These Mexican street corn fritters are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavour. Perfect as a snack or appetiser, they bring the essence of elote in every bite—golden, savoury, and totally irresistible.
2cupscorn kernelsfresh, frozen, or canned and drained
½cupcrumbled cotija cheese
¼cupchopped fresh cilantro
¼cupchopped green onions
1teaspoonchilli powder
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
2large eggs
½cupall-purpose flour
¼cupcornmeal
½teaspoonbaking powder
Oil for frying
For Topping (Optional):
Extra cotija cheese
Lime wedges
Hot sauce or chipotle mayo
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine corn, cotija, cilantro, green onions, and seasonings. Stir in eggs, then add flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Fry the Fritters:
Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Do this in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Drain and Cool:
Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Top with extra cotija, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead: Mix the batter up to 4 hours in advance and store in the fridge.
Customizing the Flavor: Add chopped jalapeños for heat or use smoked paprika instead of chilli powder.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as a party appetiser, with grilled meats, or alongside a fresh salad.
Allergy-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for crispiness.