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Fried Elote Fritters

Robyn
Fried Elote Fritters turn Mexican street corn into crispy, cheesy air fried bites perfect for party appetizers or easy finger foods. Corn, cilantro, cotija, and lime are mixed into a thick batter, chilled, then air fried until golden and topped with extra cheese, chili powder, and crema.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 18

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups corn kernels 1 15.25 oz can, fresh, canned and drained, or thawed frozen
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeño minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons mayo or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Oil spray

For serving (optional):

  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Extra chili powder or Tajín
  • Lime wedges
  • A drizzle of crema or Mexican crema

Instructions
 

  • Pat the corn kernels very dry with paper towels. This keeps the batter thick and prevents steaming. Zest and juice your lime.
  • In a large bowl, combine corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and cotija or feta. Toss until evenly mixed.
  • Add flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir so the dry mix lightly coats the corn, onion and cheese.
  • Add eggs, mayo or sour cream, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until you have a thick, scoopable batter that holds together when pressed. If too wet, add a spoonful of flour. If too dry, add a splash more lime juice or a teaspoon of mayo.
  • Line a tray or plate with parchment or lightly grease it. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter and gently press into small mounds or mini patties about 2 inches wide. Keep them similar in size for even cooking.
  • Chill the shaped fritters in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape in the air fryer.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Air fry for 9 to 11 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until browned, crisp, and set in the center.
Keyword corn, elote, fried, fritters