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Mexican Street Corn Fritters

Mexican Street Corn Fritters: A Crispy, Flavorful Twist on Elote


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  • Author: Amanda Hartwellen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1215 small fritters 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Mexican Street Corn Fritters are a crispy, bite-sized twist on traditional elote. They combine sweet corn, salty cotija cheese, tangy lime, and a touch of spice into golden, crunchy fritters. Perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or sides, they bring bold Mexican street food flavors to your table with ease.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or queso fresco, or feta), crumbled

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cornmeal

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup milk

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño (chopped) or 2 scallions (sliced)

  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)


Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, and garlic powder.

  • In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, lime juice, and mayonnaise until smooth.

  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently.

  • Fold in corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and optional jalapeños or scallions.

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C).

  • Scoop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly.

  • Fry each fritter 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

  • Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  • Serve warm with dipping sauces and toppings of choice.

Notes

Batter should be sticky, not too runny. Adjust with flour or milk as needed.

Air-fryer option: cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Great served with cilantro-lime yogurt, spicy mayo, or crema.

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
  • Method: Frying (Pan-fry, Deep-fry, or Air-fry)
  • Cuisine: Mexican