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MEXICAN STREET CORN FRITTERS

Sana Umer
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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Street Food
Servings 12 fritters
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Fritters:

  • 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon baking 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.
Keyword cheesy corn fritters, elote fritters, Mexican corn fritters, street corn snack