Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet corn, cheese, and Mexican spices, these Mexican Street Corn Fritters are a delicious twist on classic elote. Serve them with salsa, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for the ultimate treat!
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or canned, drained & rinsed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup grated cotija cheese (or feta/Parmesan)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
👩🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix together corn, flour, cornmeal, cotija cheese, green onions, cilantro, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Stir until well combined; the mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
3️⃣ In a large skillet, heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Form & Fry the Fritters
4️⃣ Using a ¼ cup measuring scoop, drop the corn mixture into the hot oil, pressing gently to form patties.
5️⃣ Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Drain & Serve
6️⃣ Remove fritters and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7️⃣ Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 5: Enjoy!
8️⃣ Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, avocado crema, or a squeeze of lime!
⏱️ Cooking Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 fritters
- Calories per fritter: 120
30 Popular Questions & Answers About Mexican Street Corn Fritters
General Recipe Questions
- What are Mexican Street Corn Fritters?
- They’re crispy, cheesy corn patties inspired by Mexican street corn (elote).
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Do I need fresh corn?
- No, canned or frozen (thawed & drained) works great!
- Can I air fry these?
- Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Ingredient Substitutions
- What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
- Try feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco.
- Can I use a gluten-free flour?
- Yes! Use almond flour, chickpea flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Can I use corn flour instead of cornmeal?
- Yes, but the texture will be smoother.
- Can I make these without eggs?
- Yes! Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Can I add other spices?
- Yes! Try chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for heat.
Cooking & Preparation Questions
- How do I prevent my fritters from falling apart?
- Make sure the batter is thick enough—if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
- What’s the best oil for frying?
- Use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for crispiness.
- Do I need to press the fritters down?
- Yes! Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly.
- How do I know when they’re done?
- They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Can I use a food processor?
- Yes! Pulse the ingredients a few times for a smoother texture.
Storage & Leftovers
- How long do these last in the fridge?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze them?
- Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.
- How do I reheat them?
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Air fryer: 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Can I eat them cold?
- They’re best warm, but you can crumble them over a salad cold.
- How do I prevent sogginess?
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of microwaving.
Customization & Variations
- Can I add extra cheese?
- Yes! Mix in more cotija, feta, or shredded cheddar.
- How can I make them spicier?
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Can I add black beans?
- Yes! ½ cup of black beans makes them even heartier.
- What can I serve these with?
- Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chipotle mayo.
- Can I make mini fritters for appetizers?
- Yes! Use 1 tbsp of batter per fritter and cook for 2 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions
- What drink pairs well with these?
- Margaritas, micheladas, or agua fresca.
- What main dish goes well with these?
- Grilled steak, chicken tacos, or shrimp fajitas.
- Can I make these for brunch?
- Yes! Serve with fried eggs and avocado.
- What can I drizzle on top?
- Lime crema, hot sauce, or honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- How do I make these extra crispy?
- Use high heat and a cast-iron skillet for a crunchier texture.
30 Tips for the Perfect Mexican Street Corn Fritters
For the Batter
- Use fresh or frozen corn for the best texture.
- If using canned corn, drain well to avoid a watery batter.
- Add a little extra flour if the mixture is too wet.
- Mix with a fork—overmixing makes them dense.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before frying.
For Frying
- Use a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan for even frying.
- Heat the oil before adding the fritters.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches.
- Flip carefully using a thin spatula.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
For Extra Flavor
- Add fresh lime zest for a citrus kick.
- Sprinkle with Tajin seasoning after frying.
- Mix in garlic powder or onion powder.
- Serve with a drizzle of hot honey.
- Top with extra cotija cheese before serving.
For Meal Prep & Storage
- Shape the fritters and store in the fridge overnight before frying.
- Freeze raw fritters, then thaw before cooking.
- Store leftovers in a glass container for freshness.
- If freezing, separate fritters with parchment paper.
- Reheat in an oven for best crispiness.
For Presentation
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve on a wooden platter for a rustic look.
- Stack fritters and drizzle with chipotle mayo.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika for color.
- Use a dollop of sour cream on top.
These Mexican Street Corn Fritters are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion! 🌽🔥✨