Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters Recipe for All

Corn fritters burst with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a festive street celebration.

These golden crispy Mexican street corn fritters capture the essence of authentic street food magic.

Kernels of sweet corn blend seamlessly with zesty spices and herbs, creating a mouthwatering texture that screams comfort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and softness that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico.

Jalapeños and cilantro add a playful kick to these irresistible fritters.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to fall in love with these addictive fritters that promise to be the star of any meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 362 kcal

Servings: 4

Grab These to Make Street Corn Fritters

For Lime Crema:
  • Sour Cream: Provides creamy base with tangy richness, choose full-fat version for smoother texture.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty flavor that cuts through richness, select fresh limes for best taste.
  • Lime Zest: Intensifies citrus notes, use microplane for fine, fragrant zesting.
For Fritter Base:
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet, juicy star of the dish, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen corn.
  • Flour: Helps bind ingredients and create structure, use all-purpose for consistent texture.
  • Cornmeal: Adds delightful crunch and corn-forward flavor, select finely ground variety.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty depth, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor.
  • Cotija Cheese: Provides authentic Mexican cheese profile, crumble just before adding.
  • Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbal notes, select bright green leaves without wilting.
For Seasoning and Binding:
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers deep, smoky undertone, use high-quality Spanish variety.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers consistent savory flavor, ensure freshness by checking expiration.
  • Chili Powder: Brings subtle heat and complexity, adjust according to spice preference.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select room temperature for better mixing.
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables crispy frying, choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

Tools That Help You Keep Fritters Round

  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing corn and dry ingredients thoroughly.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients and preparing lime crema.
  • Nonstick skillet: Key for cooking fritters evenly without sticking.
  • Whisk: Helps blend egg and sour cream smoothly.
  • Spoon: Great for dropping batter and flattening fritters in the pan.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from cooked fritters.
  • Zester or grater: Useful for creating lime zest.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Make Corn Fritters with a Kick

  • Whip Up Zesty Lime Cream

Create a tangy sauce by mixing creamy dairy with bright lime flavors and a whisper of salt. Chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle.

  • Craft Vibrant Corn Mixture

Blend fresh corn kernels with a medley of flour, cheeses, and bold spices. Fold in a velvety egg mixture until just combined, creating a rich, textured batter.

  • Sizzle Golden Fritters

Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Dollop spoonfuls of corn batter, gently flattening each into a golden disk. Fry until edges turn crispy and center becomes perfectly golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Plate and Garnish

Transfer crispy fritters to a serving plate. Drizzle with the zesty lime cream. Sprinkle with extra cheese and herbs for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while fritters are hot and crunchy.

Ways to Turn Up the Heat or Cool It Down

  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and maintain consistent medium heat to ensure even browning without burning the fritters.
  • For maximum flavor, use fresh corn kernels cut directly from the cob during summer months, which will provide a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
  • Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and cornmeal to make the fritters suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising texture.
  • Add finely chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies to the batter for extra heat and nutritional complexity, creating a more robust flavor profile.
  • Prepare the fritter batter up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes day-of cooking faster and easier.

Serve These Hot With a Creamy Dip

  • Fiesta Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant, authentic Mexican street food experience.
  • Dip Delight: Use the zesty lime crema as a cool, tangy companion that perfectly balances the crispy, spicy fritters.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange fritters on a large platter with small bowls of lime crema, extra cotija, and chili powder for a stunning appetizer spread that invites guests to customize their bites.
  • Sidekick Sensation: Pair these fritters with a fresh Mexican-style salad or grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates bold, bright flavors.

Keep the Extras in Top Shape

  • Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Revive cold fritters in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their original crunch and warm texture without making them greasy.
  • Freeze uncooked fritter batter in sealed freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.
  • Prepare lime crema and fritter batter separately up to 24 hours in advance. Keep batter covered in the refrigerator and crema in a sealed container to streamline meal preparation.
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 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy “Mexican Street Corn Fritters” blend zesty corn goodness with spicy jalapeño and creamy cotija cheese. Quick and irresistible snacks deliver street food excitement straight to your kitchen, making you crave another bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled or feta)
  • 2 tbsps sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 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 sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp lime zest
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Lime Crema Preparation: Blend sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with lime juice, zest, and a hint of salt. Chill in refrigerator to enhance flavor profile.
  2. Fritter Batter Creation: Amalgamate corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, Parmesan, cotija cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro in a large mixing vessel. Whisk egg and sour cream separately, then integrate into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a robust, spoonable consistency.
  3. Frying Technique: Warm vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully deposit spoonfuls of batter, gently flattening into compact patties. Sizzle each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, repeating process with remaining batter.
  4. Presentation: Plate fritters while warm, accompanied by chilled lime crema for dipping. Embellish with additional cotija cheese crumbles, fresh cilantro sprigs, and a delicate dusting of chili powder for an authentic Mexican street food experience.

Notes

  • Maintain medium heat to ensure fritters crisp evenly without burning, preventing soggy or greasy texture.
  • Pat corn completely dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make fritters soggy and prevent proper criping.
  • If batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, incorporate more flour to achieve the right spoonable texture.
  • Swap cotija with feta or queso fresco for similar tangy flavor profiles if traditional Mexican cheese isn’t available.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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