(Elote) Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Elote Fritters combine the smoky flavors of grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a zesty lime crema for a delicious twist on traditional Mexican street corn. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, they bring vibrant flavor and texture to any meal.

If you love the flavors of Mexican street corn, you’ll adore these Elote Fritters! They’re a delightful blend of sweet corn, savory cheese, and a bit of spice, making them the perfect snack or side dish. Here’s everything you need to know to make these crispy, golden brown fritters at home.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh corn kernels, spicy jalapeno, and tangy Tajin seasoning creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy and Versatile: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, making this recipe adaptable for any time of the year.
• Perfect Texture: The mix of flour and cornmeal gives the fritters a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and delicious.

Supplies Needed

• Large bowl for mixing ingredients
• Small bowl for preparing wet ingredients
• Grill pan or large skillet for cooking the fritters
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Ice cream scoop for portioning the batter
• Deep fryer or air fryer (optional) for frying

Ingredients

• 3 cups Corn Kernels- This is roughly 3 ears of corn but you can use frozen corn (thawed) or canned corn as well. 
• 1/3 cup Red Onion, diced small
• 1 Jalapeno, diced small
• 1 cup Cilantro, finely minced
• 1 cup Chihuahua Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Flour
• 2 tbsp Cornmeal
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 2 tsp Tajin Seasoning (sub with paprika, chili powder, and lime zest) 
• 1 cup Half and Half
• 2 Eggs
• Garnish- Cotija cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired. 

How to Make the Fritters

1. Prepare the Corn Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and Chihuahua cheese. Mix well.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and Tajin seasoning.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half and eggs. Pour this mixture into the large bowl with the corn mixture.
2. Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the corn mixture, stirring until the batter forms. The consistency of the batter should be thick but spoonable.

1. Cook the Fritters: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Drop spoonfuls of the batter (I like using a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup) into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain or lay over a wire rack so they don’t get soggy as they rest.

Serving Suggestions

These Elote Fritters are versatile and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas:

• Mexican Crema: A creamy sauce that complements the flavors of the fritters perfectly.
• Sour Cream and Lime Juice: Mix together for a tangy dipping sauce.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love a little spice.
• Greek Yogurt with Garlic Powder: A healthier option with a ton of flavor.

Serve the fritters with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle with queso fresco and fresh cilantro for extra flavor. You can pair these fritters with some delicious smoked beef birria, smoked pulled pork, smoked pulled chicken, or a big pile of party ribs!

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Corn: Fresh sweet corn is the best option for the most authentic flavor, but frozen or canned corn works in a pinch.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the batter.
• Perfect Texture: Make sure the oil is hot enough (medium-high heat) to get a crispy exterior. If using an air fryer, cook the fritters at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Consistency Matters: The batter should be thick enough to hold together when fried. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour.
• Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

These Elote Fritters are a great appetizer or snack for any time of the day. They’re easy to make, full of savory flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of Mexican street corn in a new and exciting way!

More Recipes To Try

Sweet Potato Fritters

Grilled Elote Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled Elote Pasta Salad