Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe – Golden & Zesty

Crispy, golden fritters bring the vibrant street corn flavors right to your kitchen.

These delectable mexican street corn fritters pack a punch of authentic Mexican street food excitement.

Every bite bursts with sweet corn kernels, tangy spices, and a perfect crunch that dances on your palate.

The combination of fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering appetizer that steals the show at any gathering.

Jalapeños add a subtle heat that complements the corn’s natural sweetness.

Creamy cheese and zesty lime elevate these fritters from simple snack to culinary sensation.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Mexican Street Corn Fritters

For Liquid Base:
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess, enhancing the fritter's creamy texture and balancing spicy notes.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together, providing structure and helping fritters hold their shape.
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates crispy exterior and enables even cooking of fritters.
For Corn and Dry Ingredients:
  • Corn Kernels: Star ingredient bringing sweet, fresh flavor and authentic Mexican street corn essence.
  • Flour: Provides structural foundation for fritters, ensuring proper binding and crispiness.
  • Cornmeal: Adds delightful texture and golden crunch to exterior.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces savory depth and subtle nutty undertones.
  • Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese offering salty, crumbly character.
For Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Lime Juice: Brightens overall flavor, adding zesty freshness.
  • Lime Zest: Intensifies citrus notes and provides aromatic complexity.
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, rounded savory essence.
  • Chili Powder: Optional ingredient bringing gentle heat and authentic Mexican flair.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild, warming spiciness.
  • Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbaceous note characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

Kitchen Tools For Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients for fritter batter.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing lime crema and whisking egg mixture.
  • Nonstick skillet: Crucial for cooking fritters evenly and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: Great for blending egg and sour cream smoothly.
  • Spatula: Helpful for stirring batter and flipping fritters.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Ideal for draining excess oil from cooked fritters.
  • Zester or grater: Used for creating lime zest.
  • Spoon: Useful for dropping batter into skillet and forming patties.

How To Cook Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Zesty Lime Cream

A tangy sauce that brings bright, citrusy notes to complement the rich fritters. Blend creamy dairy with fresh lime, creating a cool and refreshing topping that will elevate the entire dish.

  • Corn and Cheese Mixture

Combine sweet corn kernels with salty, crumbly cheeses for a flavor explosion. The blend of textures and tastes creates a mouthwatering base that captures the essence of Mexican street food.

  • Fritter Creation

Heat a skillet until it’s perfectly warm, then gently drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture. Watch as they transform into golden, crispy medallions with a crackling exterior and tender interior. Flip carefully to ensure even browning and perfect crunch.

  • Finishing Touch

Plate the fritters while they’re steaming hot, crowned with a dollop of lime cream. Sprinkle extra cheese and herbs for a visual and flavor finale that will make taste buds dance with excitement. Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that transport you to vibrant Mexican street markets.

Tips And Twists For Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Fritter Finesse: Pro Tips for Corn Fritter Perfection
  • Oil Temperature Magic: Keep your oil at a steady 350°F for crispy, golden-brown edges without burning. Use a kitchen thermometer to nail the perfect frying temperature every single time.
  • Corn Kernel Control: Pat fresh or frozen corn kernels completely dry before mixing into the batter to prevent soggy fritters. Extra moisture can make your fritters less crisp and more mushy.
  • Batter Resting Trick: Let the fritter batter sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid, resulting in a more cohesive and tender texture.
  • No-Fry Alternative: For a healthier version, bake fritters on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free cornmeal or almond flour to make these fritters celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.

Ways To Serve Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Street Fair Fiesta: Serve these fritters on a colorful platter mimicking vibrant Mexican market displays, creating an authentic street food experience.
  • Appetizer Adventure: Arrange fritters on small wooden boards with lime crema in rustic dipping bowls, perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Top fritters with a soft poached egg and extra cotija cheese, transforming them into a stunning brunch centerpiece that adds unexpected excitement to morning meals.
  • Cocktail Companion: Pair these crispy bites with margaritas or Mexican beer, offering a delightful flavor combination that elevates snack time into a mini celebration.

Storing Mexican Street Corn Fritters

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Whip up the fritter batter ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique lets flavors meld and saves precious kitchen time.
  • Freezing Fresh Goodness: Cool completely after cooking, then stack fritters between parchment paper layers in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Reheat directly in a 375°F oven until crispy and warm, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Refrigeration Tips: Store cooked fritters in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Separate layers with paper towels to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy; use a skillet or toaster oven for best texture restoration.
  • Crema Care Corner: Keep lime crema in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency. Pro tip: If separation occurs, simply whisk briefly to reincorporate ingredients.
Print
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Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crispy mexican street corn fritters blend traditional elote flavors into irresistible bite-sized delights. Creamy, spicy, and perfectly golden, these fritters offer a delectable taste of Mexican street food culture you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cornmeal
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta)
  • 2 tbsps sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsps fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt (for lime crema)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp lime zest
  • Pinch of salt (for lime crema)

Instructions

  1. Lime Crema Preparation: Blend sour cream with lime zest, juice, and salt. Refrigerate to intensify flavors and chill thoroughly.
  2. Fritter Base Construction: Mix corn kernels with flour, cornmeal, Parmesan, cotija, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, creating a robust seasoning foundation.
  3. Batter Fusion: Whisk egg and sour cream, then gently incorporate into dry ingredients until just combined, forming a thick, textured mixture with potential for crispy edges.
  4. Oil Heating and Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Carefully drop batter by spoonfuls, gently flattening each into uniform discs that will transform into golden, crisp delicacies.
  5. Cooking and Draining: Fry fritters until edges turn a rich, burnished brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
  6. Plating and Garnishing: Arrange warm fritters alongside chilled lime crema. Embellish with additional cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and optional chili powder sprinkle for an explosive flavor profile.

Notes

  • Optimize Corn Freshness: Use fresh, sweet corn kernels directly cut from the cob for maximum flavor and texture, avoiding canned or frozen corn whenever possible.
  • Control Batter Consistency: Adjust batter thickness by adding more flour or sour cream – aim for a medium-thick consistency that holds shape but spreads slightly when dropped into oil.
  • Master Frying Temperature: Maintain oil at a steady 350-375°F for even cooking, using a thermometer to prevent undercooked centers or burnt exteriors, which can ruin fritter texture.
  • Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Easily convert recipe to gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour, and create vegetarian-friendly version by ensuring all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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