Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Quick & Zesty Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Crispy, golden corn fritters bring the vibrant street food magic of Mexico right to your kitchen.

These delectable Mexican street corn fritters pack an irresistible punch of flavor and texture that dance on your palate.

Each bite bursts with sweet corn kernels, zesty spices, and a perfect crunch that beckons you closer.

The recipe combines traditional Mexican street corn elements with a playful fritter twist that surprises and delights.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive, these fritters transform simple ingredients into a culinary celebration.

Drizzled with tangy lime crema and sprinkled with cotija cheese, they promise to be the star of any meal or gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering street food reimagined.

Mexican Street Corn Fritters Are a Real Treat

  • Elevate Summer Desserts: Transform ordinary peaches into a luxurious, caramelized treat that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home cooking.
  • Master Quick Cooking Skills: Learn a simple pan-frying technique that creates stunning golden-brown peaches with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
  • Create Versatile Dish: Enjoy these caramelized peaches as a standalone dessert, breakfast topping, or stunning accompaniment to multiple dishes like ice cream, yogurt, and pancakes.
  • Boost Nutrition Deliciously: Incorporate fresh fruit into a delectable recipe that preserves peaches' natural nutrients while adding a delightful hint of warmth from cinnamon and ginger.

Ingredients Used for Corn Fritter Batter

Core Ingredients:
  • Corn Kernels: The star of the fritters, providing a sweet and fresh base for the dish.
  • Flour: Helps bind the fritters and create a light, crispy texture.
  • Cornmeal: Adds a rustic, grainy texture and enhances the corn flavor.
  • Egg: Serves as a binding agent to hold the fritters together.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Create a bold and complex Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the fritters.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cotija Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy flavor and authentic Mexican touch to the fritters.
  • Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the fritters to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
  • Lime Wedges: Provides a bright, citrusy freshness when served.

Steps to Fry Mexican Street Corn Fritters

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine corn kernels with a blend of dry ingredients. The mix will include flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and a zesty collection of spices:
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Thoroughly stir the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Batter

Introduce the following ingredients to transform the dry mix into a delectable fritter base:
  • Grated Cotija cheese
  • Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Egg
  • Milk

Blend everything together until a thick, textured batter emerges with a vibrant golden hue.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a deep skillet or wide frying pan.

Pour vegetable oil to create a one-inch depth. Set the heat to medium, allowing the oil to warm up gradually until it reaches a sizzling temperature around 350°F.

Step 4: Shape and Fry Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Use the back of your spoon to gently flatten each fritter.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 5: Drain and Prepare

Transfer the freshly fried fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate.

This helps absorb excess oil and keeps the fritters perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Present the warm fritters with fresh lime wedges.

Sprinkle additional Cotija cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Mexican street corn fritters immediately while they’re hot and crispy!

Notes for Crispy Corn Fritter Perfection

  • Select sweet, crisp corn kernels for the most vibrant flavor and texture in your fritters.
  • Maintain consistent oil heat around 350F to ensure even golden-brown frying without burning.
  • Let fritters rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep them crispy instead of greasy.
  • Adjust chili powder or add jalapeños for a personalized heat profile that suits your taste buds.
  • Enjoy fritters fresh and hot to maximize crunchiness and preserve their delightful texture.

Fritter Styles to Try With Mexican Corn

  • Gluten-Free Corn Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture and Mexican street corn flavor.
  • Vegan Mexican Corn Fritters: Swap egg with flax egg or mashed banana, use plant-based milk, and replace Cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Air Fryer Corn Fritters: Skip deep frying and cook fritters in an air fryer at 375F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, to create a healthier version with less oil and similar golden crispiness.

Sauces to Dip Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Pair Crisp Mexican Lager: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the fritters' spicy and rich flavors, cutting through the crispy texture with refreshing lightness.
  • Boost with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to enhance the corn fritters' tangy and spicy profile, creating a perfect Mexican-inspired combination.
  • Match with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Whip up a smooth avocado salsa with cilantro, lime, and a touch of jalapeño to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the hot and crunchy fritters, balancing the dish's intense flavors.

How to Keep Corn Fritters Crispy

  • Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fritters in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Restore crispiness by warming fritters on a baking sheet at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Quickly revive fritters in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, which helps maintain their original crispy exterior.

FAQs

  • What are Mexican Street Corn Fritters?

A delicious appetizer or snack inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), combining corn kernels, cheese, and spices into crispy, golden-brown fritters that capture the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street food.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cotija cheese is traditional and recommended. It’s a dry, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty, tangy flavor and authentic taste to the fritters.

  • Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

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Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Mexican street corn fritters bring zesty street food magic straight to your kitchen. Packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures, these golden delights will transport you to bustling Mexican markets with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

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

Additional Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend corn kernels with a medley of dry ingredients including flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and aromatic spices until evenly distributed.
  2. Incorporate grated Cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, beaten egg, and milk into the mixture, stirring until a cohesive, thick batter emerges.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, creating a 1-inch depth, and heat to a precise 350°F (175°C) over medium flame.
  4. Gently cascade spoonfuls of batter into the sizzling oil, delicately flattening each dollop with the spoon’s backside.
  5. Allow fritters to sizzle for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden, crispy exterior that signals perfect doneness.
  6. Transfer fritters onto a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain their delectable crunch.
  7. Present the warm fritters adorned with zesty lime wedges and an additional sprinkle of Cotija cheese, ready to delight the palate.

Notes

  • Swap fresh corn kernels with frozen or canned corn when fresh isn’t available, ensuring you drain and pat them dry completely.
  • Test oil temperature by dropping a small batter bit – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.
  • Keep fritters uniformly sized for consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornmeal or gluten-free flour blend to maintain crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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