Description
These Mexican Street Corn Fritters are crispy, savory bites bursting with sweet corn, zesty spices, and creamy Cotija cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re pan-fried to a golden brown and served with fresh lime wedges for a vibrant, flavorful treat inspired by classic Mexican street corn.
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 (about 1 inch deep in skillet)
- 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 leavening agent.
- Form the batter: Add the grated Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, egg, and milk to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until a thick batter forms that holds together when scooped.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy or test by dropping a small amount of batter—it should sizzle gently.
- Fry the fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, carefully flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon to form small patties. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm, garnished with additional Cotija cheese and fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn for the best texture; if using canned corn, drain it thoroughly to avoid watery batter.
- If you don’t have Cotija cheese, feta can be a suitable substitute.
- Adjust the chili powder to make the fritters more or less spicy according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for up to 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
