritter Batter

• Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Egg
• Milk

Stir until the mixture transforms into a thick, cohesive batter with all components perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan, creating a depth of about one inch.

Bring the oil temperature to a sizzling 350F (175C).

Step 4: Craft Crispy Fritters

Gently drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.

Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten each fritter, creating an even cooking surface.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy exterior that promises delicious crunch.

Step 6: Drain and Garnish

Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Plate with fresh lime wedges and sprinkle additional Cotija cheese on top for an extra flavor burst.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Enjoy these irresistible corn fritters immediately while they’re hot, crispy, and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors!

Tips for Mexican Street Corn Fritters Success

• Pat corn kernels dry before mixing to prevent soggy batter and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain precise oil heat, guaranteeing perfectly golden-brown fritters without burning.
• Grate Cotija cheese finely and fold gently into batter to create even cheese pockets throughout each fritter.
• Use a slotted spoon for removing fritters, allowing excess oil to drain quickly and maintaining crisp texture.
• Serve fritters immediately after cooking to preserve their crunchy exterior and warm, melty cheese interior.

Variations on Mexican Street Corn Fritters to Try

• Spicy Jalapeño Corn Fritters: Add diced fresh jalapeños to the batter for an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor.
• Southwest Black Bean Fritters: Mix in black beans and swap Cotija for pepper jack cheese to create a heartier version with southwestern flair.
• Bacon Cheddar Corn Fritters: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese for a smoky, rich alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Fritters: Replace cilantro with fresh basil and oregano, and fold in crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairings for Mexican Street Corn Fritters

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that complements the fritters' spicy corn flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Guacamole: Mash ripe avocados with diced onions, cilantro, and lime for a creamy dip that balances the crispy texture.
• Match with Mexican Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and jalapeños with a light citrus dressing to add crunch and freshness.
• Create a Cooling Crema Drizzle: Whip sour cream with lime zest and chopped cilantro to provide a smooth, tangy contrast to the spicy fritters.

How to Store Mexican Street Corn Fritters Fresh

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual fritters in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Preheat oven to 375F, spread fritters on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating.

Set air fryer to 350F, place fritters in a single layer, and heat for 3-4 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.

FAQs

• What gives these fritters their unique flavor?

The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and Cotija cheese creates a bold, authentic Mexican street corn taste that’s both spicy and tangy.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before frying to ensure even consistency.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350F (175C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.

Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy mexican street corn fritters bring bold street food flavors straight to your kitchen. Spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, these fritters will transport you to bustling Mexican markets with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Herbs and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Additional Cotija cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend corn kernels with a mix of flour, cornmeal, and aromatic spices like chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Incorporate grated Cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, egg, and milk into the mixture, stirring until the batter reaches a cohesive, slightly thick consistency.
3. Prepare a skillet by pouring vegetable oil to a depth of approximately 1 inch, heating over medium flame until temperature reaches 350F (175C).
4. Gently lower spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, using the spoon’s back to create slight flattened shapes for even cooking.
5. Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side, monitoring until they transform into a rich golden-brown color with crispy exterior edges.
6. Transfer fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
7. Plate the fritters immediately, garnishing with additional Cotija cheese and serving alongside zesty lime wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use fresh corn kernels during summer for maximum sweetness and natural flavor intensity.
• Control oil temperature precisely with a digital thermometer to ensure consistent, crispy golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Add extra smoky depth by mixing in finely diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat lovers seeking bolder taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg