Description
These Mexican Street Corn Fritters are crispy, golden bites bursting with sweet corn, tangy Cotija cheese, and vibrant spices. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, these fritters bring the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn to your table with a crunchy fried exterior and tender, cheesy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Fritter Batter
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 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
- 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Additional Cotija cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Cheese: Add the grated Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, egg, and milk to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until a thick batter forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the fritters to a crispy finish.
- Form and Fry Fritters: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon for even cooking and shape.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fritters and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm, garnished with additional Cotija cheese and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best texture and flavor, but frozen or canned corn also works well when drained properly.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the fritters cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the batter.
- These fritters are best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness but can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to regain crunch.
- Substitute Cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if Cotija is unavailable, though the flavor profile will slightly differ.
